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On Christmas Eve 1944, soldiers assemble amidst war torn ruins to hear songs and recall the more peaceful holidays of home. But their Yuletide clam-dig is interrupted when bombs drop from overhead, throwing debris and scattering the men. Captain Bob Wallace (Bing Crosby) is unaware a wall is about to collapse on him until Private Phil Davis (Danny Kaye) throws him out of the way. Because the rescuer is injured in the act, Bob stops by the infirmary to thank the hero for saving his life and to express his indebtedness. Knowing the Captain is a talented entertainer; Phil grasps the opportunity to use his big cow eyes and wounded arm to persuade Bob to team up with him after the war.

The newly formed song-and-dance duo of "Wallace and Davis" hits post-war America by storm and before long is enjoying fame and fortune. The fellas soon meet sister act Betty and Judy Haynes (Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen), who are pursuing an entertainment career of their own. Eager for advice from the pros, these voluptuous dames have a plan, and plenty of angles (not to mention legs). It's hard to keep track of who is manipulating whom when they all end up together at a ski lodge in Vermont, run by none other than the boys' much loved former commanding officer General Thomas F. Waverly (Dean Jagger). As the story marches on, those familiar with Danny Kaye will delight in watching his quick and fluid physical style of comedy and that other guy, Bing somebody--he sings just swell.

Desiring to help their old army buddy, Bob and Phil scheme together to put on a little showbiz-style Christmas cheer. With buttermilk and sandwiches on standby, and enough singing and dancing to satisfy just about everybody, our happy throng prepares for a star-studded performance as well as some sugar-frosted romance.

Containing few content concerns, and brimming with Irving Berlin classics like "White Christmas," "Sisters," and "Blues Skies," it's a safe bet White Christmas will have all family members feeling warm and cozy this holiday season.

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Talk about the movie with your family...

Some of the characters in this film go out of their way to help others in need. Does your family have any traditions that better your community during the Christmas season? Are there any you could start?

The talents of Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye transcend the decades, but alas, buttermilk as a beverage does not. Some tastes and traditions seem to die out between generations, for example my mother used to drink buttermilk but I never have. When did your family quit drinking this "refreshment"? (Did they ever? Do you still?)

I submit to you perhaps a better use for buttermilk... my husband's wonderful Buttermilk Cranberry Bread. Just as festive as the movie and far easier to swallow...

2 C Flour 1 C Sugar 1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder 1/2 tsp Baking Soda 1/2 tsp Salt	3/4 C Buttermilk 3 T Cooking Oil 1 egg 2 C Cranberries, halved 1 T Orange Zest (grated orange rind)
Sift dry ingredients together, and then add buttermilk, oil, and egg. Combine only until all is moistened (add a little more buttermilk if batter seems too dry). Fold in cranberries and orange zest. Turn into a well-greased loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until done. Wrap in foil and refrigerate 24 hours before slicing.

For other movies to help you feel the holiday spirit, try our list of classics in Christmas Cinema.