Retro Review – Holiday Inn

Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn (1942) is another of my favorite Christmas classics.  In fact, I’ve already watched it three times this month!  This heart-warming musical stars two of my favorite actors/singers/dancers, Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire.  Their singing and dancing light up the stage, and I always find my self staring in awe at their talents.

In this classic musical, Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire play Jim Hardy and Ted Hanover, two thespian friends who are always competing for the same leading lady.  Crosby’s character decides to get away from all hard work in the spotlights by moving to a Connecticut farm.  However, Crosby begins to miss crowd pleasing work he used to do, so he turns the farm into a Holiday Inn that will only be open for musical performances 15 times a year.  Along with some comedy and little romantic drama, the inn is a success with Crosby’s singing, Astaire’s dancing, and leading lady Linda Masey’s (played by Marjorie Reynolds) companionship.

Of course I love this movie because of its singing and dancing!  Holiday Inn is full of clever songs and dances, duets ands solos…including the debut of Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas.” (which won an Academy Award for the movie for best song in 1942!)  Crosby’s smooth crooning coupled with Astaire’s fancy dancing win me over every time.  The musical numbers seem effortless and incredible all at the same time.  It’s simply amazing the talent they were capable of 60 years ago.

I also love this movie because of its concept.  Who wouldn’t want to work only 15 days a year singing and dancing and making people happy?  And for that matter, who wouldn’t want to be a visitor and stay at a cozy inn for a holiday weekend, enjoying your time relaxing and watching the show?  I would love to visit this fictitious inn in Connecticut because it sounds so perfect for any holiday getaway.

For a girl who loves a snowy white Christmas and happy endings, this musical is just the right thing.  It puts me in a calm and delightful mood, leaving me looking forward to the magical Christmas season.  Crosby and Astaire are wonderful in Holiday Inn, and I enjoy every musical number including the romantic comedy storyline between the dances and songs.  It is an amazing holiday musical that I will continue to watch for the next 60 years.  Holiday Inn is definitely one of my favorites…a classic and a “must see,” at anytime of year!