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From Amazon.co.uk
This semi-remake of Holiday Inn (the first movie in which Irving Berlin's perennial, Oscar-winning holiday anthem was featured) doesn't have much of a story, but what it does have is choice: Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, an all-Irving Berlin song score, classy direction by Hollywood vet Michael Curtiz (Casablanca, The Adventures of Robin Hood), VistaVision (the very first feature ever shot in that widescreen format), and ultrafestive Technicolor! Crosby and Kaye are song-and-dance men who hook up, romantically and professionally, with a "sister" act (Clooney and Vera-Ellen) to put on a Big Show to benefit the struggling ski-resort lodge run by the beloved old retired general (Dean Jagger) of their WWII Army outfit. Crosby is cool, Clooney is warm, Kaye is goofy, and Vera-Ellen is leggy. Songs include: "Sisters" (Crosby and Kaye do their own drag version, too), "Snow", "We'll Follow the Old Man", "Mandy", "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep" and more. Christmas would be unthinkable without White Christmas. --Jim Emerson
Product Description
Two army buddies (Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye) team up after the war and become a successful song-and-dance act. While on a skiing holiday the pair stage a benefit to save an inn run by their old commander, who is beset by financial difficulties resulting from a lack of snow. The title song, `White Christmas', was actually written 12 years earlier for the film `Holiday Inn' and was already a Christmas standard in 1954.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
40 of 40 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
"White Christmas" begins on the battlefield during World War II, on the fateful night when Danny Kaye saves the life of Bing Crosby and used the leverage to create what would be one of the most successful song-and-dance teams after the war. One night they check out the act of two sisters played by Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen, and the next thing they know the boys are on their way to Vermont where the girls are supposed to perform at a ski lodge. However, there are two big surprises up in Vermont: there is no snow and the inn which is threatened with financial ruin is run by General Waverly (Dean Jagger), their commander during the war. Of course, Bing is interested in pursuing Rosemary, while Danny is too busy trying to move that along to notice Vera-Ellen is after him.
This is one of the films I have to watch every Christmas or else the Holidays just do not seem right. Of course, this makes no sense because "White Christmas" does not seem like it has the makings of a Christmas Classic. The magic is due mainly to the songs of Irving Berlin, which in addition to the beloved title song includes "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep," "Blue Skies" and "The Best Things Happen While Your Dancing." Since they are putting on a show, there are all sorts of production numbers from the rehersal and the performance. The most memorable might be the version of "Sisters" done by Crosby and Kaye (which Bing was not happy to do, but you will never know by watching the one take). For me, the reason to watch this film each year is to get to the end. There is just something about when Jagger comes down those stairs that gets to me. Nothing like a happy ending to get you in the mood for Christmas, with or without snow (fortunately, where I live, that is never a problem).
32 of 34 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
What a classic. I have always been a fan of musicals but White Christmas has always been my number one. I first watched it at about 13 and now I can say the script to you straight off. At only 22 now there are not many people whose favourite film in the entire world is one that features Bing Crosby. BIng Crosby and Danny Kaye bounce off of eachother incredibly well and I cant think of anybody who would play the part of Betty any better than Rosemary Connelly. I know that some people think that I am a bit of a soppy tart but hey, everyone has a soft side, Bing just does it to me in this film as I am certain that other women will agree. I would like to also point out that I have not been able to find a copy of the film in any of the shops .... thanks Amazon.
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful
By R. F. Stevens
TOP 50 REVIEWER
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
One of Hollywood's best; paper thin plot, poor continuity, but it is still so outstandingly good a musical you can forgive them anything.
This DVD version has good sound, but alas the picture has clearly not been re-mastered. Some weave and hop and film noise are still there at the start but disappear as you get deeper into the print. However, it is not as high a technical quality as Singin' In The Rain (2 Disc Special Edition) [DVD] [1952]. That being said this DVD of White Christmas is way, way better than my VHS copy.
An essential part of ones collection.
This DVD version has good sound, but alas the picture has clearly not been re-mastered. Some weave and hop and film noise are still there at the start but disappear as you get deeper into the print. However, it is not as high a technical quality as Singin' In The Rain (2 Disc Special Edition) [DVD] [1952]. That being said this DVD of White Christmas is way, way better than my VHS copy.
An essential part of ones collection.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Holiday Inn
Well - I now have both and have seen the musical
I love Xmas films and CD's and you can'y beat the old classics
I love Xmas films and CD's and you can'y beat the old classics
Published 14 days ago by J. B. Hammond
5.0 out of 5 stars
dvd
this is a masterpiece in itself, i will always watch this film, anytime of the day or year, it can never be redone by anyone other than the old masters
Published 16 days ago by pusseycat 49
5.0 out of 5 stars
A classic.
Have always wanted to see this classic film but never got around to it. never realised it was a wartime setting. Very pleased.
Published 22 days ago by Deborah Halfacre
5.0 out of 5 stars
Delighted
This was my father's favourite film. Watched it for the first time several years ago, and decided I just had to watch it again. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Frogs 2110
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wouldn't be Christmas without it
Ooh, what an absolute treat.
I watch this every year and still end up with a tear in my eye when they spring the surprise on the general. Read more
I watch this every year and still end up with a tear in my eye when they spring the surprise on the general. Read more
Published 1 month ago by M. J. Bailey
5.0 out of 5 stars
Musical LOVE!
If you are old enough to remember good ol' BING than this is a must have!!! The musical numbers are fantastic so , even if you have someone who has never heard of Bing Crosby but... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Savage Wolf
5.0 out of 5 stars
White Christmas
My musical group are planning to do a production of this musical and this will prove useful for anyone else who is thinking of doing it too
Published 1 month ago by Audrey
5.0 out of 5 stars
white christmas
timeless classic, they dont make them now like they use to. you can watch this at any time of the year, not just Christmas
Published 2 months ago by MRS P HENDERSON
5.0 out of 5 stars
dvd
great dvd, great for all ages, was nice over Christmas as we all ways missed it was cooking. the service was fast.
Published 2 months ago by Margaret Watts
5.0 out of 5 stars
I love it!
A Timeless classic.
We bought it to replace the video version which kind of sounded a bit funny in places :)
A well worth buy :)
We bought it to replace the video version which kind of sounded a bit funny in places :)
A well worth buy :)
Published 2 months ago by Mrs. D. L. Spreadbury
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