SOME OF THE REASONS ‘WHITE CHRISTMAS’ REMAINS A HEARTWARMING CLASSIC
Some things endure, even in the realm of pop culture and cinema. One of these things is the film White Christmas. The film brought us one of culture’s most popular Christmas songs, and features a heartwarming tale of a quartet of people visiting Vermont during the winter season. White Christmas celebrates seventy years this year (back in October), so while late, we still had to celebrate by sharing something.
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SOME OF THE REASONS ‘WHITE CHRISTMAS’ REMAINS A HEARTWARMING CLASSIC. Talking about a few o f the things I love about #WhiteChristmas #GeneKelly #Movies #ChristmasMovies Share on XThe story, as we all likely know, follows Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, former war buddies who are now well respected and popular show business acts. Their opinion holds weight, which is why Judy Haynes, the younger half of a sister duo, writes to ask that they look out for their act and offer advice. This is much to the dismay of her older and more sensible sister Betty, a woman who much to the surprise of Phil, catches the eye of Bob. This inspires Phil and Judy to play matchmakers hopeful that Bob will now settle down and slow down.
This film is all kinds of delightful. I’ll admit that I fast-forward through the musical numbers because while I love some of them, I’m far more invested in the dialogue and the story of these characters. I realize that the music is a part of this, but some of the numbers feel pointless and don’t really further anything. Beyond this, I enjoy White Christmas. Unlike other classic Christmas films, it’s probably the only one I enjoy rewatching. Let’s look at some of the reasons why this one is most rewatchable, which, let’s be honest, will probably just turn into my memories of why I love this movie.
WHITE CHRISTMAS CELEBRATES SEVENTY YEARS
and the reasons I love it
the AMERICANA WARMTH __
There’s a sense of Americana warmth and simplicity to this story. Kicking this into high gear is the war reunion and the way the soldiers honor one of their superior officers is really poignant, especially so because it brings the beginning full circle.
the BUTTERMILK __
Despite my earlier sentiments about the numbers, I do love the “snack” scene. Though I like the conversation better, the song also fits nicely and is really sweet and cute.
the CAST __
From Bing Crosby to Rosemary Clooney and Danny Kaye, the film has a lot of recognizable names. These were also stars who made, particularly Crosby and Kaye, many a film throughout their careers. white christmas celebrates seventy years
the COSTUMES __
The costumes in this are gorgeous. There’s an undeniable glitz and glamour to the production which the costumes add to. There’s so much about this element that dazzles. Even when the characters aren’t in performance clothes, there’s still an elegance that is perhaps also just part of the actors and how they perform their roles.
DANNY KAYE __
I think Danny Kaye is, like in many roles, hilarious. He brings lots of laughter and fun to the role.
the ROMANCE __
We love a good romance. This one doesn’t have a lot of depth or much development, but it’s still warm and sweet and easy to cheer on. white christmas celebrates seventy years
SISTERS __
According to movie trivia which I have no idea about its accuracy, the reprise of the number ‘Sisters’ with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye was the pair merely having fun, but the production liked it so well they filmed and included it. I can believe this since the scene has the actors barely containing their laughter, so I feel like the scene, for them, was more about messing about versus a planned and precisely rehearsed number.
the WHITE CHRISTMAS __
I mean, yes, I also love the end scene. It’s wonderfully staged and perfectly seasonal, and of course, as is true of the sentiment “only in the movies,” the film has that delicate and ideal snowfall.
Photos: Paramount Pictures (Alamy Stock Photo)
Stream, at publication, White Christmas, with Prime Video; or digitally rent or purchase on Amazon or Apple TV
What are some of your most favorite things about White Christmas? Do you enjoy this one or is it a classic you detest? What is your most favorite moment or character? Comment all of your White Christmas celebrates seventy years thoughts below! Let’s talk about it all.
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