If you're doing old school Hollywood musicals you can't go wrong with Singin' in the Rain. One of my all time faves! Would love to see you react to Gene Kelly dancing
Gene is iconic. I remember when he past away, it was such a shocker, so it was no surprise that the last movie he had any involvement in (Cats Don't Dance) was dedicated to him. Ironically enough, my fav number from Singing in the Rain wasn't a Gene one, it was Make Them Laugh. One of the funniest movie scenes period for me lol.
VistaVision is the reason White Christmas looks so spectacular. Without getting too technical, it was a photographic process where the foreground and background seem in sharp focus. It was one many technological achievements designed to lure 1950s audiences away from their tiny b&w tv sets.
The housekeeper was played by Mary Wickes who had a really long career and frequently played the wisecracking friend or assistant. You might remember her as the old nun, Sister Mary Lazarus, in Sister Act. She was in her 80's at the time.
It has been ages since I saw that movie but I definitely remember the song and, 50 years later I still sing in it my head when I hear gossiping. Just went back and watched it here on YT
My favorite role of hers is Miss Cathcart in the 1960s show Dennis the Menace. She was hilarious in that - - and in the Sister Acts as well. And yeah, she's been in a ton of stuff.
A REALLY fun and funny movie with Danny Kaye is “The Court Jester”! Just remember with this movie, “The pellet with the poison is in the Vessel with the Pestle and the Chalace with the Palace has the Brew that is True”!
@@GirlWithAnOpinion That’s right, The Chalice with the Palace was replaced with the Flagon with the Dragon. But was the Pellet with the Poison still in the Vessel with the Pestle?
7:51 - You REALLY need to see "Singin' in the Rain" (1952). Especially because of your reaction to the dancing. And it's not tied to any specific holiday, so you can watch it any old time. But watch it you should!
Factoid: if you see the name "Irving Berlin" on any poster or roster of people involved in a movie...it's going to be a musical. He wrote "God Bless America," "Always," "Blue Skies," "White Christmas," and about a thousand others. The US Congress granted him an award for his music. Even if you've never heard his name, I can pretty much guarantee you HAVE heard his music.
Irving Berlin is one of my favorite songwriters, but I had avoided this film and Easter Parade for so many years. Guess I'll have to just watch 'em finally.
The non-dancing sister is Rosemary Clooney. She was a HUGE pop singer at the time! Her husband and sons were all actors, and her nephew is George Clooney! Super talented family!
I met Rosemary's brother, Nick, father to George, at a swing dance once, in Cincinnati. He hosted a radio show and they played a lot of songs from the 40s. I wonder if George can foxtrot as well as his dad can!! He is a very nice man.
@@maryrichardson1318 In Cincinnati for a long time Nick was the famous one, as he hosted a local TV show, as well as the Channel 12 news. Finally took Al Schottelkotte's place as #1 newscaster for the city. (When Ted Turner was developing CNN, he played Schottelkotte's tapes, and told his staff that's what they should aim for) For a long time around here it was "who is this 'George' guy?"
We're family friends with the son of Dean Jagger, the actor who played General Waverly in this film. Jagger won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for Twelve O'Clock High, a movie he made with Gregory Peck. His son has told us amazing stories about how Humphrey Bogart taught him how to do cannon balls in their family pool, and how Danny Kaye taught him how to dance ahead of his Senior prom. He says Jagger was a very kind man who never let his fame change him.
The song "White Christmas" actually premiered in the movie "Holiday Inn", not "White Christmas," with Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. That one is from 1942 and IS in black and white.
@@YouLousyKids Yeah you have to realize that Astaire and Crosby started on the Vaudeville circuit where blackface was a very prevalent thing. It doesn't excuse it and it doesn't age well, bit it is what it is.
Ashleigh: I can’t wait to see the fashion in this movie. Me: Oh Lord. She’s about to lose her mind. Lol!! I’ve always loved this movie. So enjoyed watching it with you!!
I would like to add the musical "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" for consideration. While not technically having a Christmas theme it does take place over the winter months. Some memorable dance sequences and songs are in it. Vistavision was introduced in 1954 to lure people back to the theaters and away from their televisions. Vistavision was one of the first "wide-screen" methods of filming and "White Christmas" was one of the first movies to use it.
The musicals of that era are without compare. You absolutely NEED to watch Singing in the Rain... Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, Donald O'Connor. You will not be disappointed :)
OH YES!! My all-time favourite right at the top with White Christmas! It's so entertaining but also with such a fantastic message. And, for someone working in the movie industry, kind of a no brainer 💖💖💖
The song “White Christmas “ was introduced by Bing Crosby in the 1942 movie “Holiday Inn”. It became just about the most popular song for civilians at home and for the GIs overseas during all of WWII. Therefore the nostalgia associated with it in the 1950s was pretty strong. If you want to learn more about minstrel shows, there is one somewhat infamous segment in Holiday Inn that is a good place to start. The whole “blackface” controversy began with minstrel shows in the 19th century having white actors posing as black entertainers.
I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Danny Kaye when i was a kid. He even let me sit in his limo with him and he sat and talked with me even when someone was trying to tell him that he needed to get going he told them to wait because he was busy. What a great guy. Also the picture that they showed of the brother was Alfalfa from the original Little Rascals
My grandad sat next to him at a baseball game and chatted him up after he (my grandad) got back from Korea. He said he was a great guy, and very down to earth. He loved him ever since.
Danny Kaye had a famous song demonstrating his vocal dexterity where at the end he sings the names (very difficult to pronounce names) of 56 Russian composers in a row flawlessly. The song is on youtube, "Tchaikovsky And Other Russians"
Danny Kaye also had some of the best comedies ever..."The Court Jester" is a must; not only a wonderful comedy, but a great musical and a parody of the swashbuckler movies overall. He even out did Basil Rathbone.
Once you're out of the holiday movies, you should definitely watch Rear Window (also 1954). Not only is it a great suspense movie, Grace Kelly's fashion is TO DIE FOR every second she's on screen. Love your reactions!
She is also mother to the late Miguel Ferrer who was an excellent actor. Not necessarily a name you would remember but definitely a face you have seen all over movies and TV.
At this point, we just need a classical musical movie marathon! King and I, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, South Pacific, Oklahoma, Fiddler On The Roof, Little Shop of Horrors, The Sound of Music, Singing In The Rain, etc!
I’m from Kentucky and if you head to the Maysville/Augusta area, there is the Rosemary Clooney House. She collected/retained a lot of the props and costumes from the movie White Christmas. It’s always worth a trip ❤️
Vera Ellen, the "skinny sister", was an amazing dancer! Her singing voice was most commonly dubbed in but the single foot, toe-tapping? Yeah... that's real! You should watch a Vera Ellen documentary. Other dancers you'd love is Ann Miller, Eleanor Powell, Ginger Rogers, Rita Hayworth. Find anything with the Nicholas Brothers and your jaw will be on the floor so long your mouth will turn dry!
It was a joy to see you enjoy this so much. If you were looking for recommendations for more Danny Kaye, I cannot recommend the Court Jester highly enough. It is another musical with Danny Kaye and a very young Angela Landsbury, and a host of other people as well, and is a great comedy for when you need a laugh.
I have such good memories watching Danny Kaye movies when I was a kid. The Court Jester, Hans Christian Anderson, Wonder Man, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, etc... He's just so sweet and so totally endearing. And then there's his genius for comic facial expressions that get me every time.
@@donwild50 I was born about 40 years after the film came out, so I am not as familiar with all the big names of the time. I know Basil Rathbone is a big name as well. Glynis Johns was stunning as well though.
