Movie Monday: Road to Utopia

Movie Monday: Road to Utopia

Released in the U.S. on February 27, 1946, Road to Utopia, fourth in the seven-movie “Road to…” series, was filmed in late 1943 and early 1944. As one site put it, viewers probably would have enjoyed watching during the tense time between Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge, but Hollywood had other plans.

Starring Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, and Dorothy Lamour, Road to Utopia is told in flashback after Chester (Hope) and Sal (Lamour) during a visit by their friend Duke (Crosby) and reminisce about their days in the Alaskan Klondike when the three searched for gold. Various villains chase them for their map while Chester and Duke compete for Sal’s love.

With the usual silly dialogue and slapstick action, Road to Utopia adds innuendo (especially a moment at the end) that surprisingly got past the Motion Picture Production Code as well as the quirky gimmick of Robert Benchley popping in to break the “fourth wall” and offer comments. The plot is thin and includes talking animals and a cameo appearance by Santa Clause.

The film is directed by Hal Walker who directed four of the Road movies and some of Dean Martin’s

and Jerry Lewis’s pictures. A fun fact is that Walker was born in Ottumwa, Iowa (hometown of M*A*S*H character Radar O’Reilly). One source indicates it was the Hope, Crosby, and Lamour trio that convinced studio executives to hire Walker for the series.

By the time she’d been selected as a lead in the Road movies, Lamour had more than a dozen movies under her belt. Crosby and Hope were also film veterans with Crosby’s Hollywood career starting in 1930 and Hope’s a few years later. The supporting cast is filled with characters actors long forgotten but who were well-known at the time. One, Jerry Colonna, would accompany Bob Hope in countless USO tours in the decades following WWII.

Written by Johnny Burke (lyrics) and Jimmy Van Heusen (music), the film’s soundtrack was popular, and “Personality” charted at number nine, and the Johnny Mercer and The Pied Pipers version hit number one. The critics loved the movie and were effusive with their praise. Tenth in the list of top-grossing movies of 1946, Road to Utopia received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay but lost to the British melodrama The Seventh Veil.

Have you seen this classic?

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Shetland Sunset (Coming 03*06*26):

Bonded by a cause but an ocean apart, will their love survive a world war?

After months in Norway helping his cousins with their fishing business, American Askel Westgard seems trapped when the Germans invade until he has a chance to get back at the Occupiers as part of the Shetlandsgjengen, or Shetland gang, a group of fishermen who transport weapons and equipment from Shetland to Norway under cover of darkness. Unfortunately, the beautiful Norwegian woman he’s just met refuses to join him in safety. Will he ever see her again?

Distraught when the Germans overrun her beloved Norway, Tonje Bondevik refuses to take the occupation sitting down. She joins the fledgling resistance movement, deriving great satisfaction distributing the underground newspaper and performing acts of sabotage…until the day the Nazis come looking for her, and she must flee for her life. Perhaps she should have listened to the handsome Norwegian-American when he offered to take her to Shetland.

Pre-order Link: https://books2read.com/u/4AWqJk

Sources:
https://paramount-pics.fandom.com/wiki/Road_to_Utopia
https://obscurehollywood.net/road-to-utopia-1945.html
https://www.classicmoviehub.com/facts-and-trivia/film/road-to-utopia-1946/
https://laurasmiscmusings.blogspot.com/2025/12/tonights-movie-road-to-utopia-1945-kino.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Road_to_Utopia

Photo credits:
Movie poster: By http://www.impawards.com/1945/road_to_utopia.html. Fair use.
Crosby and Lamour movie still: Courtesy Paramount Pictures
Hope and Crosby movie still: Courtesy Paramount Pictures

Fiction Friday: New Releases in Christian Fiction

 

February 2026 New ReleasesMore in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Children’s Middle Grade /Chapter:

The Cowbird’s Truth by Erin Greneaux -- What happens when the most dangerous enemy turns out to be yourself? Maya and Everly continue their quest to find the missing Virtue Gems, and this time, their greatest challenge may be each other. When the evil Deceptra offers them surprising help, including a powerful stone, the sisters must decide whether they can trust her. (Children’s/Middle Grade, Independently Published)

Apple Butter Adventure by Jennifer E. Tirrell and Lisa M. Pritchard -- Join four preteen cousins as they take their first steps toward becoming the kind of young men and women who can be trusted--brave, responsible, and ready to help--right here in the first book of a brand-new mystery series. (Children’s/Middle Grade, Turtledove Publishing)

The Case of the Midnight Mystery by Becca Wierwille -- In this Christian mystery for kids, a girl and her canine sidekick must figure out why strange things keep happening at wilderness camp—in the middle of the night. (Children’s/Middle Grade, Independently Published)

