Encore

After the war, many who served in times of trail faced an even bigger trial themselves: returning to a peace-time existence. Hollywood was aware of this and did its best to give movie-goers a shot of self-confidence, surrounded by good old-fashioned entertainment.

One of these movies was “Encore,” the story of a G.I. who had not only served on the battlefield but had found his true calling by volunteering in the USO. One of the highlights in the picture’s first half was a cameo appearance by Gene Marshall, as herself, performing in a USO show at the front. She is the one who brings the G.I. on stage to sing an inspiring impromptu duet – and inspires him to become a star.

Now the G.I. is back in the states and a big hit. But not so big that he can’t host a benefit for “all those folks who don’t have it as good as me.” The benefit is a smash – and who should be sitting in the front row, resplendent in silver and purple, but Gene Marshall herself.

The G.I. smiles at her. “Y’know, there’s a really great lady sitting down in front that made all this possible for me. She picked a simple G.I. out of the audience and gave me the guts to go on. Gene Marshall – it’s my turn to ask YOU to come up on stage!” Gene joins him to thunderous applause, and together they “encore” the song that started his career. And one by one, all the audience members join in the stirring anthem to the American spirit – and the guts to go on.

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Gene® is a registered trademark of The Ashton-Drake Galleries® and was created by Mel Odom. I have no affiliation with these or any other doll companies.