A Holiday Film for the Entire Year

Thanks for the post from Rashad Townsend

A film that stays with me is called Holiday Inn. It stars Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, and it's a delight to watch. It's my favorite Christmas film, even though its theme allows it to be shown every month of the year.

The entertaining musical production numbers are what draw me to it. They do terrific routines for several holidays celebrated throughout the year, like Independence Day and Thanksgiving. The song Freedom is one that resonates inside of me.

Still, it is the Christmas aspect that caused me to take a comfy seat on my sofa last night and watch it on Satellite TV Specials. It's in Holiday Inn that Crosby first sings White Christmas, the Irving Berlin hit that would eventually become the name of another Crosby movie.

There's a wonderful romance in the movie that creates the conflict and drama between Crosby and Astaire and which ultimately leads to the happy ending. I don't consider that a spoiler. Most Christmas pictures provide happy conclusions that please viewers.

The concept behind the plot, the idea of a small inn that is open only a few days per year (the observed holidays), is unique. I've never seen this done in another other production. That adds to the appeal of this film.

Holiday Inn may not be Christmas for all of its minutes, but it still satisfies.

She's no Ginger

I actually spent Sunday away from work. Not necessarily away from the computer, but I did manage to not write anything for about 24 hours. I actually went shopping and had a good time. I bought an awesome Lego set for my nephew. Okay... I'll admit it was more for me than him, but he'll get to play with it next time he comes over to my apartment.



I also watched TCM last night for a Fred Astaire/Rita Hayworth double feature. And like my subject head says... she's no Ginger. The lead in and exit from the movie always provides a little background on the movie or actors, and I was surprised to hear that Fred Astaire thought Rita Hayworth was one of his best dancing partners. I just didn't find their dancing chemistry appealing to me. Then again, I definitely love Ginger Rogers more than Fred Astaire any day. It's not that Rita and Fred didn't have chemistry, I just found Rita's dancing a little... I don't know. Is stilted the right word? Maybe reserved? I'm no dance expert. I just know that the dancing scenes in You'll Never Get Rich and You Were Never Lovelier did not impress me. But the rest of the movies were great: good plot, funny humor, etc.

Watch the trailers, if you're interested:





But for now, it's back to work (happily, I might add).