Schmaltz, but nice schmaltz

"White Christmas"
Overall Rating: ****


I've stated before that my critical side is more than a bit skewed when it comes to movies I grew up with; nonetheless, I'm going to launch into such a commentary yet again. "White Christmas" is a holiday tradition around my house, and we see it a couple of times around Christmas each year.

Bob Wallace (Bing Crosby), a Captain in the army in World War II, was a successful singer before the war. He and Phil Davis (Danny Kaye) put on a holiday show to entertain their fellow troops, but when the thee popular and respected General Waverly (Dean Jagger) is transferred, they also make the show a tribute to him. Later during the show, Private Davis saves Wallace's life when a surprise attack knocks over a wall; in gratitude, Wallace helps get Davis' singing career going after the war. Their nightclub act is wildly successful, however, Davis' matchmaking attempts aren't--that may not matter, since, while in Florida, the two of them see the Haynes Sisters' (Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen) night club act. Events quickly bring the four of them together, and reunite them with Gen. Waverly--now an innkeeper in Vermont.

To put it gently, "White Christmas" has a thin plot--mostly, its only function is to bounce the film from song to song and joke to joke. There are also several very obvious errors--for instance, the train shown in the film prominently displays a Santa Fe logo (though the Santa Fe never owned a line east of Indiana), and the size of the theater (a converted barn) strains all credibility. "White Christmas" is also possibly the most manipulative film ever made.

Of course, you don't really care about the problems while watching this film. It's fluff, but it's extremely nice fluff. "White Christmas" is a delight to watch. The sets (never mind that they're usually completely unrealistic) are spectacular, as are the dance numbers. The film also maintains a sharp look and sound--if anything betrays the fact that it's 45 years old, it isn't the technology.

While the plot may be thin, "White Christmas" has more than its share of jokes--you'll laugh for much of this movie. The funniest scene is probably the reprise of the sister song. The main attraction of "White Christmas" is Irving Berlin's music--not surprising since the film was named for one of his songs. Songs such as "White Christmas," "Love," and "We'll Follow the Old Man" are wonderful. Most of the songs aren't Christmas carols and this film presents a wide variety of Berlin's music.

The jokes and songs of "White Christmas" are brought to life by the performances of the cast. While the entire cast is good, a few stand out. Mary Wickes, as Emma, delivers a good performance in a supporting role. Bing Crosby is extremely good. He has both the voice for the songs and the timing for the jokes. The real star is Danny Kaye. In every respect, he keeps pace with Crosby, and even leads the way in many scenes. He is certainly one of the century's great and unappreciated talents.

"White Christmas" is absolutely, positively a family film. While there is a brief scene depicting an enemy attack in World War II, it probably the most bloodless battle scene in cinematic history.

"White Christmas" may not be the most intellectual experience, but it isn't meant to be. It has one purpose as a film, and it succeeds admirably--"White Christmas" is as warm and full of holiday cheer as a Yule log. A friend of mine recently said she didn't know anyone who didn't love "White Christmas." I'll echo that sentiment.


Title: "White Christmas"
Release date: 1954
Not MPAA rated; Hays Code compliant
Overall rating: ****

Aprox. run time: 120 min.
Director: Michael Curtiz
Writers: Melvin Frank, Norman Krasna, Norman Panama, Irving Berlin (music)
Stars: Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, Vera Ellen

Original URL: http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Mansion/7045/Wht_Xmas.htm
Added to blog site: 8/5/09