White Christmas (1954)

75% of critics liked it
(32 reviews)
87% of users liked it
(47,922 ratings)

White Christmas, Paramount's belated follow-up to the 1942 hit Holiday Inn, was the studio's first VistaVision production. A veritable warehouse full of oldie-but-goodie Irving Berlin tunes are woven into the film's simplistic plotline, along with a handful of new songs, of which "What Can You Do… More White Christmas, Paramount's belated follow-up to the 1942 hit Holiday Inn, was the studio's first VistaVision production. A veritable warehouse full of oldie-but-goodie Irving Berlin tunes are woven into the film's simplistic plotline, along with a handful of new songs, of which "What Can You Do With a General?" is the least memorable. Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye (replacing an ailing Donald O'Connor) play nightclub entertainers Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, while Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen are cast as singing-sister act Betty and Judy. The foursome travel to Vermont to visit Bob and Phil's WII commanding officer, General Waverly (Dean Jagger, who looks and sounds like Dwight D. Eisenhower!), who now runs a rustic old inn. Discovering that the general is in dire financial straits, the four entertainers secretly make plans to bail the old guy out with a big musical show, enlisting the aid of Bob and Phil's army buddies. Corny in the extreme, White Christmas evidently struck a responsive note with film fans; it was the high-grossing picture of 1954, and a decade later proved to be a ratings bonanza when it was given its network-TV premiere. Of the four stars, Crosby comes off best, especially when singing the title song at the beginning and end of the film; Kaye is a bit overshadowed this time out, though he's quite funny camping it up in a "drag" version of Irving Berlin's "Sisters." Still a big favorite on the home-video circuit, White Christmas may not be the best Bing Crosby musical on the market, but it's certainly one of the most heartwarming. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 2 hr.
Directed By: Michael Curtiz
Written By: Melvin Frank, Norman Krasna
Genres: Kids & Family, Musical & Performing Arts, Classics

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1954 Wide
On DVD: Nov 21, 2000
Studio: Paramount Pictures

Critic Reviews

Variety Staff, Variety
Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, along with VistaVision, keep the enteratinment going in this fancifully staged production, clicking well.
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
The whole thing is rather forced and antiseptically cheerful.
Bosley Crowther, New York Times
Director Michael Curtiz has made his picture look good. It is too bad that it doesn't hit the eardrums and the funnybone with equal force.
Charles Cassady, Common Sense Media
Musical-comedy classic reprises Irving Berlin hit.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...for its many fans, this Blu-ray edition does it proud, and the entire production looks spanking new. (Blu-ray Edition)
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...not a great musical, just a pleasant little piece of fluff trying to capitalize on past accomplishments.
David Jenkins, Time Out
Paramount's first film in (lavender-hued) VistaVision was this pornographically soppy but, nonetheless, hearty and humorous 1954 festive romp.
Wendy Ide, Times [UK]
White Christmas is the cinema equivalent of an inappropriate festive snog under the mistletoe - you know you probably shouldn't enjoy it but you just can't help yourself.
Peter Bradshaw, Guardian [UK]
It's a nice, if undemanding, Yuletide treat.
Chris Hicks, Total Film
This was the Mamma Mia! of its day, a nostalgic blast of popular Irving Berlin showtunes gift-wrapped in new-fangled VistaVision that danced its way to the top of the 1954 box office.
Derek Malcolm, This is London
A new score by Irving Berlin also contributed to its marzipan popularity. But it's the title song that really produced lasting gold. That and the fake snow.
Victor Olliver, Teletext
How many festive shopping experiences have been ruined by the sound of Bing Crosby gargling out White Christmas over department store tannoys worldwide?
, Film4
With a cast like this, the ensuing light-hearted mayhem and Irving Berlin's title song, there is not much cause to complain if you're looking for nothing more than mild diversion.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Though it's not as satisfying as it might have been, it still boasts great stars and catchy songs in addition to a love story, and is a perennial holiday favorite.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Hardly put me in a Merry Christmas mood.

