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What is the storyline of White Christmas?
Singers Bob Wallace (Bing Crosby) and Phil Davis (Danny Kaye) join sister act Betty (Rosemary Clooney) and Judy Haynes (Vera-Ellen) to perform a Christmas show in rural Vermont. There, they run into Gen. Waverly (Dean Jagger), the boys' commander in World War II, who, they learn, is having financial difficulties; his quaint country inn is failing. So what's the foursome to do but plan a yuletide miracle: a fun-filled musical extravaganza that's sure to put Waverly and his business in the black!White Christmas / Film synopsis
What type of musical is White Christmas?
Christmas traditional popWhite Christmas (song)"White Christmas"GenreChristmas traditional popLength3:02 (1942 recording) 3:04 (1947 recording)LabelDecca (1942–1973 issues) MCA (1983–1985 issues)Songwriter(s)Irving Berlin9 more rows
Who are the characters in White Christmas?
Judy HaynesVera-EllenSusan WaverlyAnne WhitfieldPhil DavisDanny KayeBob WallaceBing CrosbyBetty HaynesRosemary ClooneyMajor General Thomas F...Dean JaggerWhite Christmas/Characters
Is White Christmas a Broadway musical?
White Christmas played a limited engagement on Broadway at the Marquis Theatre, which started in previews on November 14, 2008 running through January 4, 2009, for 53 performances and 12 previews. The production was directed by Walter Bobbie and choreographed by Skinner.
Who is Martha in White Christmas?
Martha Watson – (late 40's to mid-60's) – Once a Broadway star, now the General's housekeeper. The true force behind running the Inn. Very dry wit and frank with a wisecracking sense of humor. Big hearted, but unsentimental.
How long is White Christmas?
2 hoursWhite Christmas / Running time
What is a White Christmas in slang?
A white Christmas refers to the presence of snow on Christmas; either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day depending on local tradition.
Is there a pine tree Vermont?
The white pine is one of Vermont's most important trees. The tall, straight pines were once used for the masts of ships.
What movie did Will Smith turn down?
Django UnchainedWill Smith revealed that he turned down the lead role in Quentin Tarantino's Oscar-winning movie Django Unchained because he "couldn't connect to violence being the answer" in the storyline. The 2012 film follows slave Django Freeman (Jamie Foxx), who trains under German bounty hunter Dr.
How many songs are in White Christmas?
Directed by Michael Curtiz, the film starred Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen, and featured 17 songs by Irving Berlin.
Is White Christmas A jukebox musical?
“White Christmas is a sturdily old-fashioned version of a jukebox musical of genuine classics. As an opportunity to bask in a festive soundtrack, there's hardly a more lovely show in town.”
Was White Christmas a movie or play first?
Although the movie stars Bing Crosby and features songs by Irving Berlin, it is not a sequel to the earlier film, Holiday Inn (1942), as Crosby plays different characters in each movie (Jim Hardy in the first film; Bob Wallace in this one).
Is White Christmas A jukebox musical?
“White Christmas is a sturdily old-fashioned version of a jukebox musical of genuine classics. As an opportunity to bask in a festive soundtrack, there's hardly a more lovely show in town.”
Who wrote White Christmas musical?
Irving BerlinWhite Christmas / ComposerIrving Berlin was a Russian-American composer, songwriter and lyricist. His music forms a large part of the Great American Songbook. Born in Imperial Russia, Berlin arrived in the United States at the age of five. Wikipedia
What is Irving Berlin best known for?
Irving Berlin, original name Israel Baline, (born May 11, 1888, Mogilyov, Russia [now in Belarus]—died Sept. 22, 1989, New York, N.Y., U.S.), American composer who played a leading role in the evolution of the popular song from the early ragtime and jazz eras through the golden age of musicals.
When did White Christmas the musical come out?
1954History. Paramount Pictures released the movie musical White Christmas in 1954.
Who was the original singer in White Christmas?
