Lights, Camera, Christmas!
How a film from 1942 captures the spirit of the season
Unwrapping Holiday Inn
Holiday Inn is a classic American musical film directed by Mark Sandrich, and starring Bing Crosby, Marjorie Reynolds and Fred Astaire. Released to audiences in 1942, it featured music by Irving Berlin - including the iconic song "White Christmas". This song later became one of the most popular and recognized Christmas songs in history!
Dreaming of a White Christmas
The charming story follows Jim Hardy (Bing Crosby), a New York performer who retires to open a Connecticut farm-turned-holiday-themed entertainment venue, the “Holiday Inn”. Performances were held in the venue exclusively on holidays. Romance is in the air, as are complications when Jims former business partner Ted Hanover (Fred Astaire) and aspiring performer Linda Mason (Marjorie Reynolds) enter his life. A love triangle of sorts emerges leading to a romantic and professional rivalry between the Jim and Ted.
Memorable songs include elaborate song-and-dance numbers about the holidays, including “Easter Parade”, “Oh, How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning”, and “White Christmas”.
Iconic popularity and legacy: How Holiday Inn Created a Christmas Classic
Written by Irving Berlin, the song “White Christmas” became one of the most popular and enduring holiday songs of all time. The song captures a sense of longing for home and peace during the holiday season.
With its soothing melody and nostalgic lyrics, the song struck emotional resonance with soldiers and civilians during World War II. For troops stationed overseas, it evoked memories of family and traditions left behind.
Cultural Impact
The song “White Christmas” contributed to film’s success and had a big role in shaping modern Christmas culture. Throughout the years since it’s debut, the song has been covered by many different music artists across generations. It has become synonymous with mention of the Christmas Holidays, reminding us of importance of being with our loved ones, of warmth, and family traditions.
“May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white”
Song lyrics by Bing Crosby (1903 - 1977)