There are so many classic Christmas movies out there- both old school and modern- we tend to watch every year.
It’s a Wonderful Life, the first two Home Alone movies, Love Actually, and of course Die Hard.
For me, White Christmas will always be a top tier Christmas movie. It doesn’t matter how many versions you hear every December on the airwaves on the radio and all the stores. It’ll always be something extra special because it’s very much a product of its time. (And when I say this, it’s meant as a positive). Classic Hollywood with the big production musical numbers and one of a kind costumes. And how it’s a love letter to those who served in World War II.
It reminds me of my grandma on my dad’s side and all the production that led to spending Christmas at her house. The hour-long car ride, having to dress up, etc. I know she had a Barbie doll that was dressed as Eliza Doolittle at the Ascot race and I want to say she also had one Barbie dressed in one of the Haynes sisters’ Mrs. Claus outfits but I’m not positive.
I didn’t see the movie until years after she’d passed away, but I feel oddly nostalgic about it. For it showing a simpler time in Hollywood but also the time period it’s set. My grandma on my mom’s side served in World War II. He passed away before I was born so I never met him. But I’ve heard stories of how he wanted a big family (got the 12 kids but not the 50/50 boy-girl ratio) and had an affinity for peanut butter on EVERYTHING, including sardines.
So, I guess this movie resonates with something in my DNA.
As good as the actual song is and how it feels like a distant memory of Christmases past, it’s another experience to see how the movie used it to its full potential.
It serves as the perfect bookend. Bing Crosby sings it to his fellow troops overseas to give them a taste of home during a lull in the action. Then it’s done to greater effect to conclude the movie. Trust me, seeing the snow come down in the background while the whole cast sings the song- if you don’t feel something by the end of it, you’re not human.
The movie revolves around two army buddies Wallace and Davis, how they meet up with the sisters of another buddy from their regiment and spend the holiday at an inn run by their former general, General Waverly. The inn is having an off season due to lack of “snow, snow, snow…”
In his older age, he’s content but they believe he feels a bit forgotten and underappreciated, particularly when his petition to reenlist is denied. So, they move their stage show to his inn and plan a massive surprise for him.
Meanwhile Bob Wallace and Betty, the oldest of the sisters, tiptoe their way towards a relationship and his friend Phil and younger sister Judy try all they can to play Cupid for them. Unfortunately, the road towards this conclusion is a rocky one through misunderstanding and being unable to get out of their own way. A little too much “one step forward, two steps back”. Almost like a romcom but the laughs aren’t as frequent. Phil bringing up his “injury” from when he saved Bob’s life on the battlefield to twist his arm into going along with his schemes is only funny the first couple times.
The musical numbers are admittedly a mixed bag. The rehearsal numbers range from spectacular choreography to bizarre themes. If we learn anything about the Wallace and Davis production, it’s eclectic. None of the numbers have anything to do with each other except for the fact it’s Hollywood in its heyday of musicals.
The “Sisters” number(s) and Phil’s first dance with Judy are the better highlights and the payoff that is the 151st regiment reunion on stage and the finale… the whole movie is worth watching for that alone.
This year the Sundance channel had a movie marathon, but I made sure to put it on for the last half hour where everything comes together.
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