Thanks Steven for the musical highlights from Holiday Inn as this
weeks audio treat! While I never got around to asking Bing which of
the two film, White Christmas or Holiday Inn, he preferred I know he
had a great deal of fun making White Christmas. I recall him saying
that it was Danny Kaye's idea for the boy's "Sisters" number.
Apparently Kaye had the idea of the guys mouthing the girls song,
gartered gams, and the flower in the hair! Bing was, at first,
opposed too this somewhat femine rendition, yet after they saw the
rushes they added it to the film...lucky for us! I am not so sure
if his recollection is shared by the other cast members, but it was
fun hearing him telling the story! Of the two pictures, I think Bing
is fine voice in both-- a light more mellow in White Christmas--more
of that Oaken baritone which we love. But the score to Holiday Inn
is unbeatable---- one hit after another. I should also say that the
remastered White Christmas is great and his eyes never looked bluer.
The production number for Mandy is, I think, one of the great
production bits to appear on film, the color, harmony, and
choreography make it a highlight of the film. While I always enjoy
the old man singing White Christmas, I think "Count Your Blessings"
on the soundtrack lp (released by Decca) with Bing's solo attempt
shows the range and depth of his powerful, yet engaging, pipes.
Curious to know of the two films, do you have a favorite. They are
both wonderful films and the mighty one steals the show in every
scene he is in. If I had to choose, I'd go with Holiday Inn based on
the music. What do you think!
Posted by Henry Zecher on January 04, 2000 at 22:05:35:
In Reply to: HOLIDAY INN VS. WHITE CHRISTMAS posted by BINGSBOY on November 29, 1999 at 16:36:39:
When Bing died, they enterviewed many who knew him, including Danny
Kaye, and Kaye told the same story on the Sisters number that you have
told. Bing didn't like it at first. In fact, if I remember
correctly, Kaye said he had to talk him into doing it. After they did
it, it was so good they both liked it and went with it.
Posted by Mary Ellen on December 20, 1999 at 06:44:21:
In Reply to: HOLIDAY INN VS. WHITE CHRISTMAS posted by BINGSBOY on November 29, 1999 at 16:36:39:
I read with interest all comments on White Christmas vs. Holiday Inn.
I am going with the apparent minority, as "White Christmas" is one of
my top five faves!
Rosemary Clooney is at her best, and Vera-Ellen's dancing is superb
(even if she is too skinny!). No one, but no one, could have made a
better Phil Davis that DANNY KAYE. I cannot even imagine Fred in that
role!! Danny's dancing is great too!
I will admit that I am the world's worst Christmas nut! That probably
has a lot to do with my love of the movie. I also love musicals and
dance numbers, not to mention the sentimental stuff about saving the
old general's inn!
Merry Christmas to all who celebrate!
Posted by Mona on December 21, 1999 at 17:49:27:
In Reply to: Re: HOLIDAY INN VS. WHITE CHRISTMAS posted by Mary Ellen on December 20, 1999 at 06:44:21:
'White Christmas' is a priceless movie. I never tire
of it, and having seen it 3 times this week, I still have
the music playing in my head. I LOVE Danny Kaye ! He
was my first hero and idol when I was a child. The role he
played in White Christmas was probably one of his most
interesting characters, and most appealing. I can see
why Vera-Ellen went wild for him in the movie.
Much as I always loved his early movies (like 'Wonder Man')
in the Phil Davis role he got away from the
Sylvia Fine music that he was always identified with.
Much as I like her music, the music from White Christmas
showed another side to his talents. My favorite number
in the movie was 'The Best Things happen when you've Dancing'.
That number where Danny and Vera-Ellen are dancing
on the upturned boat is spectacular ! And shows his
sheer talent and genius.
Posted by Jack Mallon on December 07, 1999 at 23:54:50:
In Reply to: HOLIDAY INN VS. WHITE CHRISTMAS posted by BINGSBOY on November 29, 1999 at 16:36:39:
Although I enjoyed "White Christmas", I enjoyed "Holiday Inn" mush more.
