White Christmas

After Irving Berlin suggested a movie based on his song in 1948, director Michael Curtiz got to work. The 1954 film, "White Christmas" includes a new version of the title song, which was introduced by leading man, Bing Crosby, in the 1942 film "Holiday Inn". Although not a sequel to the latter film, "White Christmas" was intended to reunite Crosby and Fred Astaire for their third Irving Berlin showcase. Astaire declined the project, asked to be released from his contract with Paramount and then Crosby left the project due to the death of his wife. The lighthearted Christmas favorite seems to have had some backstage baggage. Who else other than Crosby would sing the classic tune? Fortunately, when Donald O'Connor signed on to replace Astaire, Crosby was back on the tinsel train...Is it time to sing "Snow"? Not yet. O'Connor had to drop out due to illness and finally, Danny Kaye took on the role.

Some of the original music for the film did not survive due to these casting mishaps. Berlin wrote "A Singer, A Dancer" for Crosby and his planned co-star Fred Astaire; when Astaire became unavailable, Berlin re-wrote it as "A Crooner – A Comic" for Crosby and O'Connor, but when O'Connor left the project, so did the song. Yikes. Who else wants "White Christmas (Irving's Version) (From the Vault)"? Just me?

Trudy Stevens provided the singing voice for Vera-Ellen. For the 'Sisters' number, it was speculated that Rosemary Clooney sang both parts. When Columbia issued "Irving Berlin's White Christmas" album, 'Sisters' was sung by Clooney and her own sister, Betty, the name of her character in "White Christmas".

Another rumor surrounding the film came from the costuming. Why Vera-Ellen wore turtlenecks throughout the film was due to neck wrinkles from an eating disorder. This is false. Shifting gears now for a more fun piece of trivia, future Oscar winner George Chakiris (Best Supporting Actor, "West Side Story") appears as a dancer in the number 'Love, You Didn't Do Right by Me'.

Although receiving mixed reviews upon first release, "White Christmas" has become a holiday staple and remains to this day. Rotten Tomatoes' consensus reads "this unabashedly sentimental holiday favorite is too cheerful to resist." I have to agree. The film is always a mood lifter for myself. Especially Kaye's and Bing's rendition of 'Sisters'.

What are your thoughts on "White Christmas"?

Favorite song from the film: Sisters