Ashleigh, I'm a 65 year old baby boomer who grew up watching this movie on NBC TV every holiday season as a kid. I'm so happy you finally got to experience the magic of old school Hollywood entertainment with no holds barred with this phenomenal musical!🙏❤😯😀
As a Baby Boomer I would agree. Also have a soft spot for 'Robinson Crusoe On Mars'. But try to explain to a gen-x'r why it is a Christmas movie and you're better just to run your head into a brick wall, lol.
This movie is not all on it's own. It was a follow up to the original, "Holiday Inn". And "Singing in the Rain" was probably the best of the genre, but there are many more. If you love singing and dancing the 40's is the era for you.
Cross Dressing for Comedy has been around for centuries. Jack Lemon from Grumpy Old Men was in black and white comedy called Some Like it Hot with Marilyn Monroe. You'd like it the ending scene is classic. I honestly think you would like Little Shop of Horrors either the 60s version or 80s. If you like musicals, 50s-60s fashion and style.
I thrive of people that can be ecstatic over something they watch I enjoy things but it's not until I see somebody really become excited over something that I can also
Great reactions, Ashleigh! If you like musicals, you should try, "Singin' In the Rain" (1952) starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O'Connor.
Now that you have seen an old school classic musical in color, here is another one for you. 1944's Meet Me in St Louis is one of Judy Garland's best musicals and my personal favorite. It's a period family story with beautiful costumes and sets and memorable songs. If you want to see Judy Garland as a lovely young woman in a more grown up role than Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, you will love this one.
Ohhhh Judy Garland and Gene Kelly in 1948's The Pirate is a good one. Gene Kelly was, like, the kind of smoking hot that makes you feel kinda angry. Like, how dare you be that handsome.
I love how enthusiastic Ashleigh was over this movie. I think we need to get her into some more musicals. West Side Story or South Pacific spring to mind.
This is one of my very favorite movies, ever since I was a kid, and I get so many more of the jokes now. What a fun reaction! PS, The designer of all the costumes you loved was Edith Head, who won 8 academy awards for her work, and was nominated I don't even know how many times. She was also the inspiration for Edna Mode in The Incredibles.
Bing was always older than the character he was supposed to be playing. They sort of alluded to that in all the "Road" movies he made with Bob Hope, by calling Hope "Junior".
Apparently when doing this movie, Bing Crosby was acting silly and did the 'Sister's song' and it was so funny that they decided to keep it in the movie, but at the end of that song, when Bing starts laughing, it was his real laugh and again, they kept in the scene.
At the end of the dance number "Best Things Happen While You're Dancing" you can see her trip over Danny Kaye's extended leg but she recovers so quickly with just a tiny hop that if you're not watching for it, you'll miss it entirely. She was that good.
I’m adding my vote for Singing in the Rain. The musical numbers are amazing, the story is lovely, and the actors are sublime. I’d also like to add in a vote for Desk Set starring Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. That movie has some of the greatest banter you’ll ever hear, and one of the best female characters ever.
Love this reaction. It's easy for us classic movie fans that eat this kind of movie for breakfast to take it for granted, but seeing it through your eyes and seeing your appreciation for it reminds us how special this movie is. And for Ashleigh Burton fans, did you see her on CBS news over the weekend. You can search on the cbs news website in the story on Its A Wonderful Life a little interview about her reaction to this movie and they mention this RUclips channel.
As a retired soldier, I can tell you that ending is something that haunts. You spend your entire career counting the years, months, and days until retirement and when it finally happens, it actually hurts. You miss it.
I love this movie. It doesn't feel like Christmas without it. Love the music and the dancing is amazing. So happy your watching classic movies. Highly recommend 'Singing in the Rain' and 'The Sound of Music'.
Its a tradition in my family to watch White Christmas every year. It started when I was about 6 years old, Im 49 now. Im really glad that you enjoyed it :)
I love this movie. It's a must-see for the holidays every year now. My dad was in the Army in WWII, Europe, and he loved it, too. You're right that the costumes were elegant and that Vera Ellen's waist is practically nonexistent while her torso goes on for miles. Amazing dancer. Overall, I just love how much HEART this movie has. You're right that it's about more than just a holiday symbol, more about coming together to be good to other people. :)
I'm so excited that you loved it! This was a tradition for my grandma, mom and I to watch every year. If you like Bing Crosby again like I said before Do Easter Parade. You will love it as much as you do this one. Plus Rosemarry Clooney was George Clooney's aunt.
One of the male dancers was George Chakiris. A few years later, he starred in the original "West Side Story" film, as Bernardo the leader of the Sharks, which was the Puerto Rican gang.
Here’s a fun fact the dog faced brother in the photo is Carl Switzer who player Alphalfa in the original “Little Rascals” AND the blue eyed sister(Betty) is Rosemary Clooney, George Clooney’s aunt.
Rosemary Clooney (Bing’s love interest) was George Clooney’s aunt. Danny Kaye had a TV comedy variety show in the 1960s that my family watched every week.
You were so precious to watch through this whole film. It is so fulfilling to see you, in these times, enjoy every aspect of this film so much; the costumes, the dances, the singing, and the story, including the humor of the day. It makes you wonder what is up with the movies they put out now, doesn't it? Films today just don't have the same kind of impact. There are some exceptions, of course, but generally speaking they just don't make them like they used to. Sometimes that's good, sometimes it is just over done.
Bing Crosby was a famous "crooner" who the got upstaged by Frank "Frankie" Sinatra. Aside from his singing, Bing was known for a series of movies with Bob Hope. Called "the road movies" they were "The Road to ..." various places. Then when they had solo movies the other one would usually show up for a cameo.
Personally I've always preferred Bing to Sinatra. Bing Crosby: Frank Sinatra is a talent that comes along only once in a lifetime. Unfortunately, he came along in my lifetime. : )
@@joerogers9413 That was only a joke on Bing's part. They were of a different generation from each other. It was Frank's turn. They acknowledged it by being in High Society together.
I gotta say that watching old movies like this is perfect when you’re not feeling well and lying in bed. Hope you’re feeling better and Blake hasn’t caught it. Merry Christmas to you all.
Which is why she'll enjoy some Fred and Ginger, Andrew Sisters, Crosby and Hope, Nicholas Brothers, other Danny Kaye movies, etc. These movies have it all. I even think she'd like the Marx Brothers, some old gangster and noir detective movies, and the glamorous goddesses of the 30s-50s. I mean: Some Like It Hot Funny Face Gentlemen Prefer Blondes Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Even Victor/Victoria Funny Girl Hello Dolly, and musicals from the 70s that had those earlier glamour, too. They all have every element she loves. haha. We should all send her a list, so she can check it twice, and get some movies most reactors aren't doing
One of my favourite Christmas memories is going to the theatre with my Mom a few years ago to see this movie on the big screen; there weren’t a lot of us in the theatre, but we all sang along and had a great time! This is on my Christmas movie watch list every year. Merry belated Christmas, everybody! 🎄🎄🎄
Your reaction to this classic film was just delightful to watch Ashleigh! The part of the story where Rosemary Clooney's character won't just tell Bing Crosby's character what is wrong always drives me nuts too, LOL.
Yay! This is definitely a staple in our household for the holidays. Looove it. Maybe not for the channel but if you wanna watch a fun 50's, witty, fashion, progressive for it's time, basically everything you praised this movie for; "Some Like it Hot" is a really solid film :D
I love this movie, and even more than that, I love how much YOU loved this movie - never stop being you Ashleigh - thank you for sparing Blake your 'flu germs, and please keep spreading the contagious joy you have for good things.