In "White Christmas", Bing sang a brief solo of White Christmas, and from then on he was always joined by others.
In Holiday Inn, Bing sang many solos and so many great songs "Lazy", "Easter Parade", "Be Careful It's My Heart", etc .
The song in White Christmas that stands out for me, is "SNOW"...and eventually he got covered (no pun intended) in this song.
It's funny, I was
never big on the movie, "White Christmas". I seldom think of it when I
recall Bings movies....But Holiday Inn is near the top.
Posted by Sue Horn on December 08, 1999 at 16:21:06:
In Reply to: Re: HOLIDAY INN VS. WHITE CHRISTMAS posted by Doug Marr on December 05, 1999 at 23:54:18:
Of the two, Holiday Inn is the one I prefer, though how lucky we are that there are two movies to compare. I agree with Jack's comments on the music in Holiday Inn and the story. Plus, for some reason that like when Marjorie Reynolds is trying to convince Bing that she's a big performer who he has not recognized, "I'm Linda Mason" "Oh, LINDA Mason" followed by Bing's utterly confused face, or the scene when the preserves explode and Bing and Fred have to take cover, getting awhack on the old toupe anyway, or the butler trying to explain that he did not event know "how to get to Connecticut"... So many gems make me smile just to think of them. White Christmas, in its way, is also very special. My dad would be reduced to tears whenever he saw the scene where they all sang "We'll Follow the Old Man...." When I was a rebellious teenager, it seemed too corny--and even reprehensible--for words. Now, I've grown more nostalgic for that kind of loyalty and sentiment, I enjoy the scene. I also love the Sisters routine and the Snow medley. Count Your Blessings is another favorite. Like I said, Holiday Inn wins the competition, but I'm grateful for both films.
Posted by Jim Kukura on December 01, 1999 at 20:26:57:
In Reply to: HOLIDAY INN VS. WHITE CHRISTMAS posted by BINGSBOY on November 29, 1999 at 16:36:39:
I remember either reading, or hearing on a TV program, that originally the "Sisters" number was supposed to be done in drag by Bing and Danny, and that Bing protested and that resulted in the garter and headband compromise that we see in the film. I agree that the apparently ad-libbed smacks to Bing's tummy by Kaye, and Bing's spontaneous laughter are priceless.
Bing was about 12 years younger in "Holiday Inn" and I think it is
always tough to outdo an original, but "White Christmas" is in color
and it is only about Christmas, not all holidays. And it is tough to
beat Rosemary Clooney. There are points for both films. And part of
it has to be a generation thing. My 5 kids are not big Bing fans, but
they consider it a bummer if they don't get to see the film "White
Christmas" during the holidays.
Posted by Glenn T. on November 30, 1999 at 03:47:11:
In Reply to: HOLIDAY INN VS. WHITE CHRISTMAS posted by BINGSBOY on November 29, 1999 at 16:36:39:
I have to tell you that while I like Holiday Inn (The new DVD looks sensational!)it's White Christmas I've made a Christmas tradition. I always watch it as I pack to go visit my folks.
I really usually skip past Danny Kaye's "Choreography" & The "Dancing" number but the rest of the film is great.
Here's the thing. The end of the "Sister's Number" when Danny Kaye gets Bing laughing is without a doubt the truest moment ever captured on film of any actor. Bing's laughter is so truly genuine that I usually watch it 2 or 3 times before moving on.
Personal life aside, that moment reveals what's really underneath Crosby the performer. If anyone I know scratches their head at my fondness for Crosby I tell them to watch that number. There is no way in the world you can watch that and not see it for the sheer joy projected by Bing. It's almost as if he steps out of character. I'm so glad it's there.
Of all the scenes, in all the Crosby films or televison shows, the moment Danny Kaye whacks Bing with that fan is, in my unshakable opinion, by far the greatest ever captured. There is more of Crosby in that moment than any other.
PS: My second best moment -
Bing & Bowie duet in the last Christmas Special