When The Hipchicks Went To War

When The Hipchicks Went To War

Going to a war is just about the last thing on sixteen-year-old Kathy s mind. It s the 1960s, there are miniskirts to wear, Beatles and Stones music to listen to and discos to go to. There s the Vietnam War, of course, but that s way in the background. While training as a hairdresser in Brisbane, Kathy gets a part-time job as a go-go dancer in a city disco. Her protective older brother, Mick, keeps a close eye on her. But when Mick turns twenty, he s drafted, and sent off to the army. That brings the war a lot closer Mick could end up in Vietnam. Then Kathy sees an advertisement for an audition for a touring entertainment troupe. Full-time entertainment work! She eagerly goes along to the audition with a fellow dancer, Gaynor. It looks like a great job only catch is, the tour s in Vietnam. Kathy still wants the job. Kathy and Gaynor are approached by another auditionee, Layla. She suggests they d have more chance of getting the job as a trio. They have fifteen minutes to put an act together. And they do it. They will now, Layla tells them, be known as the Hipchicks . Their trademark will be their knee-high white boots. They get the job.Vietnam is a total eye opener. Firstly they re offered a two-week job touring American hospitals. The girls sing for boys who ll have to live without a leg, or an arm, or an eye. And for some boys who won t live at all. Then the real tour begins. The Hipchicks travel around Vietnam in trucks, aircraft and helicopters. They re a raving success. The soldiers start to demand th