I love Christmas movies. There are a lot of them that I love though, so sometimes I don't get around to watching them all before Christmas, but that's ok, I just continue watching them until I am satisfied. Sue me. No don't. Don't sue me. It would be a serious waste of your time.
So, even though Christmas is over and I should probably post this next November when everyone wants to get in the Christmas spirit again, I shall defy the laws of Christmas and write my reviews of Holiday Movies now. So let's go.
White Christmas
Not only is it my favourite Christmas film, White Christmas is one of my favourite films of all time, for many reasons. It is a complete musical, not just a Christmas musical. It has an amazing score by Irving Berlin and a great book full of, in my opinion, very clever dialogue.
The libretto is full of fabulous, classic Irving Berlin style songs: crooner melodies (the Christmas classic "White Christmas", and the sultry "Love, You Didn't Do Right By Me"), bouncy up-tempo show-stoppers ("Mandy", "Gee, I wish I was Back in the Army"), and really clever little "character" pieces ("Sisters" and one of my all-time Danny Kay faves "Choreography" which has run through my head during many a dance rehearsal).
I have to discuss the book, or script, or whatever. I think it's brilliant. Totally brilliant. The dialogue is so clever and, I truly believe, beyond its time. The characters are real people who talk to each other in every-day language with every-day wit. They're so casual, in an age when the dialogue in films was still rather formal and starched. Here is an example, it's the moment when they get off the train in Vermont to find it warm and snowless.
Phil: Woah! They must have grass-covered igloos up here.
Judy: This is warmer than Florida.
Bob: Where's the beach?
Judy: Should've brought our bathing suits. Is this Vermont, New England's winter playground?
Phil: Are you sure this is the right Vermont.
Bob: This must be southern Vermont... well, must be wonderful up in Vermont this time of year. All that underwear!
Phil: Gosh, I hope I can take the electric blanket back.
Bob: Where've you got that?
Phil: Under the underwear.
Bob: Well, you'll get a nice tan.
Ok. So, the dialogue's a little clever, nothing special, but - their comedic timing is awesome. They're so subtle and straight-faced, particularly Bing Crosby.
Can we just discuss Bing for a second? I don't even need to say anything about his voice because, obviously, even The Bube (aka Michael Buble) has nothing on Bing. I just want to discuss his acting. I am only a humble first year musical theatre student who knows very little about the craft, but in my opinion, Bing was a real actor. His style is so subtle, you almost miss his humour, but if you really listen to the dialogue he is completely hilarious. I really think, despite the fact that he obviously was a singer first, he understood the "primary state of being". When he is in front of the camera, at least in this film, he is being that character.
Vera Ellen is an amazing performer. Not really a strong singer or actress, but obviously, one of the most phenomenal female dancers of her time. Her legs are insane. Insane. I adore the dance number between her and Danny Kaye "The Best Things Happen While You're Dancing". It's an amazing showcase of two brilliant dancers. Hollywood just doesn't produce dance numbers like that any more.
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I could go on and on about the musical numbers. They're incredibly spectacular: big sets, flashy costumes etc., yet they also contain that same clever humour found in the dialogue. Additionally, all of the actors in this film are incredible performers in song. Danny Kaye is one-of-a-kind with his ridiculous comedic character pieces, Rosemary Clooney breaks your heart, Bing... well we've already covered him, and Vera Ellen knocks your socks off with her incredible dance performances.
To summarize, White Christmas is amazing. I love it. I could watch it at any time of year. I love a good old show within a show plot, too. So classic of its day.
If you've never seen it before, watch it. Do it now before New Year's arrives and we all have to resolve to watch less television.
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