Having left the Army following WWII, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis team up to become a top song-and-dance act. Davis plays matchmaker and introduces Wallace to a pair of beautiful sisters (Betty and Judy Haynes) who also have a song-and-dance act. When Betty and Judy travel to a Vermont lodge to perform a Christmas show, Wallace and Davis follow, only to find their former commander, General Waverly, as the lodge owner. He's sunk his savings and his pension into the venture but it has yet to snow and it looks like he's on the verge of bankruptcy. They come up with a plan to help the General out, but a misunderstanding leads to a rift between Bob and Betty, leaving it to Phil and Judy to try and get them back together. White Christmas is one of the warmest feeling festive flicks I have ever encountered. Just something about the atmosphere gives off a comforting vibe that is accompanied by the spectacular cast who give this film life. We open to a grand setting of a demolished site during the Second World War with buildings in ruins with a small stage built in the centre. We get a glimpse of the performances done to boost the morale of the troops, especially during the Christmas period where we see Wallace and Davis doing some routines. It is one of my favourite scenes most likely for the set design but also the singing of Crosby's iconic 'White Christmas' which he is most well known for and a farewell song featuring the whole crew to their commander in a heartfelt moment. As it ends the site is bombed and a wall almost falls on Wallace who is luckily saved by Davis who 'injures' his arm and uses this to guilt trip him into forming a duo act in performing. They of course become a renouned success after the war but Davis sets his sights on some time to relax and attempts to settle Wallace down with a lady, also as a means of cheering him up. They later meet another duo act, sisters Betty and Judy Haynes where the two fall for the other ladies. Each of the main cast are of course singers and performers who translate their skills onto the big screen in a plethra of ways. Bing Crosby brings his delightful singing, Danny Kaye offers his energetic dancing and comedy, Vera-Ellen her spectacular dancing and Rosemary Clooney supplies her beautiful voice. Each brings a definitive trait that sets them apart from the rest whilst also combining their talents into a fabulous display, working off of one another. This can be best seen through Danny (Davis) dancing with Vera (Judy) in a striking display early on in the film full of stunts and some magnificent choreography. The group end up taking a joint holiday to Vermont where they bump into their old commander, General Waverly who now owns a lodge that is falling on bad times, which the duo attempts to fix. Using their popularity and influence with the aid of the sisters, Wallace and Davis bring over their show to entertain, plus arrange all the soldiers who served under the General to lift his spirits. Whilst at the lodge we see plenty of dancing segments mainly through the use of practising before the show, which fills gaps throughout the film for some dance numbers and pretty spectacles. Equally, we get some moments for songs with highlights revolving around Crosby (Wallace) and Rosemary (Betty) whose romance takes centre stage with its ups and downs. Their chemistry was incredible and was a romance that we, the viewers, wanted to see blossom to its fullest like Davis and Judy, which makes their eventual get-together all the more satisfying. My one gripe throughout the film was a slight absence of the look of Christmas. Its presence is certainly felt and talked about but with the lack of snow (until the end) and little decor at times felt as though it could be a film for any time of the year rather than a Christmas flick. However, towards the end, it all comes together with all the plot lines and payoffs coming to a close with that picture-perfect winter and a dazzling display of the festivities. Overall, I had a wonderful time and it's easy to see why it is many people's comfort movie. There are catchy songs, exquisite dances and it produces just the right feeling of warmth and joy. A perfect film for the perfect season.
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