Rating: 
Summary: a great hoiday movie
Review: After only seeing this movie twice, I had the catchy numbers Snow, Sisters, the Minstrel Number, Count Your Blessings, Choreography, and my favorite The Best Things Happen While Your Dancing stuck in my head for a week. Made in 1954, you no longer see the real dancing in movies, where the girls could dance in stiletos and still look beautiful and graceful at the same time. And the songs are filled with pure Christmas joy and love. After saving Bob Wallace's (Bing Crosby) life, Phil Davis (Danny Kaye) teams up with the entertainer to form the team wallace and Davis. They woo crowds with their dance steps and catchy tunes. Soon they become a huge production, with shows filled with show girls and dancing guys. One evening before leaving for New York before Christmas, Wallace and Davis stop by a club to see their old army buddy's sisters perform. Betty (Rosemary Clooney) and Judy (Vera Ellen) Haynes are trying to make it big as well. Through some confussion and singing, the four end up going to Vermont together. They end up staying at the hotel of Bob and Phil's old army general. I'm not going to give away what happens, but I do want to tell you this movie is worth watching. The dancing and singing is sensational, and the characters lovable. This is definitley a great Christmas classic. Oh and by the way, Rosemary Clooney just so happens to be George Clooney's aunt.
Rating: 
Summary: Sit back, relax and enjoy
Review: The classics of Irving Berlin will make this a movie favorite year after year. I have seen this movie enough to spot some interesting edits (just watch Bing Crosby sitting on the side/end of the hospital cot or Vera-Ellen's cup of coffee in her dressing room) and I still watch it at least 8 times a year. It's enjoyable to let the music take you from the everyday grind with war buddies, Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye meeting up with the sister act of Rosemary Clooney and Vera - Ellen. Bing Crosby delivers his opening number / title song White Christmas with the same smoothness we've come to know and love. There's a lot of accomplished dancing on Vera Ellen's part and Danny Kaye does an excellent job as her partner in "The Best Things Happen While You're Dancing". Their "choreography" number provides a fun look at changes from traditional dancing to a beatnik approach in staging. "Count Your Blessing's" is a number appropriate for any time of the year. Mary Wickes does a fine job as the "housekeeper / receptionist / how can I help you?" individual putting her nose in the wrong place at exactly the right time and setting up the romantic conflict. Rosemary Clooney delivers only a hint of the musical talent she has continued to bestow on us. It would have been nice to hear Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen do something besides "Sisters" - it seems that is the only song this duet ever performed. It should be so easy to succeed in show business. While White Christmas may not be a Christmas standard on the level of Miracle on 34th Street or It's a Wonderful Life, the music alone can bring a bit of Christmas spirit even in July!
Rating:
Summary: Snow Biz!
Review: Many people find WHITE CHRISTMAS to be a nostalgic trudge down memory lane. But in truth, it's hard to think of a more prescient film, anticipating, as it did, problems that would not even have a name for another 25 or 30 years. Yes, I'm talking about that infamous lack of snow in Vermont in 1954. Decades before "global warming" became a buzz phrase, director Michael Curtiz, writers Krasa, Frank and Panama, along stars Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney and Danny Kaye were bravely tackling this hot issue with style, wit and aplomb. OK, so I'm kidding, but not so much about the style and wit. It's there in abundance (one can argue about the aplomb, though). It's got it all, Crosby and Clooney singing, Kaye and Vera-Ellen dancing. Great stuff. Yes, the corn grows high in Vermont, or at least until that first snow hits. Some complain about the rather calculated post-war military sentiment, and it is true that "What Can You Do For A General" is not exactly the film's high point. Dean Jagger is solid though as the dignified general, and he and the perennial private Kaye play well off each other. While both WHITE CHRISTMAS and the much earlier HOLIDAY INN were classic Bing Crosby vehicles, the former cannot really be said to be a re-make (in any sense) of the latter. It was probably inevitable that Crosby would have to do the title song in some Technicolor vehicle or other, but an attempted remake of the Astaire/Crosby classic would probably not have been a good idea . Both films the show-biz revue in the New England inn theme, the buddy theme and the inevitable romantic complications with show biz gals who really just want to settle down. But the Kaye/Crosby camaraderie angle plays sweeter than the Astaire/Crosby rivalry. Was that a 50s thing? Hard to say, although many point to that era as being more conservative than preceding decades had been. It is at least interesting that the hint of show biz cynicism in HOLIDAY had been replaced by show biz warmth in the later film. (Significantly,Rosie's mistrust of Bing's motives in helping the general are totally unfounded. He's not a huckster, but is, true to form, just a decent guy who happens to be in show biz.) WHITE CHRISTMAS is also a little more seasonally specific than HOLIDAY INN. Crosby fans can justify dragging out the latter almost any old time of year, since one or the other of those holidays the inn was open for must be coming up. WHITE CHRISTMAS will likely remain an annual seasonal favorite for most: although who's to say that a little WHITE CHRISTMAS in July would do a body any harm for that matter.
