CTC in the Movies: White Christmas

Time for a holiday edition of CTC in the Movies!  I thought I better get this one in quick, even though Christmas is over, while it could still be considered "the holidays".  This is definitely one of the most wonderful holiday movies ever made.  And of course everybody and their dog knows the song. 

I've watched White Christmas every year since I was a kid, but this was the first time I've paid attention to the coffee/tea moments.  And there are quite a lot of coffee moments!  In the first two scenes where coffee appears, the use of coffee seemed forced and awkward to me.  I'm not sure why the characters have coffee cups in their hands, except to give them something to do.  I think we're supposed to understand, by the constant presence of coffee, that show business is a very strenuous profession, especially for women, and dancers/performers need lots and lots and LOTS of coffee in order to keep going.  As you'll see, in the following shots, almost every scene where there is a performer backstage, offstage, in their dressing room, preparing to "go on", or rehearsing a number, coffee is present.  (As always, click for larger versions in the CTC in the Movies Photo Album...)

There's a pretty china pattern being used at the Vermont Inn. I'm sure some afficianado can tell us what china pattern that is.  It's a blue-ish sort of flower pattern, though it may be hard to tell from my photos here. When I first noticed the cups in this scene at the Inn, I thought they were large coffee cups. But then I realized they were soup "cups" with a handle, similar to the ones I liked so much that were used in Persuasion.

The last coffee moment shows a good use of coffee. Our two main romantic characters, played by Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney, are on the outs. And here at the cast party we see them sitting on opposite sides of the room, sipping coffee alone, while almost everybody else is tossing down champagne.  These two are obviously not interested in having fun.

If you haven't seen this movie (have you been living in a cave???), the DVD is a must-have, especially if you get the version with special features including commentary by and interview with Rosemary Clooney.  The special features are some of my favorite parts of having these classic movies on DVD. 

Happy Holidays everyone!

Comments

[Janelle]

You know, I've watched that movie a million times and never noticed all the coffee moments! Great commentary!