Common Sense Media Review
By Charles Cassady Jr.
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Light Christmas musical with romance and brief war scene.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
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Where to Watch
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White Christmas
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 6 parent reviews
Based on 11 kid reviews
Kids say this is a heartwarming classic perfect for the holiday season, featuring uplifting themes and memorable musical performances. While it appeals to various age groups, younger kids may find it less engaging, and the film is praised for its charm and innocence, despite some criticism regarding its frequent song-and-dance numbers.
- heartwarming themes
- musical performances
- suitable for all ages
- charming and innocent
- occasional critiques
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Featuring the Irving Berlin tune "White Christmas" and other music from the Berlin catalogue, WHITE CHRISTMAS centers on Bob (Bing Crosby) and Phil (Danny Kaye), two song-and-dance men who meet while serving in World War II. After the war, they produce and perform together as Wallace & Davis, a successful Broadway act. When the pair meet the Haynes sisters, Betty (Rosemary Clooney) and Judy (Vera-Ellen), they join the women for their next engagement at a financially strapped Vermont guest lodge. By coincidence, the lodge is owned by the men's old Army major-general, Waverly (Dean Jagger). Bob and Phil decide to help their former CO by mounting a Broadway-level show at the venue to attract customers. While they're at it, they throw a surprise reunion for their whole combat division. Keeping this a secret from Waverly accidentally makes Betty think that their good deed is just a heartless publicity stunt, which leads her to leave both Bob and her act with Judy behind. Phil and Judy conspire to get Bob and Betty back together while rehearsing their energetic routines for the show.
Is It Any Good?
This colorful classic musical is heartwarming, but the plot is flimsy, with only a couple of memorable musical sequences. White Christmas was made to capitalize on the famous Irving Berlin song first introduced 12 years earlier in Holiday Inn. It paints a rosy picture of military life, opening on Crosby and Kaye entertaining their fellow soldiers while bombs fly in the background and ending with a misty-eyed reunion with their old division. Kaye provides an ageless, overgrown-kid enthusiasm that counteracts Crosby's stiffness. Kaye is at his best during a piece that makes fun of minimalist modern-dance "choreography" and during a silly rendition of "Sisters" that had Crosby genuinely laughing.
But even with the Berlin songs and Kaye and Vera-Ellen's dancing, the Paramount team, under dialogue-oriented director Michael Curtiz (Casablanca), can't compete with golden-age Hollywood musicals like Singin' in the Rain that feature a deft pace and fleet feet. White Christmas does, however, succeed as a lighthearted musical with an ending meant to tug at the heartstrings and, of course, snow on Christmas.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what makes White Christmas a classic. Is it Bing Crosby and a catchy holiday tune, or is there more to the movie that keeps audiences coming back to it?
Families can also talk about how the story portrays veterans and military service, with Bob and Phil maintaining strong military ties and stalwart respect for battlefield buddies and commanders, even in civilian life. How does their behavior compare with that of other veterans you've seen, both in real life and in movies and television?
Bob refuses to air his Christmas show on television, even though he could make a lot of money from it. Do you agree with his decision? Why is it important for him not to air the show or benefit personally from doing it?
How do the characters show compassion, integrity, and humility? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 14, 1954
- On DVD or streaming : November 21, 2000
- Cast : Bing Crosby , Danny Kaye , Rosemary Clooney , Vera-Ellen
- Director : Michael Curtiz
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Musical
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along ) , Holidays
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Humility , Integrity
- Run time : 120 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : Academy Award - Other Category Nominee
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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