Peter Lorre Vs. Sydney Greenstreet as Santa

This was a publicity still with Peter Lorre and Sydney Greenstreet (as Santa) for Hollywood Canteen (Warners, 1944). Although released at Christmas-time, the film does not have a holiday theme. A G.I. (Robert Hutton), on leave in Los Angeles, visits the famed Hollywood Canteen and meets many performers of stage and screen. In their brief scene – which they wrote themselves – Peter and Sydney help singer Patty Andrews escape from a determined but hopeless dance partner (Irish-American actor James Flavin). From the collection of Cheryl Morris.