Contemporary Romance:

Mesmerize by Darlene M. Corbett -- She gave him up but hope to win him back through stories. Set against the backdrop of Las Vegas, Boston, and Dubai, a dazzling romance comes to life. Can a storyteller win back the love of her life through tales sprinkled with faith and love. (Contemporary Romance from WordCrafts Press)

A Texas Easter Blessing by Mindy Obenhaus -- After his marriage fails, single father Ryder Sinclair returns to his hometown with his young son to care for his ailing mother. He’s surprised to run into his teenage crush, Kendall Hunt, whose career as a professional chef has been shaken by scandal. As the two work together to save an Easter event usually hosted by Ryder’s mother, Kendall finds herself longing for this sense of family with Ryder and little Shepard. But when she has a chance to go back to the life she once knew, will she choose the dream she’s spent years chasing…or the new dream that has taken hold of her heart? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Hearts on the Fly by Toni Shiloh -- Jabari Hall has spent his entire life chasing victory on the ice--but one devastating hit leaves him benched, not just from hockey but from the future he thought he had. Now, as he struggles with deteriorating eyesight, his well-meaning teammates set him up on a date, hoping it will cheer him up--only the date they choose is none other than Val Elliott, his ex's sister. Val never expected to be sitting across from Jabari, especially after the way he broke her sister's heart. But when Jabari opens up about his diagnosis, Val's guarded heart softens, and she offers him a listening ear. What begins as a simple friendship quickly turns into something more. (Contemporary Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])

Historical Biblical:

A Deeper Well by Jill Eileen Smith -- In ancient Israel, soon after Nessa is of marriageable age, her father gives her to a wealthy widowed friend, capitalizing on her beauty to bring in the highest bride-price he can find. Nessa is devastated, as she had begged to marry Lavi, who returned her love and saw more in her beyond her appearance. But Nessa's betrothal leads to Lavi's departure, compounding her grief, and she can never forget her forbidden first love. (Historical/Biblical from Revell [Baker Publishing Group])

Historical Romance:

Mail-Order Baroness by Misty M. Beller -- Five sons of an English duke, all raised in the Rocky Mountains…James Balfour, the charming middle son of an English duke, is determined to prove he’s capable of taking leadership of his family’s Montana ranch as the next deadly winter approaches. With the household stretched to its limits, James crafts a clever plan to hire Rose Prescott—his childhood best friend—and to right an old wrong. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Ambush of the Heart by Mary Connealy -- As Owen Riley and his fellow Marshals escort Delaney Bridger, her brother, and an escaped prisoner to Fort Russell, a gang of outlaws ambushes them, bringing death and devastation to their party. With their lives on the line and the outlaws in pursuit, Owen directs the rest of his battered group to seek hiding at a remote ranch. After the attack leaves her brother Boone seriously injured, Delaney helps Owen, nursing Boone and a wounded Marshal back to health while danger looms ever closer. Despite the threat at their heels, romance sparks between Owen and Delaney as they fight for survival on their perilous trek to the fort. Can they overcome the obstacles and find a future together? (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])

Undercover Wish by Danielle Grandinetti -- CHICAGO, Ill., 1892—Stunt reporter Ali Di Stasio will risk anything to expose the truth and protect her fellow orphans, including rummaging through trash bins and putting herself in the crosshairs of the dangerous elite. After living on the streets, she knows every corner of her city, which means she can stay one step ahead of the cops, the powerful men who’d love to silence her before she can reveal their secrets, and the occasional wealthy bachelor wandering through her alleyways, lost and in danger of being mugged. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

To Find Where She Belongs by Robin Lee Hatcher -- Guilt followed her across an ocean. Grace called her home. Desperate to leave Hooke Manor, Keely Boyle does what she feels she must in order to flee England for America, hoping to make a new life with the help of a man who befriended her years before. But when she arrives at Eden’s Gate, a large cattle ranch in the shadows of the Tetons, it is William Overstreet who offers her a fresh start. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Risky Business by Kimberly Keagan -- An American heiress. A British barrister with a need for speed. The London social season that changes everything. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

The Caregiver at Wounded Knee by Debby Lee -- Rose Rushing Water, an Oglala Sioux trained back East in nursing, is torn between two brothers--one who seeks to appease the government and one who fights to cling to the old ways at all costs. Tribal policeman Nathaniel Gray Cloud struggles to keep peace on the reservation and support his sister, who is also desperate to hold on to family traditions. Can Rose and Nathaniel find a peace that comes only from God, or will they lose their families and their lives as tensions reach a boiling point at Wounded Knee Creek, South Dakota? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Texas Reclaimed by Sherry Shindelar -- Cora Scott is determined to hold onto her family's Texas ranch and provide a stable home for her young half-brother, Charlie, despite the mounting challenges of post-Civil War frontier life. But when a scheming creditor threatens to seize their land, she must accept help from Ben McKenzie, a former Yankee soldier sent by her late brother. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

