It’s the holiday season and what represents it better than the wonderful classic White Christmas? I love this 1954 movie with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. This film opens with American soldiers in the middle of a war zone, and it’s Christmas. They’re homesick, afraid, and wondering if they will ever get out of there and come home. Is it WWII, or is it Iraq? The music brings that time to the present that we can all relate to, whether it’s 1941 or 2008. It’s the music from the great Irving Berlin, who made this possible. A true artist whose work can transcend the years that have gone by, and still have such an impact on today’s generation. He was American music.
As a dancer, I admire the athleticism of Danny’s dance numbers. Dancers today can only pray they have one fourth of his talent. Alright, yes, I had a crush on him growing up and I still do. A man who could dance, sing and act as great as he, was a marvel. Oh yeah, Bing Crosby wasn’t bad either. : ) Ok, I’ll stop my gushing and talk about the music. The Irving Berlin songs are such a joy to listen to, such as White Christmas sung by Bing Crosby. The impact this song has as Bing sings to the soldiers at the beginning will bring a tear to your eye. Unless, of course you’re a cold-hearted bah humbug sort of person. Other songs - “Sisters”, “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing”, and “Snow” are such fun songs. This movie has it all for Christmas. There’s war, there’s love, AND there’s comedy. How can you not love this formula? Boy meets girl, wins girl, loses girl, all while singing and dancing and trying to help someone who is down and out on his luck. Even in a world that is hard to face each day in troubled times, this movie shows that everything always turns out alright. Just listen to an Irving Berlin tune!! Happy Holidays and may the best things happen while you’re dancing!
Peace to All!
As a dancer, I admire the athleticism of Danny’s dance numbers. Dancers today can only pray they have one fourth of his talent. Alright, yes, I had a crush on him growing up and I still do. A man who could dance, sing and act as great as he, was a marvel. Oh yeah, Bing Crosby wasn’t bad either. : ) Ok, I’ll stop my gushing and talk about the music. The Irving Berlin songs are such a joy to listen to, such as White Christmas sung by Bing Crosby. The impact this song has as Bing sings to the soldiers at the beginning will bring a tear to your eye. Unless, of course you’re a cold-hearted bah humbug sort of person. Other songs - “Sisters”, “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing”, and “Snow” are such fun songs. This movie has it all for Christmas. There’s war, there’s love, AND there’s comedy. How can you not love this formula? Boy meets girl, wins girl, loses girl, all while singing and dancing and trying to help someone who is down and out on his luck. Even in a world that is hard to face each day in troubled times, this movie shows that everything always turns out alright. Just listen to an Irving Berlin tune!! Happy Holidays and may the best things happen while you’re dancing!
Peace to All!
