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Cinema Review: White Christmas (***)

Amy Taylor looks at a Christmas film classic.

Boisterous dance numbers, eye-popping cinematography, some very famous musical numbers, such as ‘Snow’, ‘Sisters’ and of course, the eponymous tune ‘White Christmas’, Michael Curtiz’s 1954 musical comedy showcases the best of Bing Cosby and 1950s choreography but is missing a few of the final touches.

Beginning during WWII, White Christmas follows the inseparable twosome Bob Wallace (Crosby) and Phil Davis (Danny Kaye) through their army careers to their successful showbiz double-act a decade later. But when they befriend the Hayne sisters, a new double-act comprised of Betty (Rosemary Clooney) and Judy (Vera-Ellen), they set off on a journey that leads them to Vermont and their old Army Major (Dean Jagger).

Featuring some impressive song and dance numbers, a prestigious cast, including Crosby, Clooney (George’s Auntie), Kaye, Ellen and songs by Irving Berlin, White Christmas is a colourfully visual and comical feast for the festive season. However, while the colourful cinematography in the movie gives it an almost dreamlike appeal, and while the dance sequences are not only very impressive but also very energetic, White Christmas’ premise is a little tired. The story of two friends falling in love with two sisters is obviously nothing new, and although the addition of a long-lost arm general does make this tale a little different, this story of love, misunderstanding and reconciliation feels a little overstretched. This gives White Christmas the feel of being overly long and peppered with a number of unrelated but very pretty dance sequences in order to make the film fit its 120 minute running time. While the film may be lacking some substance, White Christmas remains a feel good Christmas movie classic that unleashes the power of good deeds, good friends and of course, show business.

Screened recenlty at Filmhouse.

Tags: cinema

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