This is the makeshift stage built at Dobodura for Gary Cooper and his USO tour of forward New Guinea bases in 1943. Una Merkle was also part of of this USO tour.

Air-raids were still a strong possibility during this time, and the American sense of humour came to the fore. Special air-raid trenches were built for the 'stars', and their trenches were marked with large cardboard stars to indicate such. Built within running distance of this stage, fortunately they were never used.

Notice the white screen built above and behind the stage, for black & white movies of the time. Hollywood's version of how to win the aerial war was a favourite and often shown. Japanese Zeros were portrayed by Havard trainers adorned with large red roundels. Unlikely pilots with pseudo-Asian features and large goggles or oversized glasses would hiss threats through their teeth until American bullets slumped them over the control stick.

More often than not it would rain during movie screenings. However, the show always went on.

HOME      SERVICES      PRODUCTS      HISTORICAL     PHOTOS     CONTACT US   LINKS