Okay, the Holiday Season has officially started. No, it’s not the pre-Halloween decorations in the stores and it’s not the Peppermint Hot Chocolate at your favorite coffee place. It’s that I have dusted off my favorite Christmas movie—White Christmas! If I watch it early enough in the season, I get the joy of watching it again closer to my favorite holiday.
White Christmas is a 1954 masterpiece. Post World War II, this film is nothing short of amazing. Let me tell you why. Number one: Bing Crosby. This man was made for the 50’s favorite movie genre, the big screen musical. He has a voice that simply soaks into your being and wraps itself around your heart. Close your eyes, can you hear him singing White Christmas? I can. Number two and three (not sure in what order): Rosemary Clooney and Danny Kaye are the perfect co-stars. Number four would be the ultimate dancer, Vera-Ellen.
White Christmas’ music and lyrics were the genius of the one and only, Irving Berlin. I wonder if he had any idea how his song, Sisters, would be pure magic for me and my sisters, Jane and Kelly, or even my daughter, Laura, and her daughters, Emma and Sophia. Kelly and her four daughters have even used it for their phone ringtones. Well, I guess I could go on with the sister-thing but I think you get the picture. While I’m at it, I suppose I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that Bing Crosby, who is no longer alive, has sold over 100 million copies of the song, White Christmas, while another 300 million have been recorded and sold by other artists. It is the most recorded song of all time! Let’s see, then there is Snow, Mandy, Count Your Blessings (instead of sheep), When You’re Dancing and Love, You Did Me Wrong. You may not remember these songs until you’ve watched the movie again, but I guarantee you’ll be humming them through the season.
I just love the full orchestra, beautiful costumes and yes, the cheesy sentimentality. The war is still fresh and the free world is full of patriots. America and their allies have saved the world and life is great… so, let’s sing and dance!
Unbelievably small-waisted and tiny Vera-Ellen is the only real dancer in the lead cast and she has mind-boggling talent. She has a scene where she does this toe tapping thing that is so fast you can hardly see her foot move. I have no idea how she managed to dance the way she did in stilettos. Vera-Ellen is not as strong as a singer but definitely carries her weight (pun) in the cast.
Rosemary Clooney was at her pinnacle. They almost didn’t cast her because she was not a dancer, but her vocals more than made up for the maneuvering that had to be done on set. An incredibly talented and sexy woman, she had a long and illustrious career. Modest and tender hearted Danny Kaye was the perfect complement to Bing Crosby. Danny had a great voice and was an amazingly good dancer. He was also a UNICEF Ambassador for over 33 years.
White Christmas is a movie for the whole family from the youngest child to the oldest grandpa or grandma. This is definitely going to be a family Holiday favorite for years to come so you might as well buy the DVD instead of renting it! As always, let me know what you think at chastings@rockcliff.com
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