Read all 15 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Everett J

Having never seen this, i figured this would be the perfect time. Made in 1954, it holds up pretty well. Not a big musical fan, but I found the songs to be catchy and entertaining. Plus, Bing Crosby singing "White Christmas" is pretty awesome, can't lie. It's… More
Having never seen this, i figured this would be the perfect time. Made in 1954, it holds up pretty well. Not a big musical fan, but I found the songs to be catchy and entertaining. Plus, Bing Crosby singing "White Christmas" is pretty awesome, can't lie. It's the story of four entertainers trying to help a ex General who runs a hotel and has financial trouble. All the performances are solid, and the ending is both emotional and touching. Not my favorite Christmas movie, or musical(this ain't no "Singin in the Rain"), but I can see the appeal for long time fans. Go back and watch for a retro Christmas musical treat.
moon r

I've seen it a million times ... ok, ok, I've seen it every Christmas since we had a TV set ... and yeah, I still watch it. A movie entirely built around the popularity of one song that brought misty eyes and dreams of home to our soldiers overseas during WWll ... they… More
I've seen it a million times ... ok, ok, I've seen it every Christmas since we had a TV set ... and yeah, I still watch it. A movie entirely built around the popularity of one song that brought misty eyes and dreams of home to our soldiers overseas during WWll ... they don't do THAT anymore. Is there a Vietnam musical we can laugh with? Iraq? Afghanistan?
Michael E

the music is very good but there isnt much to keep you staying to watch it except for the occasional laugh and my favorite part being when they lip sync that song when they dress in drag
Cassie H

I'm dreaming of a white christmas. This movie was a great musical with excellant performances by Danny Kaye,Bing Crosby,and Rosemary Clooney,and Vera Ellen. Great christmas film, if you love musicals :) I just love this movie :) It's another great holiday film :)
AJ V

My favourite Christmas movie! It's got a lot of fun songs, nice comedy, and good actors. And of course, Crosby does the famous title song. A must see.
danny d

this classic Christmas musical is one of the more well beloved and cherished musicals, and Christmas movies, of all time. surprisingly, for me its one of the more overrated. i am a huge fan of director michael curtiz, as well as both leading men, crosby and kaye, but the film didnt… More
this classic Christmas musical is one of the more well beloved and cherished musicals, and Christmas movies, of all time. surprisingly, for me its one of the more overrated. i am a huge fan of director michael curtiz, as well as both leading men, crosby and kaye, but the film didnt quite work on enough levels. its a Christmas movie that has little to do with Christmas, and despite the fact that the music was well paced and not overdone the story never feels like its truly going anywhere. the focus of the story is on crosby falling in love with an unatractive woman at first sight an hour after saying he wasnt all that interested in love at this point in his life, and then the film uses the overdone plot device of creating unnecessary conflict out of zaney misunderstanding, which are misunderstandings that would never unfold this way in real life. the film is slightly saved by one very touching and well done moment at the end where the general is surprised by his former soldiers, but overall it all adds up to being fairly average.
Mason W

White Christmas, from 1954 starring the greats; Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Vera-Ellen, and Danny Kay. This is one of my two all time favorite Xmas films (the other being the original 40's Xmas in Connecticut with Barbara Stanwyck) that are worth your time. This classic… More
White Christmas, from 1954 starring the greats; Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Vera-Ellen, and Danny Kay. This is one of my two all time favorite Xmas films (the other being the original 40's Xmas in Connecticut with Barbara Stanwyck) that are worth your time. This classic with an Irving Berlin song's is always a staple for the holiday season. This will make everyone smile and enjoy the time of year...a joyful movie!
Jeremy S

Great musical with my favourite song 'White Christmas' performed by Bing Crosby.
Lanning :

To all flixsters who celebrate it, Merry Christmas 2007. This is one of my all-time favorite Christmas movies.
Tom E

Even tho it's a color takeoff on Holiday Inn, It is a very beautiful presentation especially the last tear-jerking scene.
Jason S