3:30 - Ashleigh: Wow, he has a wonderful voice. IT'S BING F#$%IN CROSBY!!!!! 10:45 - A 'minstrel show' is basically what Vaudeville was. For a single admission price you would enter a theater and get a variety of different performers and acts, ranging from jugglers to dancers to magicians to comedians to soliloquists. The style was popular during the first part of the 20th century, but fell out of fashion during the Great Depression. As an aside, this is where the expression 'break a leg' comes from. A performer would only get paid if they appeared on stage and if the crowd got too small, the show would end and anyone who didn't perform was out a paycheck. A 'leg' refers to the narrow curtains on either side of the stage that hides the backstage area from the house, so to 'break a leg' means to walk past this curtain onto the stage.
I'm so glad you watched this movie! I am 62 years old and I have been watching this since I was a kid. I watch it pretty much every year and it is my all-time favorite christmas movie. The music, the stars, the fashion, the laughs the tears and the romance it's the whole package!!
My older sisters were going to do the "Sisters" number for my wedding, as a surprise, as they were wearing blue dresses. They had to scrap it because they found someone on Etsy who could make the fans, but the cost was something like $550 per. Right in-between "ouch" and "poing!" Would've been amazing though! EDIT: Yes, she's really tapping that fast. Vera Ellen could do that.
Oh, that would have been fun!! I love the version here in this movie, but Bette Midler has a great version on her Rosemary Clooney Songbook album that she sings with Linda Rondstat.
If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy the movie “Holiday Inn.” Bing Crosby is in it, the song “White Christmas” but a completely different plot and a lot of other music and dancing…
This review has just made my year! It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street and White Christmas are the 3 I never miss watching during the Christmas holidays. All three were introduced to me by my mom, and never fail to make me feel close to her since she has has been gone. I’m so thrilled that you loved it as much as I do for all the same reasons! Merry Christmas to you , hubbin and Beans!
If you want a classic that happens on Christmas watch Bell Book and Candle with Kim Novak and James Stewart. They made it after Vertigo and it could not be more different.
Thank you. Irving Berlin's song "White Christmas" was first used (along with a ton of his other songs) in the movie "Holiday Inn" (1942) starring Bing Crosby, dancer Fred Astaire, Marjorie Reynolds and Virginia Dale. Twelve years later, they decided to make a vaguely similar movie with a better plot, have Bing sing White Christmas again, and make it the title song. Growing up in the 1950s, I loved Rosemary Clooney's hit songs. That unique, smoky voice. I loved Bing's work, too, of course. Everybody did. Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer (1927-1959), the child star with the cowlick from the Our Gang movies, is the brother, Bennie "Freckle-face" Haynes, in the photo. He's also the guy who's with Donna Reed at the Charleston party in "It's a Wonderful Life," and who gets revenge by opening up the swimming pool after Jimmy Stewart cuts in on him.
This is MY favorite Christmas movie of all time, and I'm a vet and every time they sing to the general I cry!!! I simply LOVE this movie. I am so glad you watched it.
I've been saying this for a while! Fred Astaire is remembered as a brilliant dancer, but for me he is such a funny and charming actor. Plus there are so many classic songs in those movies, written by the composers who wrote most of the Great American Songbook between them.
Mary Wickes played the housekeeper. She's had many. many parts in movies and TV. The first movie I remember seeing her is "Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows".
Cabaret singer and actress Rosemary Clooney, who died in 2004, was one of the actor's aunts. Through his relation to Rosemary Clooney, George Clooney's cousins include actors Miguel Ferrer, Rafael Ferrer, and Gabriel Ferrer, who is married to singer Debby Boone.
Miguel Ferrer was a great actor, probably most known for playing the head of the Robocop program, but he’s also one of the standouts in the original miniseries of The Stand.
This is one of the best musicals ever. The fact that the plot revolves around Christmas makes it very special. I love that somebody your age enjoyed this. 😉
I have to stop the video to say once again that you have to watch To Catch A Thief, Rear Window and Roman Holiday. Beautiful women in stunning fashions, witty dialogue that's second to none and riveting performances in abundance. Please consider watching them soon.
If Ashleigh's going to watch some Hitchcock, I would add to that list The Trouble With Harry (dark comedy with Shirley Maclaine in her first role), and The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956 version) (starring Doris Day singing her famous song Que Sera Sera).
Finally sat down and watched this movie. I can't believe I've been putting it off for so many years. It was very good. I'm definitely adding it to my Christmas movie watch list. Since you did a reaction video I definitely had to watch first. No longer needed to put it off. Thanks for the assist Ashleigh 👍
One thing I know you will love about this movie is the music done by Irving Berlin. He is like a legend and did all of the music for pretty much every hit movie back then.
@@jamesmoyner7499 All I remember is a cartoon rooster version of him telling Porky Pig to "let Ol' Blue Eyes" have a crack at motivating his hens to meet their quota for WW2 egg-laying production. Pre-dates either of the other two, and the cartoon even had a young Frankie as one of the tryouts for the rooster competition.
You should go back and watch the precursor to 'White Christmas' and watch 'Holiday Inn' (1942) which was when the song 'White Christmas' by Irving Berlin was first seen/heard. Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire.
One of my ultimate favorite movies. My mom introduced me to the world of old musicals and this one has become our yearly tradition. Glad you’re watching it with us 🥰
Another important relevance: Keep in mind this was only 9 years after VE Day/ the end of the war in Europe. So the feeling of comradeship was still VERY strong among the audience. Now that you’ve seen White Christmas you have to do “Holiday Inn” from 1942 That’s when “White Christmas” was introduced.
Just a tip; if Bing Crosby and/or Danny Kaye is in it, it's a safe bet it's a musical. And Rosemary Clooney (the sister with the normal waist) is George Clooney's aunt.
The wardrobe was absolutely fantastic. I agree with you about sometimes wishing I could have been around during that era… This movie is always the first movie I watch of the holiday season🎄🎄
I still have my aunt's prom dress from 1954. Absolutely stunning, but I can't think of a single person in my family who could fit into it. It has an 18 inch waist! I also have a dress that my mom made for herself right after I was born. My mom was 5ft 8inches and when she went into labor with my brother, she weighed 117 pounds. I think she lived on TAB and cigarettes in 1958.
This is one of my all time favorite movies. I've watched it every year since I was a child and that was a long time ago. Vera Ellen was a Broadway actress and she didn't make many movies. She was so skinny because she suffered with bulimia most of her adult life. Her costumes had long sleeves and high necks to cover up her skin that was aging prematurely. Also, she wasn't actually singing in the movie. Rosemary Clooney did her part also. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I love the 40s and 50s fashions, too. Got to see my mom wearing some pretty dresses way back when.
Clooney did not dub Vera Ellen's singing voice . Somewhere on RUclips Clooney does a running commentary on the making of WC. She mentions who dubbed for Vera.
I've been waiting for this reaction! This is a movie that I watch every year without fail. Hopefully we'll add Singing in the Rain (Debbie Reynolds in the film is the mother of Carrie Fisher).
