White Christmas (1954)

Two WWII Army veterans (Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye) team up to do a musical act which is hugely successful. But when they come across a sister act (Rosemary Clooney, Vera Ellen), romantic complications arise. Add to that, they discover their old Major General (Dean Jagger), now retired, is struggling to make a success of his Vermont inn. Directed by Michael Curtiz, this is the only Christmas movie I watch religiously each year. Don't ask me why. The story is mundane, it stars Bing Crosby (probably my least favorite actor ever) and most of the songs aren't among Irving Berlin's best. But there's a certain likability about the whole event. Loyal Griggs' Technicolor eye popping cinematography (it was the first film released in the VistaVision wide screen process), Edith Head's gorgeous costumes and Robert Alton's choreography all contribute to the film's enjoyment. Among the film's musical highlights: the spectacular Mandy production number and the amusing Martha Graham parody Choreography. With Mary Wickes and Barrie Chase.