Between the Pages

This much beloved Christmas film from 1954, is the second Bing Crosby film to portray him as part of a group of entertainers, set in a hotel, and in which he sings White Christmas.  The similarities to Holiday Inn are notable – and the two films would have been even more similar if Fred Astaire had been Crosby’s co-star – which was the original plan.  However, Astaire was going through his first retirement stage when this film was made, so Donald O’Connor was cast.  When he became unavailable, Danny Kaye was eventually given the role.

Crosby and Kaye play two Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, two WW2 army friends.  After the war is over Bob goes back to his original job as a Broadway entertainer, and is joined by Phil.  They meet two sisters – Betty and Judy Haynes (played by Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen respectively), who have a singing act of their own.  Hoping to get Bob and Betty together, Phil persuades his entertainment partner to accompany the sisters to Vermont, where they wind up in a hotel run by their former commanding officer, Major General Waverley (Dean Jagger).  The hotel is down on its luck, haemorrhaging money, and has no guests.  Bob, Phil, Betty and Judy pledge to put on a show to draw the crowds in, and improve the fortunes of their beloved former boss.

I did like this film a lot – it was very light hearted (and of course, somewhat predictable; we all know how romantic comedy musicals are going to turn out after all), but it’s a shame that Astaire wasn’t available to partner Crosby again – for the all the fabulous dancing and entertainment on show here, I think his presence would have enhanced it still further.  Still, Danny Kaye really gave it his all, and provided many of the more humorous moments.

There were some terrific dance numbers, courtesy mainly of Vera-Ellen (who had a beautiful face, but sadly some of the skimpier costumes really highlighted the actress’s battle with anorexia – her legs looked painfully thin in certain scenes) – my favourite one was the dance with her and Danny Kaye ‘The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing’ – lovely song, great dance.

Rosemary Clooney’s voice was perfect – of course – and I really liked her more hesitant character.  She was the perfect screen girlfriend for Bing Crosby here – while Vera-Ellen and Danny Kaye provided humour, Rosemary Clooney and Bing Crosby provided pathos (and humour too).

So really, like a lot of musicals, this is a string of great numbers held together by a slightly flimsy storyline.  It’s so good-natured however that you can’t help feeling good when viewing.  Definitely recommended as a festive treat!

Year of release: 1954

Director: Michael Curtiz

Writers: Norman Krasna, Norman Panama, Melvin Frank

Main cast: Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Vera-Ellen, Rosemary Clooney