Kate's Film Club: White Christmas
by Kate Pop Culture
Our resident film buff đź’ŞKate Corcoran, is diving into a few holiday cinematic classics. Pop on any of these to avoid having to talk to your Aunt about your dating profile.Â
Photo // IMDb
Michael Curtiz, 1954
If you watch White Christmas for the first time in 2024, you might have the same two thoughts as me – this movie isn’t very Christmasy, and this movie is very gay?
I can’t recall any movie I’ve watched before 1960 as being sexy in the slightest. We’re lucky to get a kiss in the end! So, I doubt my gaydar going off was intentional to the director. However, the subtext does make the movie far more interesting to watch.
I learned in my traditional post-watch Google search that the movie was written around the song, which is reflected in the apparent simplicity of the film.Â
White Christmas is about two war buddies who become an incredibly famous and successful musical act. After watching the Haynes sisters perform, they befriend them. Other synopses will say they “fell in love with” or “became romantically involved with” but I would not. The four travel to Vermont and put on a show at their former Army general’s inn to save it from closure.
There’s some will-they-won’t-they tension and a conflict over a misunderstood phone call. Still, it’s truly an uncomplicated, straightforward movie with fabulous costumes and musical numbers. (Seriously, I will be YouTube-ing “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing” and “Mandy” for the rest of my life.) It’s wholesome! It’s sweet! But if you read into the gay subtext…it’s a lil' more exciting.
All I’m saying is, next time you watch, just notice how Phil (Danny Kaye) looks at Bob (Bing Crosby). Or how invested Phil is in Bob’s love life. Maybe also take note of Phil’s verbal and physical reactions to Judy (Vera-Ellen)’s flirtation.
There are lots of rumors floating around the internet about Kaye’s sexuality. He likely was closeted. We will, of course, never know for sure, but if reincarnation is real, I hope Kaye returned as a WeHo-living, Chappell Roan-singing, deeply loved for exactly who he is human.
Highlights from a gloriously visual movie:
-The first outfits from the Haynes sisters are so 50s, so perfect.
-The general is…very hot??
-The dress rehearsal was absolutely epic and gave me LIFE!
-Full makeup to bed is obviously how I also sleep.
-Betty’s dress at the Carousel Club made me drool!
Final Rating
I’m rating White Christmas 78/100 buttermilk with liverwurst sandwiches. 🥪
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To read all of Kate’s wildly deep and complex reviews, follow @katecorcoran on Letterboxd!Â
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