GREAT PERFORMANCES: VERNA: USO GIRL (TV)
Summary
One in this series of dramas presented by PBS under the umbrella of "Great Performances." This drama follows the progress of a small USO troupe and its members, particularly the earnest if untalented Verna, as they travel through war-torn Europe during World War II entertaining the armed forces. Eddie, the leader of the company, hires Verna to be the group's third member on a tour leaving the next morning. They are accompanied by Maureen, a hard-boiled torch singer, who develops a maternal feeling for the innocent Verna. Verna is pursued by the ardent Walter, a handsome young captain. Their romance finally blooms as Walter comforts Verna during an air raid. Shortly after this encounter, he proposes to her. In spite of Walter's insistence and Eddie's encouragement of the marriage, the starrry-eyed Verna turns Walter down, claiming her career is far too important. They part tearfully, and Verna moves out with the troupe. Maureen tells Verna frankly that she is untalented and advising her to return to Walter and accept his offer of marriage. While evacuating a camp on Christmas Day, Verna, Eddie, and Maureen are caught in a shelling attack and trapped with soldiers in a bombed-out building. In a supreme act of courage and spirit, they perform to the sound of enemy fire outside the doors. Verna decides to marry Walter. But in the end, things don't work out quite as planned.
Details
- NETWORK: PBS WNET New York, NY
- DATE: January 25, 1978 9:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 1:29:13
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T88:0126
- GENRE: Drama, historical
- SUBJECT HEADING: Drama, historical; World War II; Performing arts
- SERIES RUN: WNET (New York, NY) - TV, 1978
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Jac Venza … Executive Producer
- Ronald F. Maxwell … Producer, Director
- Stephen A. Unger … Associate Producer
- Paul Gallico … Writer
- Albert Innaurato … Adapted by
- Joseph E. Turrin … Music by
- Donald Saddler … Choreographer
- Sissy Spacek … Cast, Verna
- Howard Da Silva … Cast, Eddie
- Sally Kellerman … Cast, Maureen
- William Hurt … Cast, Walter
- Joseph Turrin … Cast, Pete
- Vaughan Hooks … Cast, Sammy
- Robert Roelse … Cast, Sergeant
- Jamie Flanery … Cast, Driver
- Greg Enos … Cast, Lt. Smith
- Thomas Kersey … Cast, Major
- George Wolfert … Cast, Captain
- Louise Haracyka … Cast, WAC Sergeant