So much excitement in your reaction...GOOD FOR YOU! Some trivia commentary: Bing Crosby was a well-established star by this point, having started as a singing sensation, then moved to being a radio star, then a movie star. He teamed with Bob Hope to do a series of "Road" comedy films ("The Road to Singapore", "The Road to Zanzibar", "The Road to Utopia", etc) and followed Bob on stage doing some of Bob Hope's USO tours to cheer US troops stationed overseas. "Betty" was played by Rosemary Clooney, who happens to be George Clooney's aunt. She was by then a well-established recording star in her own right. The "skinny sister" was played by actress Vera-Ellen, who only relatively recently admitted to a life-long anorexia. That makes her dancing capabilities, which you can easily see takes a lot of effort, quite extraordinary. Props to her! Bing's business partner was played by Danny Kaye, by then a well-established comedian, recording artist, radio & television star with a number of great comedy films under his belt. You really should pull up performances by him on RUclips. He starred in a musical fictional biography of Hans Christian Anderson notable for the song "Inchworm". ruclips.net/video/fXi3bjKowJU/видео.html Danny also starred in "The Court Jester", a period piece that includes the rapid wordplay he was famous for: ruclips.net/video/PotoHuLEJRY/видео.html Minstrel Shows... Minstrel shows were very popular from their inception in the 19th Century. Initially, they were musical entertainment by blacks, but eventually they were put on by white folks in blackface (although blacks in blackface also performed them, some also famous as performers). Thank goodness that in White Christmas they presented the minstrel show number without blackface; changing culture would have obviously killed this movie otherwise. You would enjoy "Hans Christian Anderson". You might even recognize a lot of the songs from that movie.
Ashleigh, I have been WAITING for you to get to this one. I love this movie so so much. I probably watch it 5 times every year around Christmas and I knew you would love it based on your previous reactions. So glad you got around to it.
I'm so happy you reacted to this movie (such a fun reaction)! Ever since I was a kid my family play this movie while we decorate the tree - such a classic!
This is my favorite Christmas movie. It’s a tradition for my family to watch it every Christmas Eve and I’m so happy that you’re watching it. Merry Christmas!
I've been a fan of Danny Kaye ever since I saw him in "The Court Jester" on TV when I was in elementary school. (Now there's a classic movie I would love to see Ashleigh review!) This movie is amazing, and Ashleigh's reactions are amusing and endearing!
Ashleigh, love your videos, this costume design as well as the most glamourous of this era was by the Goddess of costume in Hollywood EDITH HEAD. Edith was the inspiration (behavior and looks) to Pixar's The Incredibles character Edna Mode.
If you're doing old school Hollywood musicals you can't go wrong with Singin' in the Rain. One of my all time faves! Would love to see you react to Gene Kelly dancing
Yes please! Love Gene❤️
Gene is iconic. I remember when he past away, it was such a shocker, so it was no surprise that the last movie he had any involvement in (Cats Don't Dance) was dedicated to him. Ironically enough, my fav number from Singing in the Rain wasn't a Gene one, it was Make Them Laugh. One of the funniest movie scenes period for me lol.
Agreed! Also The Band Wagon (Fred Astaire).
OH YES PLEASE - Ashleigh you *must* see Singin' in the Rain - singing! Dancing! Beautiful clothing! Comedy! A great story! You'll love it!
Yes! Singing in the Rain is even better and more iconic than White Christmas.
VistaVision is the reason White Christmas looks so spectacular. Without getting too technical, it was a photographic process where the foreground and background seem in sharp focus. It was one many technological achievements designed to lure 1950s audiences away from their tiny b&w tv sets.
The housekeeper was played by Mary Wickes who had a really long career and frequently played the wisecracking friend or assistant. You might remember her as the old nun, Sister Mary Lazarus, in Sister Act. She was in her 80's at the time.
She was so adorable in the Sister Act movies.
I mostly remember as one of the pick-a-little women in The Music Man.
It has been ages since I saw that movie but I definitely remember the song and, 50 years later I still sing in it my head when I hear gossiping. Just went back and watched it here on YT
She also played a nun in The Trouble With Angels.
My favorite role of hers is Miss Cathcart in the 1960s show Dennis the Menace. She was hilarious in that - - and in the Sister Acts as well. And yeah, she's been in a ton of stuff.
A REALLY fun and funny movie with Danny Kaye is “The Court Jester”! Just remember with this movie, “The pellet with the poison is in the Vessel with the Pestle and the Chalace with the Palace has the Brew that is True”!
Haha!
Absolutely hilarious film
No! They broke the chalice from the palace and replaced it with a flagon with a figure of a dragon!
@@GirlWithAnOpinion That’s right, The Chalice with the Palace was replaced with the Flagon with the Dragon. But was the Pellet with the Poison still in the Vessel with the Pestle?
I love that movie!
7:51 - You REALLY need to see "Singin' in the Rain" (1952). Especially because of your reaction to the dancing. And it's not tied to any specific holiday, so you can watch it any old time. But watch it you should!
And then watch Xanadu. Gene Kelly always had "it." All his life.
Factoid: if you see the name "Irving Berlin" on any poster or roster of people involved in a movie...it's going to be a musical. He wrote "God Bless America," "Always," "Blue Skies," "White Christmas," and about a thousand others. The US Congress granted him an award for his music. Even if you've never heard his name, I can pretty much guarantee you HAVE heard his music.
Irving Berlin is one of my favorite songwriters, but I had avoided this film and Easter Parade for so many years. Guess I'll have to just watch 'em finally.
The non-dancing sister is Rosemary Clooney. She was a HUGE pop singer at the time! Her husband and sons were all actors, and her nephew is George Clooney! Super talented family!
I met Rosemary's brother, Nick, father to George, at a swing dance once, in Cincinnati. He hosted a radio show and they played a lot of songs from the 40s. I wonder if George can foxtrot as well as his dad can!! He is a very nice man.
It was her then former husband Jose Ferrer that talked George into taking up acting.
@@maryrichardson1318 George's dad was also one of the original hosts of Turner Classic Movies!
@@maryrichardson1318 In Cincinnati for a long time Nick was the famous one, as he hosted a local TV show, as well as the Channel 12 news. Finally took Al Schottelkotte's place as #1 newscaster for the city. (When Ted Turner was developing CNN, he played Schottelkotte's tapes, and told his staff that's what they should aim for)
For a long time around here it was "who is this 'George' guy?"
@@scottboswell6406 That, I knew.
We're family friends with the son of Dean Jagger, the actor who played General Waverly in this film. Jagger won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for Twelve O'Clock High, a movie he made with Gregory Peck. His son has told us amazing stories about how Humphrey Bogart taught him how to do cannon balls in their family pool, and how Danny Kaye taught him how to dance ahead of his Senior prom. He says Jagger was a very kind man who never let his fame change him.
I always loved Jagger's voice. No one else sounded like him!
That is very cool, thanks for sharing!
Like Like Like Like Like
The song "White Christmas" actually premiered in the movie "Holiday Inn", not "White Christmas," with Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. That one is from 1942 and IS in black and white.
That's a good movie too
I prefer _Holiday Inn._
Holiday Inn is good, if you ignore the blackface. Which I just can't.
@@AMHardwick I've never seen either of them, actually. Not a Crosby fan. Yeah, that would do it.
@@YouLousyKids Yeah you have to realize that Astaire and Crosby started on the Vaudeville circuit where blackface was a very prevalent thing. It doesn't excuse it and it doesn't age well, bit it is what it is.
Ashleigh: I can’t wait to see the fashion in this movie.
Me: Oh Lord. She’s about to lose her mind.
Lol!! I’ve always loved this movie. So enjoyed watching it with you!!
All those ‘50’s musicals had legendary dance numbers. “Singin’ in the Rain” created a whole genre.
