Today’s quick review: White Christmas. Bob Wallace (Bing Crosby) and Phil Davis (Danny Kaye), a pair of successful Broadway producers, set aside their vacation plans to join the Haynes sisters, Betty (Rosemary Clooney) and Judy (Vera-Ellen), for Christmas in Vermont. The ski lodge is owned by their old commanding officer, General Waverly (Dean Jagger), but the unseasonably warm weather has left it almost empty. While Bob puts together a show to draw in customers, Phil and Judy conspire to set him up with Betty.
White Christmas is a Christmas musical with a talented cast, smart dialogue, and a wonderful soundtrack. Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye play two Army buddies who form a musical act after the war and eventually parlay their success into a Broadway career. The two hit it off with Betty and Judy, a sister act with a job coming up in Vermont, so Phil and Judy seize the opportunity to play matchmaker.
The musical talent in the film is top notch. The songs are written by Irving Berlin, and the song list contains a pleasant mix of Christmas songs and Broadway numbers. There are two or three standout hits, including the title track, and even the least memorable songs are vibrant and cleanly executed. Danny Kaye and Vera-Ellen have several chances to show off their spectacular dancing, while Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney lend their melodious voices to Berlin’s beautiful lyrics.
The story is a light tale of loyalty, romance, and misunderstanding. There are two main plot threads: the show for General Waverly and the budding romance between Bob and Betty. The former is a sentimental tribute to a respected man, showing the ups and downs of returning to civilian life for the soldiers in World War II. The latter is a romantic comedy in the classical mold, with the growing affection between Bob and Betty helped and sometimes hindered by the cajoling of their partners.
The character dynamics are the glue that holds the movie together. Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye make quite a pair, with natural chemistry, sharp banter, and impeccable timing. Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen play opposite them as a pair of devoted sisters with opposite approaches to life. The vivacious Judy quickly finds a fellow conspirator in Phil, while the steady Betty finds a mature companion in Bob.
Watch White Christmas if you are in the mood for a pleasant holiday classic with excellent music and acting. The comedy is subtle but clever, the songs have a nice variety to them, and the plot is insubstantial but sweet. Skip it if you are looking for more overt comedy or a more substantive plot, or if you dislike older musicals.
7.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 9.0 for high quality and being a personal favorite.