White Christmas was intended to reunite Crosby and Fred Astaire for their third Irving Berlin showcase musical. Crosby and Astaire had previously co-starred in Holiday Inn (1942) – where the song "White Christmas" first appeared – and Blue Skies (1946). Astaire declined the project after reading the script and asked to be released from his contract with Paramount. Crosby also left the project shortly thereafter, to spend more time with his sons after the death of his wife, Dixie Lee. Near the end of January 1953, Crosby returned to the project, and Donald O'Connor was signed to replace Astaire. Just before shooting was to begin, O'Connor had to drop out due to illness and was replaced by Danny Kaye, who asked for and received a salary of $200,000 and 10% of the gross. Financially, the film was a partnership between Crosby and Irving Berlin, who shared half the profits, and Paramount, which got the other half.
When was White Christmas released?
White Christmas was released on US VHS in 1986 and again in 1997. The first US DVD release was in 2000. It was subsequently re-released in 2009, with a commensurate Blu-ray in 2010. The most recent US issue was a 4-disc "Diamond Anniversary Edition" in 2014.
What song did the movie Santa Claus sing?
Crosby and Kaye also recorded another Berlin song ("Santa Claus") for the opening WWII Christmas Eve show scene, but it was not used in the final film.
What year was White Christmas filmed?
White Christmas is a 1954 American musical film directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen. Filmed in Technicolor, it features the songs of Irving Berlin, including a new version of the title song, " White Christmas ", introduced by Crosby in the 1942 film Holiday Inn.
What is the rating of White Christmas?
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a "Certified Fresh" 77% critical approval rating based on 43 reviews, with an average rating of 6.6/10, and an 88% audience approval rating based on 50,101 reviews, with an average rating of 4.34/5. Bosley Crowther of The New York Times was not impressed: "...the use of VistaVision, which is another process of projecting on a wide, flat screen, has made it possible to endow White Christmas with a fine pictorial quality. The colors on the big screen are rich and luminous, the images are clear and sharp, and rapid movements are got without blurring—or very little—such as sometimes is seen on other large screens. 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."
What was the original song Snow written for?
The song "Snow" was originally written for Call Me Madam with the title "Free", but was dropped in out-of-town tryouts. The melody and some of the words were kept, but the lyrics were changed to be more appropriate for a Christmas movie. For example, one of the lines of the original song is:
How much did White Christmas make in 1954?
White Christmas was enormously popular with audiences, earning $12 million in theatrical rentals – equal to $115,643,123 today – making it the top moneymaker of 1954 by a wide margin and the highest-grossing musical at the time. Overall, the film grossed $30 million at the domestic box office.
Who was the lead singer in the 1954 movie White Christmas?
History. Paramount Pictures released the movie musical White Christmas in 1954. Directed by Michael Curtiz, the film starred Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen, and featured 17 songs by Irving Berlin.
Who owns the White Christmas show?
With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil's former army commander. With a dazzling score featuring well-known standards including “Blue Skies,” “I Love A Piano,” “How Deep Is the Ocean” and the perennial title song, White Christmas is an uplifting musical worthy of year-round productions.
How many songs are in the Irving Berlin movie?
Based on the beloved, timeless film, this heartwarming musical adaptation features 17 Irving Berlin songs and a book by David Ives and Paul Blake.
What was the highest grossing musical of 1954?
The top moneymaker of 1954, White Christmas set a new record as Hollywood’s all-time highest-grossing musical. The stage adaptation of White Christmas opened on Broadway at the Marquis Theatre on November 4, 2008, after several successful engagements throughout the United States.
Who said Irving Berlin has no place in American music?
With a life that spanned more than 100 years and a catalogue that boasts over 1,000 songs, Irving Berlin (1888-1989) epitomized Jerome Kern ’s famous maxim that “Irving Berlin has no place in American music – he is American music.” Berlin wrote scores to 13 Broadway musicals, ...
What is the song that is in White Christmas?
A timeless romantic comedy to warm the hearts of all ages. White Christmas features the classic songs Blue Skies, Sisters and the most famous festive song of all White Christmas.