The classic scene with Fred Astaire in Holiday Inn came first. As well as the song White Christmas and Easter Parade.
@awkwardashleigh please put Easter Parade on your calendar for Easter 2022.
I would like to add the musical "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" for consideration. While not technically having a Christmas theme it does take place over the winter months. Some memorable dance sequences and songs are in it. Vistavision was introduced in 1954 to lure people back to the theaters and away from their televisions. Vistavision was one of the first "wide-screen" methods of filming and "White Christmas" was one of the first movies to use it.
The barn raising scene is one of the best dance numbers ever filmed. And Russ Tamblyn and the brothers proved that dancing can be macho.
Another problematic movie that is super fun while being super cringe!
@@heidi_mcheidiface Absolutely! Stockholm Syndrome the movie! Love it, and Sobbin’ Women lives rent free in my head (against my will) most days!
@@thechad4485 The actual lyric is "Sabine Women" relating to an ancient story of 30 women taken by Romans for marriage.
Seven Brides For Seven Brothers and Oklahoma! are one of my favorite musicals, but Little Shop of Horrors is my all-time favorite.
The musicals of that era are without compare. You absolutely NEED to watch Singing in the Rain... Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, Donald O'Connor. You will not be disappointed :)
I agree. Ashleigh likes men with blue eyes; she will fall in love with Donald O'Connor.
Singing in the Rain YES!!!!! 💖💖💖
OH YES!! My all-time favourite right at the top with White Christmas! It's so entertaining but also with such a fantastic message. And, for someone working in the movie industry, kind of a no brainer 💖💖💖
I agree. Absolutely NEED to watch Singing in the Rain.
@Randy White I thought so, but like my high school days I copied off of someone else. Thanks
The song “White Christmas “ was introduced by Bing Crosby in the 1942 movie “Holiday Inn”. It became just about the most popular song for civilians at home and for the GIs overseas during all of WWII. Therefore the nostalgia associated with it in the 1950s was pretty strong. If you want to learn more about minstrel shows, there is one somewhat infamous segment in Holiday Inn that is a good place to start. The whole “blackface” controversy began with minstrel shows in the 19th century having white actors posing as black entertainers.
I love the 'Holiday Inn' movie!
Holiday inn is my favorite. Bingo at his best and Fred Astaire. I hope she does that one
I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Danny Kaye when i was a kid. He even let me sit in his limo with him and he sat and talked with me even when someone was trying to tell him that he needed to get going he told them to wait because he was busy. What a great guy. Also the picture that they showed of the brother was Alfalfa from the original Little Rascals
He was also the uncredited actor who opened the floor over the pool in IAWL.
My grandad sat next to him at a baseball game and chatted him up after he (my grandad) got back from Korea. He said he was a great guy, and very down to earth. He loved him ever since.
Thank you for sharing your story!! It is lovely to hear he was so nice
Danny Kaye had a famous song demonstrating his vocal dexterity where at the end he sings the names (very difficult to pronounce names) of 56 Russian composers in a row flawlessly. The song is on youtube, "Tchaikovsky And Other Russians"
I always felt that Danny Kaye was underrated. He is one of my favorites from that era.
Danny Kaye also had some of the best comedies ever..."The Court Jester" is a must; not only a wonderful comedy, but a great musical and a parody of the swashbuckler movies overall. He even out did Basil Rathbone.
That song is from "Lady in the Dark", Ginger Rogers stars in the film.
I honestly think Danny Kaye was the most talented entertainer of that era.
Danny Kaye is a brilliant entertainer. Top notch dancer, singer, and comedian.
I recommend any of his movies.
Shame about his chronic arm injury, though.
@@marklittrell3202 LOL!
The Court Jester is my favorite I absolutely recommend it!
@@moeball740 probably the funniest movie ever made. Danny's masterpiece.
@@thehair1474 Is the pellet with the poison in the Vessel with the Pestle?
Once you're out of the holiday movies, you should definitely watch Rear Window (also 1954). Not only is it a great suspense movie, Grace Kelly's fashion is TO DIE FOR every second she's on screen. Love your reactions!
Betty is played by George Clooney's Aunt Rosemary. Legendary Actress and Singer
Yes
Er...Clooney* (not being grammatical...just ends up being...awkward 😐🤣)
@@unvoicedapollo3318 fixed
She is also mother to the late Miguel Ferrer who was an excellent actor. Not necessarily a name you would remember but definitely a face you have seen all over movies and TV.
At this point, we just need a classical musical movie marathon!
King and I, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, South Pacific, Oklahoma, Fiddler On The Roof, Little Shop of Horrors, The Sound of Music, Singing In The Rain, etc!
Add Guys and Dolls and Mame to that list.
I’m from Kentucky and if you head to the Maysville/Augusta area, there is the Rosemary Clooney House. She collected/retained a lot of the props and costumes from the movie White Christmas. It’s always worth a trip ❤️
I had no clue! I'm going to have to go there myself!
I didn't know that. I just know that my great-aunt worked in R. Clooney's antique shop and her son was buddies with Rosemary's nephew.
Vera Ellen, the "skinny sister", was an amazing dancer! Her singing voice was most commonly dubbed in but the single foot, toe-tapping? Yeah... that's real! You should watch a Vera Ellen documentary.
Other dancers you'd love is Ann Miller, Eleanor Powell, Ginger Rogers, Rita Hayworth. Find anything with the Nicholas Brothers and your jaw will be on the floor so long your mouth will turn dry!
It was a joy to see you enjoy this so much. If you were looking for recommendations for more Danny Kaye, I cannot recommend the Court Jester highly enough. It is another musical with Danny Kaye and a very young Angela Landsbury, and a host of other people as well, and is a great comedy for when you need a laugh.
I'll second this recommendation. The Court Jester is one of my favorites with Danny Kaye.
My siblings and I would laugh so hard when we’d watch that movie!
I have such good memories watching Danny Kaye movies when I was a kid. The Court Jester, Hans Christian Anderson, Wonder Man, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, etc... He's just so sweet and so totally endearing. And then there's his genius for comic facial expressions that get me every time.
Angela was a doll when that movie was made...but remember the main female lead in that film was Glynis Johns...another gorgeous lady from the 50's.
@@donwild50 I was born about 40 years after the film came out, so I am not as familiar with all the big names of the time. I know Basil Rathbone is a big name as well. Glynis Johns was stunning as well though.
Danny Kaye is an absolute treasure! I'd recommended pretty much anything he's in for incredible comedy and singing!
Ashleigh, I'm a 65 year old baby boomer who grew up watching this movie on NBC TV every holiday season as a kid. I'm so happy you finally got to experience the magic of old school Hollywood entertainment with no holds barred with this phenomenal musical!🙏❤😯😀
Modern Hollywood is leftist garbage.
64 year old baby boomer me agrees wholeheartedly.
As a Baby Boomer I would agree. Also have a soft spot for 'Robinson Crusoe On Mars'. But try to explain to a gen-x'r why it is a Christmas movie and you're better just to run your head into a brick wall, lol.
@@armastat Gen X is in their late 40s and early to mid 50s.
@@EveryDooDarnDiddlyDay no politics please, great movie
Danny Kaye was a quadruple threat, he could sing, dance, act, and he was funny! I loved watching all of his movies.
This is my favorite Christmas movie. Danny Kaye is a treasure. You should watch him in The Court Jester.
This movie is not all on it's own. It was a follow up to the original, "Holiday Inn". And "Singing in the Rain" was probably the best of the genre, but there are many more. If you love singing and dancing the 40's is the era for you.
