Favorite Festive Flicks: White Christmas (1954)

(photo courtesy cduniverse.com)

It's Christmas Eve, 1944 and the world is still at war, but that doesn't stop Captain Bob Wallace(Bing Crosby) from entertaining and lifting the spirits of his fellow troops. He and the rest of the outfit are also paying tribute and saying goodbye to their dear leader, General Waverly (Dean Jagger) who unfortunately is being replaced as the troops are moving up.

Immediately after their "slambang" finish for the general, sudden combat breaks out. Amid the chaos, Captain Wallace is almost killed by a falling brick wall until Private Phil Davis saves his life (which he constantly uses to his advantage). Expressing his gratitude, Bob says if there's anything Phil needs, just tell him. Phil's request is that when war is over,that he and Bob form a song-and-dance team. Bob reluctanly accepts and the team of Wallace and Davis is born.

In the years to follow, Wallace and Davis become a huge act and even start producing their own shows. At the close of their show in Florida (and before Christmas vacation), they are invited to the Club Novello to see a perfomance by the up-and-coming Haynes Sisters; Judy (Vera- Ellen) and Betty (Rosemary Clooney). Bob and Phil's original plan was to travel up to New York right after the show but after meeting Judy and Betty (and Phil's desperate attempts to find Bob a wife), they end up heading out to where the girls are booked; The Columbia Inn in Pinetree, Vermont.

Hoping for snow and relaxation, they find 68 degree weather and that it hasn't snowed since Thanksgiving. The 2nd suprise is the owner of the inn...General Waverly himself! He informs them that business hasn't been good. In turn Wallace and Davis,and the Haynes sisters, decide to bring their act to the inn to help the General. Everything goes well until a misunderstanding almost destroys thier Christmas miracle...and romance. 

I absolutely love this movie and try my best not to watch it outside of the holiday season...but it's so good. I first saw it during my 1st December in my own apartment. I had no cable and was searching for something to watch and White Christmas was on. From then on, I've been enchanted with this film. It's such a beautiful movie; not only storywise, but quality even by today's standards. It's filmed in technicolor. It's also Paramount's first film in Vistavision; their version of Cinemascope,Todd-A-O, Cinerama,what have you. You can see this wonderful quality of work particularly in the numbers, "Mandy", "Choreography" and "Love You Didn't Do Right By Me". And for my 50's fashion fan's, the wardrobe/costumes for this movie are too fabulous! You can thank the legendary Edith Head for that!

As far as  Irving Berlin's classic tune's, it's so hard to pick a favorite. But my favorite  Christmas moments (besides the finale) is "Snow" and "Count Your Blessings" That scene by the fireplace is so cozy and comforting...and sexy;).

 

"Count Your Blessings"

White Christmas (1954)

Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney

"May your days be merry and bright, and may all your Christmases be white"

White Christmas-Irving Berlin 

Here's to your White Christmas...

Love,

Neah B