In the early 1990s, retired performer Dixie Leonard attends a Hollywood ceremony, televised live, honouring her and her longtime show-biz partner Eddie Sparks. From a rocky start entertaining the troops in Word War II - having upstaged Eddie's jokes - she continues in the entertainment field through the Korean and Vietnam wars - because she can make her 'boys' laugh before they face the bullets, the fear and the unknown. Trivia: Actress Martha Raye believed the film had been based on her life - although it was not, there is a physical resemblance between Martha and Bette.