Cross Dressing for Comedy has been around for centuries. Jack Lemon from Grumpy Old Men was in black and white comedy called Some Like it Hot with Marilyn Monroe. You'd like it the ending scene is classic.
I honestly think you would like Little Shop of Horrors either the 60s version or 80s. If you like musicals, 50s-60s fashion and style.
Some Like It Hot does have the best ending. As does Wilder's Sunset Boulevard.
I just watched Some Like It Hot and Ashleigh NEEDS to watch it, her reaction would be priceless
It makes me SO happy to see young people fall in love with old classics. Warms this middle aged woman’s heart! Thanks for making my day Ashleigh!
Ashleigh, you've made this film far better than it is when watching it alone. Thank you!
I don't have any choice now, and I still watch it alone every year. But when I was little, it was always a family event, to watch it.
I thrive of people that can be ecstatic over something they watch I enjoy things but it's not until I see somebody really become excited over something that I can also
Totally agree!
Great reactions, Ashleigh! If you like musicals, you should try, "Singin' In the Rain" (1952) starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O'Connor.
The look on the general's face when he sees all the men just gets me every time.
Now that you have seen an old school classic musical in color, here is another one for you. 1944's Meet Me in St Louis is one of Judy Garland's best musicals and my personal favorite. It's a period family story with beautiful costumes and sets and memorable songs. If you want to see Judy Garland as a lovely young woman in a more grown up role than Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, you will love this one.
Yes, that is a great choice!
Ohhhh Judy Garland and Gene Kelly in 1948's The Pirate is a good one. Gene Kelly was, like, the kind of smoking hot that makes you feel kinda angry. Like, how dare you be that handsome.
@@quicksilvermad Hahahaha! Yes, that is exactly it.
I love how enthusiastic Ashleigh was over this movie. I think we need to get her into some more musicals. West Side Story or South Pacific spring to mind.
Why stop there? There's Oklahoma, Carousel, The King and I, and The Sound of Music. I agree about Ashleigh's enthusiasm.
In surprised she liked it. I thought it was dated back in the seventies.
When the general comes down the stairs in his uniform is when I start crying and don't stop to after the end. I love this movie.
Please consider doing a month of musicals -- Musical March or Musical May? You'd have such a good time, and so would we!
Seconded!
I agree too! A unique bent that would separate you from the others streamers too!
Yessssss! And she could watch The Music Man! And Victor/Victoria...ooo so many good musicals out there...
This is one of my very favorite movies, ever since I was a kid, and I get so many more of the jokes now. What a fun reaction! PS, The designer of all the costumes you loved was Edith Head, who won 8 academy awards for her work, and was nominated I don't even know how many times. She was also the inspiration for Edna Mode in The Incredibles.
Dean Jagger, who plays the general, is called "The old man," in the song by Bing Crosby. Bing was actually about six months older than Jagger.
Bing was always older than the character he was supposed to be playing. They sort of alluded to that in all the "Road" movies he made with Bob Hope, by calling Hope "Junior".
The “Old Man” Is often used as a euphemism in the military for a commanding officer.
Apparently when doing this movie, Bing Crosby was acting silly and did the 'Sister's song' and it was so funny that they decided to keep it in the movie, but at the end of that song, when Bing starts laughing, it was his real laugh and again, they kept in the scene.
Vera-Ellen is a particular favourite of mine. :) Gene Kelly described her as 'the best all-around dancer in Hollywood'.
At the end of the dance number "Best Things Happen While You're Dancing" you can see her trip over Danny Kaye's extended leg but she recovers so quickly with just a tiny hop that if you're not watching for it, you'll miss it entirely. She was that good.
oh yes, Vera-Ellen
Measurements in White Christmas. 5 foot 4 inches tall. Weight 95 pounds. Measurements 33-20-31.
@@Dularr Easy measurements to manage once you've gotten rid of your intestines!
I have to say Mandy is one of the hottest dance scenes ever. She was 🔥
I’m adding my vote for Singing in the Rain. The musical numbers are amazing, the story is lovely, and the actors are sublime.
I’d also like to add in a vote for Desk Set starring Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. That movie has some of the greatest banter you’ll ever hear, and one of the best female characters ever.
Love this reaction. It's easy for us classic movie fans that eat this kind of movie for breakfast to take it for granted, but seeing it through your eyes and seeing your appreciation for it reminds us how special this movie is. And for Ashleigh Burton fans, did you see her on CBS news over the weekend. You can search on the cbs news website in the story on Its A Wonderful Life a little interview about her reaction to this movie and they mention this RUclips channel.
I was so surprised to see Ashley being interviewed on CBS Saturday morning. She did a great job.
Thank you for mentioning the CBS interview. I looked it up and watched it just a few minutes ago. I'm so happy Ashleigh got to do that!
What Michael said!
As a retired soldier, I can tell you that ending is something that haunts. You spend your entire career counting the years, months, and days until retirement and when it finally happens, it actually hurts. You miss it.
I love this movie. It doesn't feel like Christmas without it. Love the music and the dancing is amazing. So happy your watching classic movies.
Highly recommend 'Singing in the Rain' and 'The Sound of Music'.
Its a tradition in my family to watch White Christmas every year. It started when I was about 6 years old, Im 49 now. Im really glad that you enjoyed it :)
I love this movie. It's a must-see for the holidays every year now. My dad was in the Army in WWII, Europe, and he loved it, too. You're right that the costumes were elegant and that Vera Ellen's waist is practically nonexistent while her torso goes on for miles. Amazing dancer. Overall, I just love how much HEART this movie has. You're right that it's about more than just a holiday symbol, more about coming together to be good to other people. :)
I'm so excited that you loved it! This was a tradition for my grandma, mom and I to watch every year. If you like Bing Crosby again like I said before Do Easter Parade. You will love it as much as you do this one. Plus Rosemarry Clooney was George Clooney's aunt.
One of the male dancers was George Chakiris. A few years later, he starred in the original "West Side Story" film, as Bernardo the leader of the Sharks, which was the Puerto Rican gang.
Yes ! And he won an Oscar for best supporting actor too
Damned fine catch!
Also being one of the chorus dancers in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" in Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend number.
Here’s a fun fact the dog faced brother in the photo is Carl Switzer who player Alphalfa in the original “Little Rascals” AND the blue eyed sister(Betty) is Rosemary Clooney, George Clooney’s aunt.
He was in It's A Wonderful Life too as the guy who opened up the gym floor to expose the pool.
Rosemary Clooney (Bing’s love interest) was George Clooney’s aunt. Danny Kaye had a TV comedy variety show in the 1960s that my family watched every week.
You were so precious to watch through this whole film. It is so fulfilling to see you, in these times, enjoy every aspect of this film so much; the costumes, the dances, the singing, and the story, including the humor of the day. It makes you wonder what is up with the movies they put out now, doesn't it? Films today just don't have the same kind of impact. There are some exceptions, of course, but generally speaking they just don't make them like they used to. Sometimes that's good, sometimes it is just over done.
To quote a Nostalgia Critic trope "But the chart says..."
Bing Crosby was a famous "crooner" who the got upstaged by Frank "Frankie" Sinatra. Aside from his singing, Bing was known for a series of movies with Bob Hope. Called "the road movies" they were "The Road to ..." various places. Then when they had solo movies the other one would usually show up for a cameo.
Personally I've always preferred Bing to Sinatra.
Bing Crosby: Frank Sinatra is a talent that comes along only once in a lifetime. Unfortunately, he came along in my lifetime. : )
They starred together in High Society, best known for its show-stopping duet "Well, did you ever!"