Mists Over the Channel Islands by Sarah Sundin -- In World War II, Dr. Ivy Picot risks her life to treat men who have escaped from the German forced labor camps in her native Jersey. But when Dutch engineer Gerrit van der Zee sneaks maps of fortifications off the island, it could cost them both everything they love. (Historical Romance from Revell [Baker Publishing Group])

Mining for Love by Candice Sue Patterson -- Petite, fierce, and respected by the men who work for her, Daisy Connelly rules her rare watermelon tourmaline mine in Newry, Maine, with an iron will. When profits begin to vanish and the local sheriff refuses to intervene, Daisy realizes someone is stealing from her—and that remaining an unmarried woman may make her an easy target. So she does the unthinkable. Daisy proposes a marriage of convenience to private investigator Samson Gray, hoping a sudden husband will draw the culprit into the open. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Romantic Suspense:

Deadly Rodeo Threat by Sami A. Abrams -- A trail of missing women...leads him right into a killer’s trap. When his twin sister disappears, Navy SEAL Logan Russell’s search for her leads him deep into the woods, where he finds her best friend in the clutches of a masked assailant. Sheriff Isabelle Sinclair is determined to solve Lisa’s mysterious disappearance the night of her last rodeo—and someone will do anything to keep her from digging too deep (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense [Harlequin])

Deadly Currents by Elizabeth Goddard -- Investigative journalist Cressida arrives in Hidden Bay after a worldwide journey to finish her late father's manuscript on shipwrecks. As she tries to discover the story behind the "ghost ship" Specter's Bounty, her only lead is a name her father left behind--Evelyn Monroe. As Cressida uncovers more about the ship, she quickly realizes that her research has placed her in the crosshairs of dangerous forces. (Romantic Suspense from Revell [Baker Publishing Group])

Asher by Melanie D. Snitker -- Nova Sheridan’s world is shattered when a corporate conference becomes a hunting ground. With two of her colleagues murdered and a mysterious package left in her care, she finds herself in the crosshairs of a ruthless killer. Unsure of who to trust, Nova turns to her old college friend, Asher Durham, a seasoned security specialist. As they navigate a web of deception and danger, Nova and Asher must rely on their wits and each other to survive. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

A Royal Request by Paige Edwards -- A forged signature. A splintering romance. And a stalker who won’t quit until death do they part. Anabelle thought the flowers were from her boyfriend... She was wrong. (Romantic Suspense from Balquidder Books)

Speculative Fiction/Fantasy:

The Restitching of Camille DuLaine by Lindsay A. Franklin -- When Emlyn DuLaine accidentally bridges multiple storyworlds, she must untangle their collapsing realities—and rescue her long-lost sister Camille from a storybook trap—before a plan seventeen years in the making shatters the universe for good. (Speculative/Fantasy from Enclave Publishing [Oasis Family Media])

 
Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

On Living Stone by Heather Kaufman -- An unexpected romance and the gift of two sons, James and John, leave Salome hopeful and resolved to prove herself as a mother. Salome’s dreams are challenged, however, when her sons answer the call to follow Jesus of Nazareth. (Biblical/Historical)

Threads of Grace by Tara Baisden -- When a January storm sends her new landlord to her door because of a roof leak, quilt shop owner Melanie Harper has no idea that this quiet, guarded doctor will unravel every careful protection she has spent years stitching around her heart. (Contemporary Romance)

Katie’s Cowboy by Ruth Kyser -- Following in his father’s footsteps, C.J. Morgan is an FBI agent. Growing up, that was all he ever wanted to be. But when his grandfather passes away and C.J. returns to Bluecreek Ranch, he’s filled with doubts about his future. Then C.J. meets Katie Jo MacAllister… (Contemporary Romance)

Rebuilding His Trust by Jenna Mindel -- Meredith and Jace, who've guarded their hearts because of past hurts, find the greatest gift of love. (Contemporary Romance)

The Lies We Trade by Kristine Delano -- A high-powered Wall Street career, a beautiful family in a quiet suburban neighborhood―she seems to have everything. Which means she has everything to lose. (Contemporary Suspense)

Through Smoke and Secrets by Rebecca Hemlock -- A century-old secret. A relentless enemy. One Locket that was never meant to be found. (Crime Suspense)

Severed Ties by Taylor S. Newport -- He’s left the past where it belongs. But then it comes knocking at his door. (Military Suspense)

