I think you're missing something here. "White Christmas" -- the song -- first appeared during World War II, and a lot of GIs in Europe were indeed "dreaming of a White Christmas" when they first heard it. That was the inspiration for the plot of the 1954 film. I grant you that the film could have used more of a Christmas-y flavor throughout the plot and the script it pretty flat. In particular, Rosemary Clooney was sadly underused (beyond her wonderful singing). And her character's dramatic misunderstanding with Bing's character was badly written and flat out stupid. But, the lady had a biting sense of humor and the ability to deliver a wisecrack that was right up there with Eve Arden. Her quip to Danny Kaye and Vera-Ellen when she walked in on their over-the-top swoon at the end of "The Best Things Happen While You're Dancing" was one of the few genuine chuckles in the film -- "What is this...the best two out of three?" The lady could have been a terrific actress, but family demands soon became her priority. Good for her...a loss for us. Shortcomings and all, the film is a Christmas tradition at our house. I could have done without the "Choreography" number, but the rest of the musical moments are top notch. And the finale is plenty Christmas-y.
As we said the other day, Holiday Inn was a better movie. I consider Bing to be the voice of Christmas, but White Christmas wasn't nearly as good and wasn't really a Christmas type movie. I watch his movies to hear him sing primarily, and I admit it, even though he was a major acting box office draw also for so many years.
I watched this one too, it always reminds me of my Dad and my childhood. It seems at Christmas time in the 60s there was always a Christmas special with Bing and like celebrities . Glad you gave it another chance. Take care and Merry Christmas.
Well, since I'm one of the "Christmas...BAH...HUMBUG!!!!!" types you may have heard about, I try to avoid Christmas movies at this time of the year. I can watch them in the summer and have a good time, but not now. If I watched this now, it would only add to my desire to look for a nice cliff to jump off of. Anyway, in younger and happier days I always enjoyed this when it came on. But I'm not the biggest Danny Kaye fan and I don't think he and the somewhat somniferous Bing Crosby make for the best combination. I always enjoyed musicals, but some of them are just too much: too many musical numbers, too much so-called "comedy", and too much drippy romance and sentimentality. But I agree with you about Miss Clooney. She is not only gorgeous, but one of the best singers to ever stand in front of a microphone. She's what makes this watchable. Merry Christmas, Joe! (I could have said "BAH...HUMBUG!!!, but I'll try to be sociable.)
I think it's a good film, but I'm not in a hurry to see it again. I saw it all the way through when I was 12 or 13, and then again a few years ago with my kids. As you said, it's more about 2 buddies making it in show business, falling in love with 2 ladies who are also in show business. It's good if you like that kind of stuff. I'm a lot more into comedy and detective film noir, and some classic horror and some war movies. I recently saw Danny Kaye in "Wonder Man," which is about a show biz guy, but there's a novel twist to it, and a good amount of comedy, so I enjoyed that a lot more than this film. You would probably like that film more, too. Kaye plays a double role as twin brothers, and something way out of the ordinary happens.
Peace. I like many movies from older and different eras -- including the 30s and 40s. I just didn't care for this one, and it's not a Christmas movie as it sets out to be.
It's my second favorite Christmas movie after It's a Wonderful Life, which is my favorite all time movie.
@@Americanasam1994 Wow! Glad you like it, sorry I don't. Believe it or not, I didn't love IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE the first time, but I do now!
@MrCineMayo I hold them both very close to my heart!
Joe on bbc 2 today they transmitted it, a lovely movie to fall asleep to, like I did today merry Christmas joe
I think you're missing something here. "White Christmas" -- the song -- first appeared during World War II, and a lot of GIs in Europe were indeed "dreaming of a White Christmas" when they first heard it. That was the inspiration for the plot of the 1954 film. I grant you that the film could have used more of a Christmas-y flavor throughout the plot and the script it pretty flat. In particular, Rosemary Clooney was sadly underused (beyond her wonderful singing). And her character's dramatic misunderstanding with Bing's character was badly written and flat out stupid. But, the lady had a biting sense of humor and the ability to deliver a wisecrack that was right up there with Eve Arden. Her quip to Danny Kaye and Vera-Ellen when she walked in on their over-the-top swoon at the end of "The Best Things Happen While You're Dancing" was one of the few genuine chuckles in the film -- "What is this...the best two out of three?" The lady could have been a terrific actress, but family demands soon became her priority. Good for her...a loss for us. Shortcomings and all, the film is a Christmas tradition at our house. I could have done without the "Choreography" number, but the rest of the musical moments are top notch. And the finale is plenty Christmas-y.
