In Episode 93 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. recruits his mom, Jeannine Yaniz, for her podcast debut, as they discuss the joys of the holiday season as well as the latter's long-standing love of the 1954 musical White Christmas.
Starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen, the film capitalizes on not only the enduring appeal of its four stars but the iconic titular song. As directed by Michael Curtiz (Casablanca), White Christmas is emblematic of the heyday of big Hollywood musicals.
Brimming with memorable tunes, epic dance sequences and witty one-liners, the film emerged as the most successful film the year it was released and remains an annual tradition for many looking to travel back to an era where the promise of song and dance drew massive crowds and when Crosby's warm vocals were the world's most sought-after special effects.
On this episode, we discuss how White Christmas has aged in the decades since its release, our dissenting opinions of its relevance as a "Christmas movie" and determine which cast member is really the film's most formidable secret weapon. Also: find out which star served as a last-minute replacement for another iconic performer.
So bundle up, and let's celebrate the holiday with the voice of Christmas himself, Mr. Bing Crosby, and his most enduring musical comedy.
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