What a sweet, tune-filled movie! And, believe it or not, this is the first time Bing Crosby sings "White Christmas," a song that did NOT make its debut in the movie of the same name. The 1942 movie, in fact, includes other terrific Irving Berlin songs. Crosby is Jim, a nice guy who loves his dance partner, Lila (Virginia Dale).  She elects, however, to take off with Ted (Fred Astaire). So Jim goes home to his farm in Connecticut, where he can't get away from his passion:  Show business.
He turns the place into a dinner theater that's open only during the holidays (hence the title). Of course, Jim continues to dance with a new partner, Linda (Marjorie Reynolds). But wouldn't you know it? Ted shows up. And of course he ends up dancing with Linda. There's nothing more fun during the holidays than to watch two love triangles unfold amidst a singing cast.

    Astaire's Fourth of July performance, in which he tosses fireworks in time to his footwork, is amazing to behold. This is an under-rated and too-often-forgotten movie. Don't let it take a back burner to "White Christmas" on your holiday viewing list! 

From an idea by Irving Berlin. Adaptation by Elmer Rice.
Screenwriter: Claude Binyon.
Rated: No rating, but similar to a G, with nothing offensive.
Director: Mark Sandrich.
Running time: 100 minutes.

Stars: Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, Majorie Reynolds and Virginia Dale.