@@ThreadBomb I also liked their song together along with Dean Martin in "Robin & the Seven Hoods."
Sinatra (and Dean Martin) also has a cameo in Road to Hong Kong.
@@joerogers9413 That was only a joke on Bing's part. They were of a different generation from each other. It was Frank's turn. They acknowledged it by being in High Society together.
I gotta say that watching old movies like this is perfect when you’re not feeling well and lying in bed. Hope you’re feeling better and Blake hasn’t caught it. Merry Christmas to you all.
It's sickening how much talent they were able to pack in those old musicals.
Which is why she'll enjoy some Fred and Ginger, Andrew Sisters, Crosby and Hope, Nicholas Brothers, other Danny Kaye movies, etc. These movies have it all. I even think she'd like the Marx Brothers, some old gangster and noir detective movies, and the glamorous goddesses of the 30s-50s. I mean:
Some Like It Hot
Funny Face
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Even Victor/Victoria
Funny Girl
Hello Dolly, and musicals from the 70s that had those earlier glamour, too. They all have every element she loves. haha.
We should all send her a list, so she can check it twice, and get some movies most reactors aren't doing
One of my favourite Christmas memories is going to the theatre with my Mom a few years ago to see this movie on the big screen; there weren’t a lot of us in the theatre, but we all sang along and had a great time! This is on my Christmas movie watch list every year. Merry belated Christmas, everybody! 🎄🎄🎄
I love this movie and watch it every Christmas.
Highly recommend Hello Dolly and Singing in the Rain. You'll LOVE them!!
I second Singing in the Rain :)
You need to watch Calamity Jane (Doris Day)
Your reaction to this classic film was just delightful to watch Ashleigh! The part of the story where Rosemary Clooney's character won't just tell Bing Crosby's character what is wrong always drives me nuts too, LOL.
Yay! This is definitely a staple in our household for the holidays. Looove it. Maybe not for the channel but if you wanna watch a fun 50's, witty, fashion, progressive for it's time, basically everything you praised this movie for; "Some Like it Hot" is a really solid film :D
"Some Like It Hot" is definitely for this channel! Good pick!
Ashleigh should definitely watch Some Like It Hot! I think she would prefer it to Singing In The Rain.
Oh please please please watch Some Like it Hot. One of the best.
I was thinking of Some Like it Hot, too. definitely Ashleigh needs to watch it!
Yes yes yes Time for some like it hot
I love this movie, and even more than that, I love how much YOU loved this movie - never stop being you Ashleigh - thank you for sparing Blake your 'flu germs, and please keep spreading the contagious joy you have for good things.
When my kids were 5 and 6 they fell in love with this movie for some reason. We've watched it every year now for 7 years. Great little movie.
3:30 - Ashleigh: Wow, he has a wonderful voice.
IT'S BING F#$%IN CROSBY!!!!!
10:45 - A 'minstrel show' is basically what Vaudeville was. For a single admission price you would enter a theater and get a variety of different performers and acts, ranging from jugglers to dancers to magicians to comedians to soliloquists. The style was popular during the first part of the 20th century, but fell out of fashion during the Great Depression. As an aside, this is where the expression 'break a leg' comes from. A performer would only get paid if they appeared on stage and if the crowd got too small, the show would end and anyone who didn't perform was out a paycheck. A 'leg' refers to the narrow curtains on either side of the stage that hides the backstage area from the house, so to 'break a leg' means to walk past this curtain onto the stage.
Even after watching this one who-knows-how-many-times, it's still entertaining. Restores my faith in young people that you like this one, Ashleigh!
I'm so glad you watched this movie! I am 62 years old and I have been watching this since I was a kid. I watch it pretty much every year and it is my all-time favorite christmas movie. The music, the stars, the fashion, the laughs the tears and the romance it's the whole package!!
My older sisters were going to do the "Sisters" number for my wedding, as a surprise, as they were wearing blue dresses. They had to scrap it because they found someone on Etsy who could make the fans, but the cost was something like $550 per. Right in-between "ouch" and "poing!" Would've been amazing though!
EDIT: Yes, she's really tapping that fast. Vera Ellen could do that.
Oh, that would have been fun!! I love the version here in this movie, but Bette Midler has a great version on her Rosemary Clooney Songbook album that she sings with Linda Rondstat.
LOL, that reference!
@@kathyastrom1315 Thank you so much for mentioning the Bette Midler version. I love the song and Linda and Bette. You made my day!
My sisters and I would always sing this for my parents every year around Christmas. Always around the time the movie aired on our local station.
@@legionaireb seriously though…how much is ‘wow?’
If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy the movie “Holiday Inn.” Bing Crosby is in it, the song “White Christmas” but a completely different plot and a lot of other music and dancing…
This review has just made my year! It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street and White Christmas are the 3 I never miss watching during the Christmas holidays. All three were introduced to me by my mom, and never fail to make me feel close to her since she has has been gone. I’m so thrilled that you loved it as much as I do for all the same reasons! Merry Christmas to you , hubbin and Beans!
If you want a classic that happens on Christmas watch Bell Book and Candle with Kim Novak and James Stewart. They made it after Vertigo and it could not be more different.
7:34 I can relate so much to that!!!😆
Me and my family watch this movie every Christmas all together!!!
Thank you.
Irving Berlin's song "White Christmas" was first used (along with a ton of his other songs) in the movie "Holiday Inn" (1942) starring Bing Crosby, dancer Fred Astaire, Marjorie Reynolds and Virginia Dale. Twelve years later, they decided to make a vaguely similar movie with a better plot, have Bing sing White Christmas again, and make it the title song.
Growing up in the 1950s, I loved Rosemary Clooney's hit songs. That unique, smoky voice. I loved Bing's work, too, of course. Everybody did.
Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer (1927-1959), the child star with the cowlick from the Our Gang movies, is the brother, Bennie "Freckle-face" Haynes, in the photo. He's also the guy who's with Donna Reed at the Charleston party in "It's a Wonderful Life," and who gets revenge by opening up the swimming pool after Jimmy Stewart cuts in on him.
This is MY favorite Christmas movie of all time, and I'm a vet and every time they sing to the general I cry!!! I simply LOVE this movie. I am so glad you watched it.
Thank you for your service, Ron!
We need to get some Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movies in your watchlist!
Hell yeah, they’re all brilliant, but Swing Time is a cut above them all.
I've been saying this for a while! Fred Astaire is remembered as a brilliant dancer, but for me he is such a funny and charming actor. Plus there are so many classic songs in those movies, written by the composers who wrote most of the Great American Songbook between them.
Some old Debbie Reynolds needs to be in there too.
@@proehm Singing in the Rain… she won’t be able to handle Gene Kelly!!
I’ve been wishing for “The King and I” 1956 version! The songs, the costumes…
Mary Wickes played the housekeeper. She's had many. many parts in movies and TV. The first movie I remember seeing her is "Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows".
I first saw Mary in Sigmund and the Seamonster.
She was also in The Trouble With Angels, a movie far far superior to its sequel and the last movie directed by Ida Lupino. I highly recommend it.
I love her in On Moonlight Bay and By The Light Of The Silvery Moon with Doris Day too, and of course in the Sister Act movies ❤
I love this movie - its part of a family tradition, we watch it every year with the first snowfall
Cabaret singer and actress Rosemary Clooney, who died in 2004, was one of the actor's aunts. Through his relation to Rosemary Clooney, George Clooney's cousins include actors Miguel Ferrer, Rafael Ferrer, and Gabriel Ferrer, who is married to singer Debby Boone.
