Paris Marathon Training: Week 2 of 18
Today’s target run: 33 minutes
Today’s completed run: 33 minutes
There is no middle of the road. You are either in one camp or the other. It is either black or white (or in this case B&W or in technicolor). You say eee-ther and I say eye-ther. ToMAYto, toMAHto, poTAYto, poTAHto….
So, the issue of which I discuss is an annual debate held at this time of year among movie buffs that will probably never be settled. What is the quintessential Christmas movie?
Please, no Chevy Chase Christmas Vacation entries. If that is your choice, sadly, this blog is not for you (but you are always welcome to stop by).
And no, as much as I like to watch It’s A Wonderful Life 30 ga-zillion times each year, that is not THE ultimate Christmas movie either. Nor Miracle on 34th Street (either versions), Going My Way, The Bells of St. Mary’s, The Bishop’s Wife, or all the other host of wonderful holiday classics.
It is really only a two-horse race in my mind - and this is where is comes down to a clear choice for those fans of the Bing. It’s either Holiday Inn or White Christmas. Now, it gets sticky.
Both have their merits: Positives for Holiday Inn: Holiday Inn was the first film to feature the song White Christmas (not White Christmas, the movie) so kudos for that. It also combines the voice of Crosby, and the feet of Astaire, a truly winning combo. In 1942, the year the film was released, it was the highest grossing film of the year. It features all the great songs of Irving Berlin - every single song is great. And finally, you can’t beat the sentiment: living in a place you love, with the people you love, doing the work you love to do.
Now, I am clearly partial to Holiday Inn. That is my clear choice for the best holiday film, hands down. So, it is hard for me to bring up any negatives. Some would say that the fact that the film is in B&W is a negative, but to me that is not a detraction in the least. And please, let's not even discuss the issue of colorization.
Moving on to White Christmas: Again, features the song White Christmas, but the other songs are a bit dopey. They just do not hold up well, although Sisters and Snow, Snow, Snow are a couple that do. A dual-duo act this time in Crosby and Danny Kay, and Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen. Actually Rosemary is the better lead female of the two films. It’s in color. However, there are the serious drawbacks: mainly an obnoxious Danny Kay, sets that look just like the sets in Holiday Inn, and a story line that is a repeat of the first film in many ways. It just doesn’t cut it for me. Why settle for a repeat when you can enjoy the original?
I know readers of the blog will probably disagree and may even have their own recommendations for THE best Christmas movie. Whatever your choice, whichever side of the fence you fall on, pull out your favorite flick, curl up with good movie munchies, and enjoy!
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2 comments:
Since Ang and I do a rockin' "Sisters" performance, I would have to vote for "White Christmas". (Don't worry-we only have tortured our family with our duet and that was 20 years ago!!) I also love the scene at the end with the pretty red and white dresses and when they open up the door with all the fake scenery! It is so pretty! I also love the Santa in the black and white "Miracle on 34th Street". th
Hey, I can't fault you...like I said, it is matter of personal preference. Have a great holiday - we'll see you next year sometime.
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