White Christmas (DVD, 2000, Sensormatic)

"White Christmas" is typical of the overblown musicals of the 50s. The music is over-orchestrated and the so-called musical numbers are excessively staged. Irving Berlin's songs are, of course, now standards, especially the title tune (which was originally written in 1942). This film is basically a halfway remake of "Holiday Inn" which starred Bing and Fred Astaire. Danny Kaye is not exactly Astaire but what he lacks in talent he makes up for in enthusiasm. He brings much more to the role than it actually requires. Bing sleepwalks between numbers, wrestling with a romantic subplot that is rather embarrassing -- especially when you consider he was actually twice as old as Rosemary Clooney when this film was made. He was the same age as Dean Jagger who is wearing a toupee that is so bad (apparently to make him look older) it looks like it might peel off and fly away on its own at any moment. Bing's toupee is better but one has to marvel at the cements they used in those days to keep rugs in place! The main plot -- staging a show to save the retired General's inn (i.e. Dean Jagger) -- has been done over and over in it seems endless variations in films since the talkies began to sing and dance. Though this film was made in 1954 it seems like 1934 plot and song-wise. Other than "White Christmas" the rest of the Berlin tunes are lesser-known, including an instrumental version of "Abraham" -- which was a scandalous number in "HOliday Inn" dones in black face! The minstrel number in this film has to go down in history as the only time such a number was NOT done in blackface. It seems totally pointless and certainly has nothing to do with Christmas. One truly embarrassing moment is the number "Choreography" -- which is supposed to be a satire on the excesses of modern musicals which this film itself is guilty of! I bought this as a gift; I'd never waste money on it otherwise. If you must see it, you can fast forward between musical numbers and save yourself an hour of twitching over the inane plot, hackneyed characterizations and unbelievable romance. This is beyond hokey -- it is just plain annoying!

White Christmas is a classic. Available on DVD, VHS and T.V. at least one time per season! Who can not love Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye as a song and dance man duo who meet two sisters (who are a song and dance team duo) - who team up to go to a little Inn in Vermont. There they run into their old Army Commander whose Inn does not have enough people to keep it running. The 4 singer/dancers get their heads together and decide to do a surprise show and invite all of their old army buddies to come to the inn at Christmas to both cheer up their commander and bring money to the inn. Of course love, romance, lost romance and regained romance is part of the story along with traits of friendship, loyalty and love for one another.

This is a great family movie and a classic that everyone should own. Buy or rent White Christmas for lovely to bring the Christmas spirit into your home and hearts!

If you haven't seen this movie by now - you've really been missing out on a true holiday classic. Bing Crosby & Danny Kaye are superb in this winter wonderland of song and dance. If you really enjoy a good heart warming holiday story - this moive is a must see !! The boys are two army buddies who team up to put on a song and dance act. Of course, they are a smash hit. They meet up with two gorgeous ladies and the four head off to Vermont to help retired Army General Waverly save his ski lodge/retirement place. The movie is truly a gem. With performances of "White Christmas" and "Counting your Blessings" among others, it really is fun to watch and reminds us all of when life was more simpler and happier. A True Holiday Classic.

I love great Christmas movies and I have watched hundreds of them. I am a Grandma and I love everything about Christmas. This movie ranks #2 on my top 100 favorite Christmas movies. It stars Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen. A colorful song and dance filled holiday treat! Bing Crosby singing his great Christmas song...I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas, love is in the air, and a beautiful Vermont Inn at Christmas time...It can't get much better than this!

Christmas isn't Christmas unless I watch White Christmas at least five times! This movie starts and ends my Christmas season!! Acting, dancing, and music are all superb!! Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera Ellen shine in this classic song and dance musical that incorporates love, show biz, and the spirit of Christmas. A must see for all the soft hearted Christmas fans out there.