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Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire &Joan Caulfield. Crosby croons some 30 Irving Berlin tunes, including the Oscar Nominated "You Keep Coming Back Like A Song". For what Fred Astaire had announced would be his last film, no expense was spared. This musical extravaganza boasts 30 Irving Berlin songs, 47 sets, sumptuous costumes and a budget of $3,000,000.00. The result is sensational. (And, fortunately, Astaire did not retire from films.) |
Porter adds the tunes and Sinatra adds the ring-a-ding to this swinging musical remake of The Philadelphia Story. A prim socialite (Kelly in her last role before becoming Her Serene Highness) finds herself in a the middle of a comic mess when her ex-husband (Crosby) and an amorous reporter (Sinatra) come to cover the preparations for her upcoming wedding. Adding to the tension is her skirt-chasing father, who's also returned home for the ceremony. The resulting confusion--and several potent drinks--melt the ice princess's frosty exterior. It isn't long before she sees through her society-climbing fiancee, and warms up again to her crooning jazz musician ex-husband. Rare chance to see rivals Crosby and Sinatra together. Includes such hit numbers as "True Love," "You're Sensational," and "Did You Evah." Academy Award Nominations: 3, including Best Motion Picture Story. Features Celeste Holm, John Lund and Louis Armstrong And His Band. |
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Henry Travers & Joan Carroll. This GOING MY WAY sequel stars Bing Crosby, reprising his role as worldly-wise Father Chuck O’Malley, and introduces Crosby’s beloved song "Aren’t You Glad You’re You?" Father O’Malley is transferred to the soon-to-be-condemned school run by Sister Benedict (Ingrid Bergman), and the two quickly match wits and stubbornness, eventually finding a middle ground. A surprisingly light touch of sentimentality and humor gives this film by director Leo McCarey a glow of genuine feeling that effortlessly captures viewers’ hearts. Though the debate still rages over which Father O’Malley film is better (GOING MY WAY or THE BELLS OF ST. MARY'S), the two films’ nominations in back-to-back years for the Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Song Academy Awards declare that both films are a treat to watch. |
Virginia Dale and Walter Abel. Two retiring show people start up a New England country inn with the unique and, one would think, self-defeating idea of being open only on national holidays; however, in this delightful fluff-fest, they achieve instantaneous success. Conflicts arise when they fall for the same woman, and sparks fly -as do their feet - in a variety of inventive, holiday themed song-and-dance productions. Perhaps the best film ever inspired by a song. Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" was introduced in this film. Marjorie Reynolds' singing voice was dubbed by Martha Mears. Bing Crosby was backed up by the Bobcats, a musical group under the supervision of Bing's brother Bob. |
Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, Vera-Ellen and Dean Jagger. Director Michael Curtiz (CASABLANCA, CAPTAIN BLOOD, MILDRED PIERCE) changes directions with this holiday classic. Two talented song-and-dance men team up after the war to become one of the hottest acts in show business. The film includes a veritable treasury of Irving Berlin classics: "Sisters," "Blue Skies," and of course "White Christmas." Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye are a joy to watch. Academy Award Nominations: Best Song ("Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep".) This is still the most watched and loved Christmas movie of all time.Lyrics and Music by Irving Berlin. |
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1944 Stars; Bing Crosby, Barry Fitzgerald, Frank McHugh, James Brown, Jean Heather, Gene Lockhart. Youthful Father Chuck O’Malley (Bing Crosby) led a colorful life of sports, song, and romance before joining the Roman Catholic clergy, but his level gaze and twinkling eyes make it clear that he knows he made the right choice. After joining a parish, O’Malley’s worldly knowledge helps him connect with a gang of kids looking for direction and handle the business details of the church-building fund, winning over his aging, conventional superior (Barry Fitzgerald). Songs such as "Swinging on a Star" sparkle, and both Crosby and Fitzgerald do a fine job tugging at the heartstrings in a gentle, irresistible way that will make viewers return to this lovely film again and again. The overwhelming popularity of this film upon its release was only heightened by the many Academy Awards it won, and its sequel, THE BELLS OF SAINT MARY’S, starring Crosby and Ingrid Bergman, was released in theaters the next year to eager fans and more awards. In a singular feat, Bing Crosby was nominated for the Best Actor Oscar two years in a row for the character of Father O’Malley, winning the award in 1945 for GOING MY WAY. |
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