Where Men Stand by Charlene Amsden -- On his first day out of prison, Martin "Kage" Kincaid has to decide if he is going to live up to the Biblical principles he learned, or choose to walk away and let injustice prevail. (Romantic Suspense)

Love on the Frontier Trail by Shannon McNear, Andrea Byrd, Pegg Thomas, Susan F. Craft, Denise Farnsworth, Megan Soja -- Journey across the rugged wilds of early America in a sweeping collection of historical romances where danger presses close, faith lights the way, and courage opens the door to unexpected love. (Historical Romance)

A Guest Post by Dieta Scheidecker

A Guest Post

By Dieta Scheidecker

In the fall of 2023, something started stirring. I kept reading about the fire of God. Scripture was jumping out at me, creating a dialogue that kept getting longer and longer.

Then one day, Isaiah 35:8 came to life. A Highway of Holiness.

I saw a vision of a road with deep ditches on either side. I saw forks in the road where it split into smaller paths. I saw it winding through prairies, forests, and mountains. Then I saw a girl walking on the road. Sometimes alone, sometimes with others, not all of them friends. Some would come and go, others never to return. And finally, I saw that only the main road went to a magnificent, light-filled castle. All the other little offshoots wandered away to nothing.

This vision haunted me. A deep yearning to do something with it burned inside me. One night, the words of a friend set it afire. “Just write it. It doesn’t matter where you begin. Just start, the rest will come.”

The next day, The Fire and The Serpent series was born.

Isaiah 35:8 was the catalyst for the story, but Holy Spirit is the true author. I had concepts from scripture and knew the main character would be tied to me personally. As for how the storyline worked out, that was a total surprise.

God challenged me on a lot of the ideas. Or I should say, I challenged Him! “Lord, this will offend people.

Is this how You want to be portrayed? Are You sure this is where it’s supposed to go? Does this even make sense?”

Then the hidden layer under the main story began to emerge, and it became two stories in one. The surface story about a girl struggling with identity. The deeper layer about the Trinity and the age-old battle between good and evil.

What started as a narrative turned into a journey. Not just for the characters, but for me. I became the main character. Her insecurities, doubts, and fears were mine as well. And through a crazy trek in a world one layer away from ours, I began to heal and let go.

This story was never about building a fantasy world or writing an interesting tale. It was about wrestling with Truth, discovering identity in Christ, and letting go of offense.

It was an invitation to surrender my doubts and let God speak in ways I could not—through His fire.

The Fire and The Serpent- Book One: Sojourners

2025 Independent Author Network Book of the Year Finalist Awards (Christian/Religious Fiction & Spiritual Fiction)
2025 Readers’ Favorite Finalist Award (Christian Fiction)

 
“Ahhh, my dear girl,” the creature croons. “I have been waiting for one such as you. How fascinating that my adversary has chosen someone so… insignificant. Who would have thought…”

An invitation to travel a path many have chosen to abandon…
A calling hidden in the weakest vessel….
An enchanting enemy with a wicked agenda…
A king who isn’t all he appears to be…

The path before Kenna is one few choose to follow. Darkness is seeping into the hearts and minds of the people, whispering lies and twisting the truth. Nothing is as it seems. To follow the Path of the King is to risk everything she thought she knew—about the world and about herself. This journey is more than a test of strength; it’s a test of identity. Kenna thought she knew who she was, but it was all a lie.

Purchase Links:
https://amzn.to/3YULVba(print & ebook)
https://bookshop.org/shop/Dieta (print only) 

https://books2read.com/u/4Xpgoe (ebook only)

About Dieta: 

Dieta Scheidecker is a Wisconsin-based author, worship leader, and songwriter. Inspired by stories that stir the soul and challenge the mind, she brings a reflective voice to fantasy adventure and speculative fiction. Her award-winning debut novel, SOJOURNERS, launched her THE FIRE AND THE SERPENT series, which explores spiritual truth through allegory, suspense, and action. Her short story IN THE BETWEEN offers a powerful glimpse into the emotional and redemptive themes that shape her work.

Dieta is also the founder of Spoken Flame Company, a Christian-based coaching,and editing service dedicated to helping authors bring their stories to light.
When she’s not writing, reading, or creating music, you’ll find her exploring the outdoors—hiking rugged trails, camping off-grid, or chasing mountain views out West, always searching for the next spark of inspiration.

Social Media Links:
Website: https://www.spokenflamecompany.com/authorpage
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DietaScheideckerAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dietascheideckerauthor/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DietaScheideckerAuthor/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/55249664.Dieta_Scheidecker
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/dietascheidecker

Photo credits:

Author photo and book image: Courtesy Dieta Scheidecker

Notebook and Fountain Pen: Pixabay/Pexels