Thanks for your thoughts. But a Christmas-y finale for a 2 hour movie isn't enough, imo.
I saw this on Netflix, when I had the service, and once was enough. You're right-not a Christmas movie.
I love the Beatles, punk rock and this movie
I think you are ready to watch A Christmas Story- Merry Christmas from Mikey and Ralphie
Merry Christmas 🎅
Love that movie!
As we said the other day, Holiday Inn was a better movie.
I consider Bing to be the voice of Christmas, but White Christmas wasn't nearly as good and wasn't really a Christmas type movie.
I watch his movies to hear him sing primarily, and I admit it, even though he was a major acting box office draw also for so many years.
Sounds like a movie I could really enjoy from my couch. Napping.
It's a great movie
A great movie on its own but not really Christmas.
I watched this one too, it always reminds me of my Dad and my childhood. It seems at Christmas time in the 60s there was always a Christmas special with Bing and like celebrities . Glad you gave it another chance. Take care and Merry Christmas.
I like Bing, at least!
It's like die hard which is not a Christmas movie either
if mean mr mayo does not like it, that means I am going to love it
You will
Well, since I'm one of the "Christmas...BAH...HUMBUG!!!!!" types you may have heard about, I try to avoid Christmas movies at this time of the year. I can watch them in the summer and have a good time, but not now. If I watched this now, it would only add to my desire to look for a nice cliff to jump off of. Anyway, in younger and happier days I always enjoyed this when it came on. But I'm not the biggest Danny Kaye fan and I don't think he and the somewhat somniferous Bing Crosby make for the best combination. I always enjoyed musicals, but some of them are just too much: too many musical numbers, too much so-called "comedy", and too much drippy romance and sentimentality. But I agree with you about Miss Clooney. She is not only gorgeous, but one of the best singers to ever stand in front of a microphone. She's what makes this watchable. Merry Christmas, Joe! (I could have said "BAH...HUMBUG!!!, but I'll try to be sociable.)
@@grey1951 Interesting comment, especially about being able to enjoy Christmas movies in Summer but not now. Wishing you The Best All Year, Mike!
Always hated this movie. It's very boring and hard to get through.
Merry Crimble Mayo!
I've seen it at least 20 times. With 'It's a Wonderful Life', it's my favourite Christmas movie.
Not a fan like you say it's really not a Christmas movie. I do love the song White Christmas but that is as far as it goes.
I think it's a good film, but I'm not in a hurry to see it again. I saw it all the way through when I was 12 or 13, and then again a few years ago with my kids. As you said, it's more about 2 buddies making it in show business, falling in love with 2 ladies who are also in show business. It's good if you like that kind of stuff. I'm a lot more into comedy and detective film noir, and some classic horror and some war movies. I recently saw Danny Kaye in "Wonder Man," which is about a show biz guy, but there's a novel twist to it, and a good amount of comedy, so I enjoyed that a lot more than this film. You would probably like that film more, too. Kaye plays a double role as twin brothers, and something way out of the ordinary happens.
I like, but don’t love this film. I’m okay seeing once a decade or something. But a very Merry Christmas to you and yours!
HI Joe, I totally agree with you. I like Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye but this movie to me was very boring. Holiday Inn with Bing Crosby is much better
It's an Excellent Movie from a different Era. A little long but always makes People feel good.Peace to All.
Peace. I like many movies from older and different eras -- including the 30s and 40s. I just didn't care for this one, and it's not a Christmas movie as it sets out to be.