Who is the director of White Christmas 2021?
“This terrific dose of pure escapism” (The Times) is brought to life by acclaimed Curve artistic director Nikolai Foster ( Annie) and two-time Olivier Award-winning choreographer Stephen ...
Is White Christmas on tour?
White Christmas the Musical will go on tour over the festive season later this year.
White Christmas The Musical Review Manchester 2021
What I can tell you is that White Christmas The Musical is everything I dreamed of and more. Additionally it is NOTHING like anything else I have seen this year. The thing is with theatre, there are so many genres, angles, most of them I adore.
What Is White Christmas About?
You join White Christmas on Christmas Eve in 1944. Bob Wallace (Matthew Jeans) and Phil Davis ( Dan Burton) are performing for their fellow US troops and General Henry Waverly (Duncan Smith) in a bid to raise morale. A long way from home and any sort of normal life, they find solace in performing.
This Is The Ultimate Feel Good Festive Show
White Christmas is a tale of love, friendship, loyalty, determination and pure joy. If you want to see a show that makes you glow from the inside out then White Christmas is it. The set is seamless, it moved in an organised chaos that works so well and transitioned each scene.
Overview
White Christmas is a 1954 American musical film directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen. Filmed in Technicolor, it features the songs of Irving Berlin, including a new version of the title song, "White Christmas", introduced by Crosby in the 1942 film Holiday Inn.
Produced and distributed by Paramount Pictures, the film is notable for being t…
Plot
On Christmas Eve in Europe in 1944, at the height of World War II, former Broadway star Captain Bob Wallace and aspiring performer Private Phil Davis entertain the 151st division with a soldier's show. The men have just received word their beloved Major General Thomas F. Waverly has been relieved of his command. Waverly arrives and delivers an emotional farewell. The men send h…
Cast
• Bing Crosby as Bob Wallace
• Danny Kaye as Phil Davis
• Rosemary Clooney as Betty Haynes
• Vera-Ellen as Judy Haynes
Songs
• "White Christmas" (Crosby)
• "The Old Man" (Crosby, Kaye, and Men's Chorus)
• Medley: "Heat Wave " / "Let Me Sing and I'm Happy" / "Blue Skies" (Crosby & Kaye)
Production
Berlin suggested a movie based on his song in 1948. Paramount put up the $2 million budget and only took 30% of the proceeds.
Mel Frank and Norman Panama were hired to add material for Danny Kaye. They felt the whole script needed rewriting, and Curtiz agreed. "It was a torturous eight weeks of rewriting", said Panama. Frank said "writing that movie was the worst experience of my life. Norman Krasna wa…
Release and reception
White Christmas was enormously popular with audiences, earning $12 million in theatrical rentals – equal to $121 million in 2021 – making it the top moneymaker of 1954 by a wide margin, the highest-grossing musical at the time, and ranking it among the top 100 popular movies of all time at the domestic box office when adjusted for inflation and the size of the population in its release year of 1954. Overall, the film grossed $30 million at the domestic box office. There was a US th…
Home media
White Christmas was released on US VHS in 1986 and again in 1997. The first US DVD release was in 2000. It was subsequently re-released in 2009, with a commensurate Blu-ray in 2010. The most recent US issue was a 4-disc "Diamond Anniversary Edition" in 2014. This collection contains a Blu-ray with extras, two DVDs with the film and extras, and a fourth disc of Christmas songs on CD. These songs are performed individually by Crosby, Clooney, and Kaye.
Stage adaptation
A stage adaptation of the musical, titled Irving Berlin's White Christmas premiered in San Francisco in 2004 and has played in various venues in the US, such as Boston, Buffalo, Los Angeles, Detroit and Louisville. The musical played a limited engagement on Broadway at the Marquis Theatre, from November 14, 2008, until January 4, 2009. The musical also toured the United Kingdom from 2006 to 2008. It then headed to the Sunderland Empire in Sunderland from Novemb…