“White Christmas”

Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Vera-Ellen, and Danny Kaye in ‘White Christmas’ (Paramount, 1954)

A favorite Christmas movie of the Clark family is Irving Berlin’s White Christmas (Paramount, 1954). Song-and-dance team Wallace and Davis (played by Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye) meet and fall in love with the Hayes Sisters (played by Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen) and then join forces to help save their former army general’s country inn in Vermont. The paper-thin plot is mostly just an excuse to tie together one great song after another, all written by Irving Berlin, including “Heat Wave,” “Sisters,” “The Best Things Happen When You’re Dancing,” “Snow,” “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep,” and, of course, the titular classic sung by Bing himself. Also stars Dean Jagger and Mary Wickes. Written by Norman Krasna, Norman Panama, and Melvin Frank. Directed by Michael Curtiz. “Well, how do you like that? Without so much as a kiss my foot or have an apple!”

“Road to Morocco”

Bing Crosby and Bob Hope in “Road to Morocco” (Paramount, 1942)

“Road to Morocco” (Paramount, 1942). Third of the seven Bob Hope and Bing Crosby “Road” pictures. This time, the duo are shipwrecked, land in the Moroccan desert, and get caught up in a plot with warring Arabian tribes. Bing sings, Bob cracks jokes, and they both vie for the heart of the beautiful Dorothy Lamour. Also stars Anthony Quinn. Written by Frank Butler and Don Hartman. Directed by David Butler. Check out the title song sung by Bob Hope and Bing Crosby here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_w3UG6C_Mo. “This is the screwiest picture I was ever in. ”