Rent White Christmas on Amazon Video (paid link)
Written by: Norman Krasna & Norman Panama & Melvin Frank (written for the screen by)
Directed by: Michael Curtiz
Starring: Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, Ver-Ellen
Rated: NR [G]
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Plot
A successful song-and-dance team become romantically involved with a sister act and team up to save the failing Vermont inn of their former commanding general.
Verdict
This is a classic for a reason. This is full of energy and it feels like the cast is having so much fun through the musical numbers and dancing. The core of the story is doing something nice for a mentor and that, as well as all of the other subplots, pays off wonderfully at the end for a touching and fulfilling conclusion that ushers in a 'White Christmas.' I find it difficult to like older movies and I don't usually care for musicals, but this movie is nearly impossible not to like.
Watch It.
Review
Irving Berlin was the most prolific songwriter in the twentieth century, composing over twelve hundred songs including "White Christmas" and "God Bless America." Star Rosemary Clooney is George Clooney's aunt.
This is full of musical numbers and dancing. While I'm generally not a fan, either nostalgia or sheer energy make this a lot of fun. Bob (Bing Crosby) and Phil (Danny Kaye) are soldiers entertaining the troops on Christmas Eve near the end of World War II. Bob is already a famed entertainer and teams up with Phil to create a highly successful show after the war, though Phil coerced Bob into it. Phil frequently references the time he saved Bob's life in the war, using it to guide them both though it's played for comedy.
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| Bing Crosby, Vera-Ellen, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney play Bob, Judy, Phil, Betty |
They run into the Haynes sisters, Judy (Vera-Ellen) and Betty (Rosemary Clooney), which leads to the funniest musical number in the movie. Phil and later Judy try to get Bob and Betty together. They all end up in Vermont where Bob runs into his commander, General Waverly. Bob endeavors to let the General know he hasn't been forgotten and to help the struggling inn. Unfortunately for all, Vermont lacks snow and thus tourists aren't visiting.
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| Danny Kaye, Vera-Ellen, Rosemary Clooney, Bing Crosby play Phil, Judy, Better, Bob |
This certainly feels a bit dated as it's clear all the scenes take place on a set, but it's always entertaining. There's an artifice with the sets and spontaneously breaking into song, but it doesn't matter. The musical numbers are a sign of the times and they are what make the movie. I don't care for musicals, but I was impressed with the songs, choreography, the energy they generate, and Crosby's baritone voice.. Nearly every scene involves some kind of song, and it feels like the actors had a lot of fun making this. As a viewer, you can't help but enjoy it. This is a classic for a reason.
All of the subplots culminate in the final scenes. Bob and Betty's stalled romance blossoms. The General is touched, and so was I, when his men return to see him. The conclusion to the movie is heartwarming and fulfilling. It's certainly a happy ending on all accounts, and while happy endings often feel too easy or like a cop out, it's completely the right choice here.
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