Yes, it is a musical.
Yes, it is a little corny.
Yes, it is positively delightful.
As the story goes, two WWII war buddies (Bing Crosby & Danny Kaye) become famous entertainers with their two-person act, then are summoned to "review" two ladies' entertainment act (Rosemary Clooney & Vera Ellen). They meet, hilarity ensues - they go to Vermont. Checking into an inn, they discover their former commanding general owns the inn - and because there is no snow, business is bad. The foursome plot to bring their Broadway-style show to the inn, pack the house - and it begins to snow in the final scene....red dresses with white fur, swishing and swaying, plus kissing ensues. And the moral is - everything's gonna be alright, if we all just do the right thing, with respect and love one another.
It was the top grossing movie of 1954, and I can see why. It's full of great, old school music; great talent; interesting sets; and my favorite part - the costumes. I really enjoyed the "beauty" of the clothes (men and women alike) but the women's costumes were dreamy. (Sidebar: I am an avid follower of Project Runway. Love Heidi, love Michael, love Nina, love Tim. Love to watch the designers create something out of nothing.) ....Can you imagine being a designer back in those days? The very famous Edith Head was the costume designer for this movie, and it was a superbly, elegant time. The movie is worthwhile just to see the costuming.
(Another sidebar: There's a Rosemary Clooney Museum in Kentucky, and they boast to have the largest collection of White Christmas memorabilia in the world, including the blue dress worn during the "Sisters" act in the movie. Per their website, it was 'found' in an LA vintage shop - for under $200!)
Hmmmmmm.
Off to go last minute Christmas shopping. I must find some rhinestone gloves like Rosemary Clooney wears at the Carousel Club.
GT40
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