Miguel Ferrer was a great actor, probably most known for playing the head of the Robocop program, but he’s also one of the standouts in the original miniseries of The Stand.
This is one of the best musicals ever. The fact that the plot revolves around Christmas makes it very special. I love that somebody your age enjoyed this. 😉
I have to stop the video to say once again that you have to watch To Catch A Thief, Rear Window and Roman Holiday. Beautiful women in stunning fashions, witty dialogue that's second to none and riveting performances in abundance. Please consider watching them soon.
Also _Charade,_ if only for Audrey Hepburn's outfits. And, of course, for "He Who Could Get It."
If Ashleigh's going to watch some Hitchcock, I would add to that list The Trouble With Harry (dark comedy with Shirley Maclaine in her first role), and The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956 version) (starring Doris Day singing her famous song Que Sera Sera).
Vertigo has the best women's dresses in my opinion.
By the way Vera Ellen, the youngest sister, was 9 years older than Rosemary Clooney.
@@ElliotNesterman 🤣🤣
Finally sat down and watched this movie. I can't believe I've been putting it off for so many years. It was very good. I'm definitely adding it to my Christmas movie watch list. Since you did a reaction video I definitely had to watch first. No longer needed to put it off. Thanks for the assist Ashleigh 👍
I’m an old guy and have no excuse for never having watched this movie completely. Your reaction was wonderful.
This is one of my absolute favorites! I watched this every year with my mom and sisters growing up with our fire roaring. It was always my favorite.
I watch this annually. it was one of mom's favorite Christmas movies, so I watch it now for her
You need to see Court Jester with Danny Kaye, Ashleigh! I hope someone puts that on your radar. It is seriously funny and Danny Kaye is amazing in it!
I GASPED when I saw this pop up. 🤩 I'm a millenial too but I have to watch this movie every year. It's magical. Mutual I'm sure!
One thing I know you will love about this movie is the music done by Irving Berlin. He is like a legend and did all of the music for pretty much every hit movie back then.
"Look at his blue eyes!" Now you know how Bing got the nickname "Ol' Blue Eyes". But you probably never heard that before.
I thought that was also the nickname for Sinatra and Newman as well.
@@jamesmoyner7499 That's the concensus, all three used it, Newman less than the other two.
@@jamesmoyner7499 All I remember is a cartoon rooster version of him telling Porky Pig to "let Ol' Blue Eyes" have a crack at motivating his hens to meet their quota for WW2 egg-laying production. Pre-dates either of the other two, and the cartoon even had a young Frankie as one of the tryouts for the rooster competition.
You should go back and watch the precursor to 'White Christmas' and watch 'Holiday Inn' (1942) which was when the song 'White Christmas' by Irving Berlin was first seen/heard. Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire.
One of my ultimate favorite movies. My mom introduced me to the world of old musicals and this one has become our yearly tradition. Glad you’re watching it with us 🥰
Another important relevance:
Keep in mind this was only 9 years after VE Day/ the end of the war in Europe. So the feeling of comradeship was still VERY strong among the audience.
Now that you’ve seen White Christmas you have to do “Holiday Inn” from 1942
That’s when “White Christmas” was introduced.
Just a tip; if Bing Crosby and/or Danny Kaye is in it, it's a safe bet it's a musical. And Rosemary Clooney (the sister with the normal waist) is George Clooney's aunt.
The wardrobe was absolutely fantastic. I agree with you about sometimes wishing I could have been around during that era… This movie is always the first movie I watch of the holiday season🎄🎄
I still have my aunt's prom dress from 1954. Absolutely stunning, but I can't think of a single person in my family who could fit into it. It has an 18 inch waist! I also have a dress that my mom made for herself right after I was born. My mom was 5ft 8inches and when she went into labor with my brother, she weighed 117 pounds. I think she lived on TAB and cigarettes in 1958.
I'm glad to hear you loved this movie. I wasn't so sure it would translate for a younger audience.
This is one of my all time favorite movies. I've watched it every year since I was a child and that was a long time ago. Vera Ellen was a Broadway actress and she didn't make many movies. She was so skinny because she suffered with bulimia most of her adult life. Her costumes had long sleeves and high necks to cover up her skin that was aging prematurely. Also, she wasn't actually singing in the movie. Rosemary Clooney did her part also. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I love the 40s and 50s fashions, too. Got to see my mom wearing some pretty dresses way back when.
Clooney did not dub Vera Ellen's singing voice . Somewhere on RUclips Clooney does a running commentary on the making of WC. She mentions who dubbed for Vera.
I've been waiting for this reaction! This is a movie that I watch every year without fail. Hopefully we'll add Singing in the Rain (Debbie Reynolds in the film is the mother of Carrie Fisher).
So much excitement in your reaction...GOOD FOR YOU!
Some trivia commentary:
Bing Crosby was a well-established star by this point, having started as a singing sensation, then moved to being a radio star, then a movie star. He teamed with Bob Hope to do a series of "Road" comedy films ("The Road to Singapore", "The Road to Zanzibar", "The Road to Utopia", etc) and followed Bob on stage doing some of Bob Hope's USO tours to cheer US troops stationed overseas.
"Betty" was played by Rosemary Clooney, who happens to be George Clooney's aunt. She was by then a well-established recording star in her own right.
The "skinny sister" was played by actress Vera-Ellen, who only relatively recently admitted to a life-long anorexia. That makes her dancing capabilities, which you can easily see takes a lot of effort, quite extraordinary. Props to her!
Bing's business partner was played by Danny Kaye, by then a well-established comedian, recording artist, radio & television star with a number of great comedy films under his belt. You really should pull up performances by him on RUclips. He starred in a musical fictional biography of Hans Christian Anderson notable for the song "Inchworm".
ruclips.net/video/fXi3bjKowJU/видео.html
Danny also starred in "The Court Jester", a period piece that includes the rapid wordplay he was famous for:
ruclips.net/video/PotoHuLEJRY/видео.html
Minstrel Shows... Minstrel shows were very popular from their inception in the 19th Century. Initially, they were musical entertainment by blacks, but eventually they were put on by white folks in blackface (although blacks in blackface also performed them, some also famous as performers). Thank goodness that in White Christmas they presented the minstrel show number without blackface; changing culture would have obviously killed this movie otherwise.
You would enjoy "Hans Christian Anderson". You might even recognize a lot of the songs from that movie.
Ashleigh, I have been WAITING for you to get to this one. I love this movie so so much. I probably watch it 5 times every year around Christmas and I knew you would love it based on your previous reactions. So glad you got around to it.
I'm so happy you reacted to this movie (such a fun reaction)! Ever since I was a kid my family play this movie while we decorate the tree - such a classic!
This is my favorite Christmas movie. It’s a tradition for my family to watch it every Christmas Eve and I’m so happy that you’re watching it. Merry Christmas!
I've been a fan of Danny Kaye ever since I saw him in "The Court Jester" on TV when I was in elementary school. (Now there's a classic movie I would love to see Ashleigh review!) This movie is amazing, and Ashleigh's reactions are amusing and endearing!
Bing Crosby's best uplifting movies: Going My Way, Bells of St Mary's, Holiday Inn.
I recommend all three.
Ashleigh, love your videos, this costume design as well as the most glamourous of this era was by the Goddess of costume in Hollywood EDITH HEAD. Edith was the inspiration (behavior and looks) to Pixar's The Incredibles character Edna Mode.