This is my introduction into Bing Crosby, acting wise that is. Since his music and voice is virtually known everywhere. "White Christmas" is directed by Micheal Curtiz (Casablanca) and technically it is rom-com song and dance spectacular with top notch choreography and very catchy tunes.

I really enjoyed the film for the most part. It started off really strong with the war sequence and Crosby's melancholy rendition of the titular song. And it stays steady for a while leading into the introduction of the Haynes Sisters with only a few dips and slow points in the film. But I felt the movie really lost steam going into the end. The script is as cookie cutter as it gets but still…

So, I'm not a great fan of musicals- people on screen spontaneously bursting into song and dance just doesn't seem natural to me at all- but White Christmas manages the awesome feat of keeping me entertained without turning me off.

This has mainly to do with the two leads, the sublime and virsatile Danny Kaye, and crooner Bing Crosby, who manage the task of sharing the screen without eclipsing each other. Funnily enough, the movie was meant to star Crosby and Fred Astaire, but Astaire dropped out because he hated the script. Donald O'Connor was the next choice, but he fell ill before filming, and kaye landed the role. Funny how things turn out, this time definately for the better.…

53/100

Pleasant but rather tepid, coming fully to life only when Vera-Ellen dances opposite John Brascia. With the exception of the title tune and "Blue Skies" (heard only in passing), these aren't Berlin's best songs, and the cumbersome plot hinges on misunderstandings out of a "Three's Company" episode. (Also, everything involving Phil and Judy feels weirdly off. He spends half the movie rebuffing her vigorously enough to suggest a veiled confession on Danny Kaye's part; she breaks down in tears when their sham engagement ends, confirming that her feelings for him are real and priming us for a third-act declaration of true love; they then have no further interaction whatsoever until he says, effectively, "Ah, what the hell" and kisses…

Part of December to Remember.

A sweet little film about the joys of Christmas directed with class and craftsmanship by the always interesting Michael Curtiz. Two army friends go into showbiz after World War II and become an instant hit, with catchy songs and dance numbers. They meet to show girls and decide to travel together, ending up in Vermont were they undertake a huge dance and song routine at a generals hotel.

The films core charm and sing-songy feel is brought out by its four leading actors. Crosby, Kaye, Clooney and Ellen give this film its life, they are dramatic, funny and of course sing all to perfectly together. Its not so much Christmas film but more a film…

53/100

Pleasant but rather tepid, coming fully to life only when Vera-Ellen dances opposite John Brascia. With the exception of the title tune and "Blue Skies" (heard only in passing), these aren't Berlin's best songs, and the cumbersome plot hinges on misunderstandings out of a "Three's Company" episode. (Also, everything involving Phil and Judy feels weirdly off. He spends half the movie rebuffing her vigorously enough to suggest a veiled confession on Danny Kaye's part; she breaks down in tears when their sham engagement ends, confirming that her feelings for him are real and priming us for a third-act declaration of true love; they then have no further interaction whatsoever until he says, effectively, "Ah, what the hell" and kisses…