MICHAEL CURTIZ

Bil’s rating (out of 5):  BBB. 

USA, 1954.  Paramount Pictures.  Screenplay by Norman Krasna, Norman Panama, Melvin Frank.  Cinematography by Loyal Griggs.  Produced by Robert Emmett Dolan.  Music by Gus Levene, Joseph J. Lilley, Van Cleave.  Production Design by Roland Anderson, Hal Pereira. Costume Design by Edith Head.  Film Editing by Frank Bracht.  

The biggest box-office hit of 1954 was this enjoyable musical romp that rides on the success of the titular Irving Berlin song. Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye are holed up at a hotel resort with sisters Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen over the holidays. The weak screenplay is mostly an excuse for the many pleasant musical numbers, boiling down to an ostentatious production that the foursome put on at the end of the film. It hasn’t aged too well, but is still a favourite for fans gathered around their television sets during the festive season.

Academy Award Nomination:  Best Song (“Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep”)