Rating:
Summary: charming yuletide musical
Review: WHITE CHRISTMAS remains the all-time classic Christmas movie (not counting IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE). Featuring a fantastic cast and a superb Irving Berlin score, it's a heartwarming and lavish musical. Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye play two ex-GI's who team up with a sister act (Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen) and help out their old army general (Dean Jagger) whose Vermont ski lodge has hit hard times. They decide to write a new musical and premiere it at the lodge with hopes of going to Broadway. The performances cannot be bettered; Bing and Rosemary make a delightful singing screen couple; while Kaye and Vera-Ellen make the perfect matchmakers heckling on the sideline. Mary Wickes (SISTER ACT, NOW VOYAGER) is hilarious as Jagger's busybody other half. Clooney is given the fantastic number "Love You Didn't Do Right By Me", Crosby is affecting in his duet with Clooney "Count Your Blessings Instead Of Sheep", Danny Kaye and Vera-Ellen bring down the house with "The Best Things Happen While You're Dancing" and Vera-Ellen is breathtaking dancing to "Mandy". The DVD includes an audio commentary from Rosemary Clooney, a retrospective interview with Rosemary Clooney and trailers.
Rating:
Summary: The Classics are the Best
Review: My parents were Bing Crosby fans, so I grew up watching this movie. It is a jewel in Paramounts crown. Two ex soldiers team up for a stage act, along the way they meet another stage act, sisters. They all end up traveling together by train to Vermont where the sisters are performing for the christmas holiday at a ski resort. When they arrive, they find no snow and very few customers, and the general that Crosby and Kaye served under. Needless to say, they try to help out, and in doing so, they reawaken the spirit of christmas and giving in everyone. It isn't the best quality film, the sound is acceptable but not exceptional, but the story is as great in 1954 as it will be in 3004!
Rating:
Summary: 50% sweet, 50% sweeter.
Review: Irving Berlin's wonderful collection of songs find a well-suited home in the holiday classic "White Christmas," a movie bursting with vibrant colors, a zesty, delightful cast, and a plot that bears nothing but sheer whimsy and comical brilliance from some of the all-time greats. Inevitable comparisons to "Holiday Inn" arose at the time the film was released, though there's no reason not to fall in love with this movie's warm and spirited appearance. Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye star in the film as army buddies Bob Wallace and Phil Davis. When an attack commences on their campsite, Phil is injured while pulling Bob from danger, and wittily uses his injured arm as a way to convince Bob to join him in a singing duet, leading to their popularity as Wallace and Davis becomes a hit. After receiving a letter from an old army pal, they head to Florida to see the Haynes Sisters, composed of motherly Betty (Rosemary Clooney) and crafty Judy (Vera Ellen), who wants nothing more than to see her sister married and happy. Finding that they have a common goal, Phil and Judy cook up a scheme that lands the four of them in Vermont, where the girls are to perform at a ski lodge that has been doing poorly due to lack of snowy weather. What's more, the owner of the lodge is none other than Phil and Bob's old army general, Thomas Waverly, whose financial situation is increasingly unstable because of the lackluster season. What do the boys do? Why, they cook up a plan to whip the general's self esteem back into shape, all the while falling in love with the sister act as they await the much-anticipated snowfall. The story may not be as complex as past Christmas films, and even for a musical, though it's certainly never dull, thanks in part to some grandiose musical numbers and exuberant dance sequences. There's a great deal of schmaltz to be had with the romances between Phil and Judy and Bob and Betty, but it all goes down easy like an overly sweetened snow cone. Director Michael Curtiz is careful to keep the romance and the outside stories in equal measure, for a movie that's half sweet, half sweeter. This snow cone is made easier to swallow by the acting on the parts of Kaye, Crosby, Clooney and Ellen, who each supply humor, wit, and tact into their characters. Kaye is the standout, employing his graceful way with comedy into Phil with incredible results. Dean Jagger makes the general more than just a secondary character, while Mary Wickes provides some lighthearted moments as the maid Emma. The physical appearance of the movie is superbly mounted, a handsome displays of nicely-paced choreography, winsome costumes, and striking music and dance sequences. Irving Berlin's classic songs, from "Sisters" to "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep," make their way into the story, some as entertainment pieces within the film, others as advancements of the romantic angles. The famed title song makes its appearance in the film's finale, which crowns the film in a glorious tapestry of costume and music. On a side note, this was the first film ever to be shot in what was known as VistaVision, a widescreen format that works well in capturing the film's various setpieces. In the end, "White Christmas" is little more than a fairy tale spun from sheer whimsy, but its a striking example of a fairy tale done in all the right ways. The appeal and talent of its quartet of stars adds a much-needed charm to the material, as does the production design, bringing Christmas to life like never before. To watch the film with a cynical eye is to miss out on the magic and the joy this underrated classic has to offer.
