White Christmas

Paramount, 1954
Starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Vera-Ellen, and Rosemary Clooney
Directed by Michael Curtiz
Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin

This one comes partially by request by frequent reader "Spike"...and partially because it's one of, if not the most beloved of all Christmas musicals. It runs constantly on cable during the holidays, especially on American Movie Classics, and has become a huge favorite of many musical lovers. It was even made into a stage musical in 2004. Does the film hold up as well as it did when it was the biggest hit movie of 1954? Let's head to a World War II Army camp to find out...

The Story: Bob Wallace (Crosby) and Phil Davis (Kaye) meet during World War II when Phil saves Bob's life from a falling building during a show they put on for the outgoing General Waverly (Dean Jagger). Davis convinces Wallace to become his partner. They go on to have a huge act in the post-war era, eventually becoming Broadway producers.

By the mid-50's, Phil is tired of Bob's workaholic tendencies and is trying to pressure him into getting married. He's not buying it, until they meet the beautiful Haynes sisters at a Florida club. Elder sister Betty (Clooney) is sensible and steady; her younger sister Judy (Vera-Ellen) is more spontaneous. Phil sees that his friend is eyeing Betty and tries pushing them together. He even pays for the girls' tickets out of town when the sheriff comes after them. Bob's not happy about that at first, until the girls thank them for it. Phil even manages to talk him into following the ladies to Vermont.

Betty and Judy have a gig at a small New England inn, but they may not be able to keep it at first. The inn isn't doing well. Vermont hasn't had snow in weeks. Not only that, but the inn is run by none other than the former General Waverly, who sunk everything he had into buying and remodeling it. Bob and Phil first help by bringing their Broadway show to the in to draw customers. After Bob sees how upset Waverly is when he's turned down for a military commission, he comes up with a plan to make him feel like he's wanted. Bob's not as lucky with Betty, who leaves when she thinks he's using the General to get ratings. He's hoping he can get her back...right in time for the title song to come true...

The Song and Dance: The music, colorful widescreen cinematography, and some fine performances carry the day here. The four leads absolutely glow in their numbers, especially in the more upbeat first half. Kaye in particular is having a ball as the goofier half of the partnership, and pairs well with spunky Vera-Ellen. The Technicolor and VistaVision widescreen cinematography is spectacular. As beautiful as the real Vermont is, it never shown quite like this, in rainbow colors that make it look more like Oz than Montpelier.

Favorite Number: The two versions of "Sisters," both with the girls and the spoof routine with the guys, are hilarious must-sees. Kaye is having the time of his life in the guys' version, and his enthusiasm eventually spreads to Crosby as well. Minstrel shows aren't highly regarded today, but the Minstrel Medley that features the old Berlin revue hit "Mandy" and a few corny jokes (not to mention some odd color choices) is so lively and enjoyable that you can mostly overlook the dated origins. Kaye gets to show off his own fine dancing abilities in his duet with Vera-Ellen, "The Best Things Happen While You're Dancing."

The movie's best number occurs right in the first five minutes. Bing performs "White Christmas" while accompanied by nothing but a tinkling music box and bombs falling in the distance. It's a truly touching moment, and probably my favorite part of the movie.

Trivia: The movie was originally intended to be a reunion between Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire after the success of Holiday Inn and Blue Skies in the 40's, but Astaire declined the role. His replacement Donald O'Connor got sick and had to drop out as well. Danny Kaye eventually filled in.

The photo that Bob shows Phil of "Freckle Faced Haynes, the Dog-Faced Boy" is actually of Carl Switzer, the original Alfalfa on the Our Gang/Little Rascals shorts.

Two of the songs that debut here were actually written for other projects. "What Can You Do With a General?" was intended for the unproduced Stars On My Shoulders, while "Snow" was originally titled "Free" and had been cut from the Ethel Merman stage show Call Me Madam.

"Count Your Blessings" was nominated for an Oscar in 1955, but lost to the title song from Three Coins In the Fountain. It would be Irving Berlin's last song nomination.

What I Don't Like: It's the second half where things falter. The whole fuss between Betty and Bob could have been settled by just talking like sensible people without her taking off. She  should have asked Bob for the whole facts, rather than jumping to conclusions and assuming he was going to use the General for ratings. (Especially given that she was well aware that Emma wasn't the most reliable source of information.) The musical number "Choreography," with its weird, stylized dance moves intended to parody the dancers-turned-directors of the 40's and 50's, is a dated oddity that's doesn't really fit in with the film's more nostalgic or comic tunes.

The Big Finale: I personally prefer the earlier, less elaborate Crosby movie Holiday Inn, but this one certainly has many charms of its own. A terrific cast sings some mostly great Irving Berlin music backed by some of the most colorful cinematography of the 1950's. No wonder this has become a favorite of many during the holidays. Even with the duller second half, it's still highly recommended.

Home Media: I have the original 2009 DVD release, but it's been upgraded at least twice since then. The current version can be found on its own as a DVD or Blu-Ray or paired with It's a Wonderful Life (another popular holiday classic that Paramount currently owns) on DVD, as well as on most streaming platforms.

DVD
Blu-Ray
DVD - Classic Christmas Collection 2-Pack (with It's a Wonderful Life)
Amazon Prime