IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMas - 70th anniversary
2024 marks the 70th anniversary of the dazzling and delightful holiday treat, IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS.
Starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen, the joyous showbiz story, soundtracked by the timeless music and lyrics of Irving Berlin, first premiered on October 14, 1954.
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, Plaza Theatre London, 1954
Directed by Michael Curtiz, the film follows Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, who star as war veterans who become one of the hottest acts in show business. When they encounter a sister act (Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen), they’re in for a holiday celebration unlike any other. The festive favourite, loved by millions worldwide, features a host of memorable Irving Berlin songs including ‘Snow’, ‘Sisters’, ‘The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing’, and, of course, the immortal classic ‘White Christmas’. Watch the original trailer for the film here.
New to 4K!
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas was the first film to be released in Paramount’s VistaVision, which was designed to produce sharper images and richer colors. Now the film has been lovingly restored from the original VistaVision negative and looks more vibrant than ever for home viewing in 4K Ultra HD.
The limited release includes the film on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc™, a second Blu-ray Disc™ with the film, including a sing-along option, as well as extensive legacy bonus content, and access to a digital copy of the film, packaged in a collectible slipcover based on the original theatrical poster.
Screenings
The film will also return to selected theatres in the U.S. for a special two-day celebration on December 15 & 16, as part of Fathom’s Big Screen Classics.
Irving Berlin’s family will attend the evening showing of the film on December 15 at the AMC Empire in New York and will take part in a post-screening Q&A, led by Ted Chapin, which will explore the incredible life and career of one of America’s most prolific songwriters. For a complete list of theatre locations or to purchase tickets, fans can visit FathomEvents.com
Surprising Movie Facts
You may be a super fan of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, but there’s some facts about the film and its cast you might not know, click below to reveal…
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Bob Fosse was the uncredited choreographer for the film White Christmas, long before his sizzling moves appeared in the films Cabaret and Chicago!
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Throughout the film, dancer George Chakiris accompanies the Haynes sisters in an uncredited role. Soon after he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor as Bernardo in West Side Story!
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In 1943, Irving Berlin was an Oscar presenter for Best Original Song, and he ended up reading his own name as the winner! On accepting the award for 'White Christmas', he said to the audience: "I'm glad to present the award. I've known him for a long time."
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Originally, the song 'Snow' was an Irving Berlin tune called 'Free', and was written for the musical Call Me Madam, and it had nothing to do with winter!
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Yes, Rosemary Clooney's nephew is in fact the famous actor George Clooney!
Watch
From ‘Snow’ to ‘Sisters’, the film is home to some of Irving Berlin’s most well-known festive songs, watch clips from the film below.
Versions of ‘White Christmas’
The film’s iconic song ‘White Christmas’ was originally performed by Bing Crosby on screen in Irving Berlin's 1942 film Holiday Inn, as well as in the movie Blue Skies in 1946, but many artists have since covered the festive-classic. Listen to versions of ‘White Christmas’ on Irving Berlin’s Spotify.
Irving Berlin writing at his famous transposing piano