Excellent christmas movie.
Mike N

Once again, Tubbs informed me of the likelihood of Bogart and/or Kamikaze making an appearance at the cinemas this gentle, tender eve, for some russian film called "Ritornovta: King". Where does Tubbs find this stuff out? Maybe he's some sort of movie buff too. Might… More
Once again, Tubbs informed me of the likelihood of Bogart and/or Kamikaze making an appearance at the cinemas this gentle, tender eve, for some russian film called "Ritornovta: King". Where does Tubbs find this stuff out? Maybe he's some sort of movie buff too. Might explain the tattoo of Rosemary Clooney he has on his upper arm. So yeah, I think I might hafta attend this flick. And who knows? Maybe Larry might be there...still as beer-fetchingly beautiful as ever. (drools) Whew! Sorry 'bout that. Whenever I think of women, I tend to break out into a spontaneous cheese fantasy-induced drool. Somethin' about women and cheese...ya know? Some striking similarities. I'd go into more detail, but I thought I'd keep it ambiguous instead. Anyways, Squiggy & Co. have made little developments on the Methochaun, and there were more attacks on my waffle soldiers (2 casaulties, 3 injured in the syrup ward). Tough little bastards, they are. Except when they're forced to actually fight. Then they fold like a bad hand of cards. Or a lawnchair. Or flimsy oregami. Or Kamikaze's grandma under my car. Or...eh, I think you get the picture. Maybe I should up the waffle training from "0 days" to "0.5 days". I'm dispatching more waffle troops to frontlines everywhere, and leaving the army in Tubbs' command. I'm doing a solo mission to the theater to watch this modern russian classic (that apparently features evil jewelry, evil lava, innocent dancing, and evil giant elephants - hmm, sounds like another ripoff to me), and scour the viscinity for the likes of evildoers in the shape of Bogart, Kamikaze, John Travolta and Meatloaf. I think I'm gonna bring "Warm Embrace" with me. Maybe I'll see that crazed murderous theater usher again too. I'll show HIM a thing or two about crazedness and murderousness! (loads "Warm Embrace" with very painful paintballs). Probably a Bogartian spy. Man, he's cleverererer than I thought, that Bogart. But thankfully, he's no genius. 'Cause then I'd be screwed.
Christopher O

The best holiday movie ever beats It's a Wonderful Life by a mile. Great music dancing and engaging characters Led by Crosby, Kaye, Clooney and Ellen. It truly is not christmas with out viewing it at least once. Stick to dvd's because tv seems to edit it strangely and chunks… More
The best holiday movie ever beats It's a Wonderful Life by a mile. Great music dancing and engaging characters Led by Crosby, Kaye, Clooney and Ellen. It truly is not christmas with out viewing it at least once. Stick to dvd's because tv seems to edit it strangely and chunks of the plot are missed.
Andrew F

Not spectacular, but entertaining. I don't like Bing Crosby very much.
Alice S

Music and dancing were all right, I guess, but I was particularly moved by the old theme of war comradeship.
Andrew P

Regarded as a classic, but its always regarded by people over 30. Watching it in the cinema with a bunch of old people was a lovely thing to do but the movie to me and im guessing my generation seems dated and slow, because it is. Its a christmas movie which is bareable once a year,… More
Regarded as a classic, but its always regarded by people over 30. Watching it in the cinema with a bunch of old people was a lovely thing to do but the movie to me and im guessing my generation seems dated and slow, because it is. Its a christmas movie which is bareable once a year, but certainly doesnt hold up like the real old classics.
Sarah P

I was disappointed - it didn't seem to have much to do with Christmas at all.
nathometer

Not bad, but it just feels like a thursday night Christmas special.

Read all 18 featured audience ratings

Cast

            Bing Crosby as Bob Wallace

            Danny Kaye as Phil Davis

            Rosemary Clooney as Betty

            Vera-Ellen as Judy

            Dean Jagger as Gen. Waverly

            Mary Wickes as Emma

            John Brascia as Joe

            Anne Whitfield as Susan

            George Chakiris as Unnamed Dancer in Club

            Barrie Chase as Doris

            Robert Crosson as Albert

            Marcel dela Brosse as Maitre d'

            Mike Pat Donovan
            
            Gavin Gordon as Gen. Carlton

            Johnny Grant as Ed Harrison

            Percy Helton as Train Conductor

            I. Stanford Jolley as Station Master

            Sig Rumann as Landlord

            Richard Shannon as Adjutant

            Grady Sutton as General's Guest

            Herb Vigran as Novello

            James Parnell as Sheriff

            Dick Keene as Assistant Stage Manager

            Bea Allen
            
            Lorraine Crawford
            
            Les Clark
            
            Vera Ellen
            
See full cast