Monday, November 9, 2026
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Cherryville, NC (WNN) - The holiday season is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a classic that introduced one of the most cherished Christmas songs of all time?
This week's Monday Movie Review takes us back to 1942 with Holiday Inn, a musical comedy starring Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, and Marjorie Reynolds.
This is a spoiler-free review.
Directed by Mark Sandrich, the film follows Jim Hardy (played by Bing Crosby), a performer who leaves the entertainment business to open a country inn that operates only on holidays. With each holiday bringing a new celebration, Jim hopes to create a place where guests can enjoy music, live performances, and holiday magic.
The story itself blends romance, rivalry, and musical performances as Jim and his former performing partner, Ted Hanover (played by Fred Astaire), find themselves competing for the attention of Linda Mason (played by Majorie Reynolds).
Rather than focusing on a single holiday, the inn opens its doors for special occasions throughout the year. Each season brings a different celebration, complete with its own music, decorations, and performances.
Winter: Christmas, New Year's, and Valentine's Day bring romance, seasonal music, and festive celebrations
Spring: Easter welcomes the season with a lively musical number and a change in atmosphere.
Summer: Independence Day brings patriotic festivities and fireworks.
Fall: Thanksgiving offers a quieter moment of reflection as the plot hits a turning point.
Through its yearlong celebrations, Holiday Inn highlights how holidays can bring people together while creating opportunities for entertainment and memories.
The film is best known for introducing Irving Berlin's "White Christmas," a song written specifically for the movie. The song went on to become one of the most recognizable Christmas songs in American music history. Twelve years later, in 1954, the film White Christmas was released. The song went on to win an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1943. Also starring Bing Crosby, the musical shares a similar holiday-centered atmosphere and features the song that helped make Holiday Inn a long-lasting classic.
5 Hoots: Outstanding filmmaking with emotional or cultural impact.
4 Hoots: Great movie with some minor flaws. Would recommend to a friend.
3 Hoots: Enjoyable, but not groundbreaking.
2 Hoots: It was okay, but it falls short of expectations or potential.
1 Hoot: Weak story and/or poor execution.
Whether you're discovering Holiday Inn for the first time or revisiting a classic, the film offers a nostalgic journey through the holidays, reminding viewers that every season brings its own reason to celebrate.
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