White Christmas
"THE MOST FABULOUS MUSIC-AND-MIRTH SHOW IN MOTION PICTURE HISTORY!"
After the war, two talented song and dance men join forces to become a top act in show business. Bob Wallace and Phil Davis develop a reputation for sharp humor, slick routines, and easy chemistry on stage. Their path crosses with Betty and Judy Haynes, sisters who sing and dance as a duo, and a... Read more
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Streaming availability last verified: February 26, 2026
About White Christmas
After the war, two talented song and dance men join forces to become a top act in show business. Bob Wallace and Phil Davis develop a reputation for sharp humor, slick routines, and easy chemistry on stage. Their path crosses with Betty and Judy Haynes, sisters who sing and dance as a duo, and a romance begins with one of the Haynes sisters. As they tour together, the quartet navigates the tricky mix of friendship, ambition, and growing fame. A veteran General Waverly adds a warm thread to the holiday mood as the group tries to find the right tune for a winter season. The movie stays upbeat and full of catchy numbers without revealing too much.
Directed by Michael Curtiz, the film adapts material from Krasna, Frank, and Panama. It arrived in 1954 from Paramount, delivering a polished blend of songs, stories, and high energy numbers that spotlight Crosby and Kaye. Lavish color and expansive production numbers contribute to its festive mood.
White Christmas became a holiday staple beyond the screen, elevating its title tune and dance numbers into lasting pop culture. The film showcases Crosby and Kaye delivering brisk comic rapport and production numbers that keep reappearing in revivals. The title song, sung by Crosby, remains a touchstone for many viewers.
Critics at the time praised its warmth and wit, while audiences embraced the camaraderie of old friends turning effort and talent into optimism after hard times. Themes of partnership, resilience, and the joy of shared performance anchor the comedy with heart as audiences sought lightness after years of conflict.
Box office numbers show about 1,109,388 dollars in gross receipts. For a 1954 musical, that reflects a modest commercial performance rather than a blockbuster run. Its earnings illustrate the era's distribution patterns and the film's role as holiday entertainment, a seasonal favorite that endures.
What Viewers Are Saying
Fans talk about Crosby and Kaye clicking as Bob and Phil, teaming with Betty and Judy played by Clooney and Vera-Ellen, as they roll into Vermont to help Gen. Waverly save his ski lodge. They stage a big show to draw guests, and the way the songs sit inside the plot rather than interrupt it is a recurring compliment. The film feels very of its time with corny lines and some predictability, but the Christmas spirit, warm humor and standout musical numbers still land for many viewers.
Details
- Release Date
- October 14, 1954
- Runtime
- 2h
- Rating
- NR
- User Ratings
- 570 votes
- Type
- Movie
- Genres
- Comedy, Music, Romance
- Country
- United States
- Studio
- Paramount Pictures
- Box Office
- $1,109,388
- External Links
- View on IMDB
Official Trailer
Cast
Bing Crosby
Bob Wallace
Danny Kaye
Phil Davis
Rosemary Clooney
Betty Haynes
Vera-Ellen
Judy Haynes
Dean Jagger
General Waverly
Mary Wickes
Emma Allen
John Brascia
John
Anne Whitfield
Susan Waverly
Bea Allen
Dancer (uncredited)
Frank Baker
Anniversary Party Guest (uncredited)
Director: Michael Curtiz
Written by: Norman Krasna, Melvin Frank, Norman Panama