Rating:
Summary: White Christmas now in TECHNICOLOR on Widescreen DVD!
Review: Irving Berlin first introduced us to "White Christmas" during WWII and in the Black & White Classic movie "Holiday Inn" (see my review) with Bing Crosby singing this (his) forever famous Christmas tune. The world was recovering from WWII and the United States was winding down from the Korean War conflict. Americans were ready for a holiday movie to enjoy. Along came Paramount Pictures, Technicolor, Vista Vision (Widesscreen) and Irving Berlins classic holiday tune "White Christmas". What would be better than to have Bing Crosby the #1 crooner, Danny Kaye the #1 song, dance & comedian, Rosemary Clooney the #1 female vocalist and Vera-Ellen the #1 dancer perform together in this blockbuster holiday musical. White Christmas is the Classic Holiday Tradition! It has it all, music, color, dance a cute patriotic theme and Bing Crosby singing his immortalized rendition of Irving Berlins 'White Christmas". So sit back with your family and enjoy this eye popping Technicolor Widescreen DVD production of White Christmas again and again. Nice commentary by Rosemary Clooney a nice nostalgic treat.
Rating:
Summary: Bing Croons....Rosemary Swoons....Watch It In June!
Review: This review refers to the Widescreen Collection(Paramount)DVD edition of "White Christmas"... This DVD should be held up as an example of what DVDs are all about.The transfer and restoration of this 50 year old film is superb. It is the reason we are willing to spend a little more to upgrade from VHS and are awed when we see the wonderful results. Filmed in "VistaVision", the widescreen picture lets you take in every scene of this wonderful classic from edge to edge. The picture is clear, sharp and in glorious technicolor.The colors are beautiful and vibrant.
You have the choice of viewing it in DD5.1 surround or the restored Mono. For those looking for some special features, Rosemary Clooney helps out with a retrospective interview and also commentary. There are English subtitles for those needing them and may also be viewed in French(mono). The film is a treasure in itself. Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye,Rosemary Clooney,and Vera-Ellen are the stars of this 1954 musical with songs by Irving Berlin that you'll want to sing along with and keep humming long after the film has ended. Directed by Michael Curtiz it's a feel good film that although takes place during the Christmas season, is one that you can pull out and watch anytime of the year. Bing and Danny were Army buddies, now a successful song and dance team and are out to help their favorite old retired General(Dean Jagger),who is having trouble coping with retirement. The General is now running a country inn in Vermont, but the big problem is there is no snow to bring up the tourists. Bing and Danny to the rescue, as they turn the inn into a showcase of talent, and fall for the Haines sisters along the way. Can these wonderful voices also bring the snow out of the sky?...well..you know. This film is filled with Berlin's wonderful tunes. When Bing takes Rosemary's little hand in his and croons "Count Your Blessings" to her..well it's movie heaven. Rosemary also treats us to several numbers, Vera-Ellen does some fabulous hoofing, and Danny clowns and keeps us smiling like only Danny can. And how much fun is it watching Bing and Danny do the "Sisters" number together?...alot! Then there's the goose bump evoking, wonderfully nostalgic scene of the four of them singing "White Christmas" together with the Winter Wonderland of Vermont as a backdrop.I would be remiss if I didn't mention the wonderful character actress Mary Wicks, she's a great busy-body who causes misunderstandings, and also keep an eye out for George Chakiris and Barrie Chase. Thanks Paramount for bringing us this great old classic holiday film on this great DVD...enjoy...Laurie
Rating:
Summary: Like a Member of Our Family
Review: After watching this movie at least thirty times over some forty years (nearly every Christmas), it feels like I'm reviewing a member of the family. "How do you rate your Aunt Vicky? Compare and contrast with other aunts and cousins." Since numerous reviewers have already summarized the plot nicely, I'll move right on. This is a loose reworking of Holiday Inn, which was actually a better movie. The musical and dance numbers were better in Holiday Inn, and the story was even a bit more interesting. But White Christmas is in bright, clear color, and they apparently had a bigger budget for sets, so it looks better than Holiday Inn. I've always enjoyed the first half of the movie better. The story is simpler, the characters are sympathetic, and there is a more relaxed feel to it. The second half gets fairly maudlin before coming to an abrubt and happy conclusion. Once they take care of that troublesome general (What DO You Do With a General?), they can get back to the main plot of pairing up. After all, this is really a romance story, decked out in sleighbells and mistletoe. So even though this movie is getting dated and creaky with age, we still have it to our house for Chritmas every year, along with Aunt Vicky.
Rating:
Summary: CLASSIC
Review: I love the songs and routines. The positive, non-complaining attitude of the characters is refreshing. This was made before I was born, but it is better than any film I have seen in years.
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