White Christmas (1954)

Paramount’s first film in (lavender-hued) VistaVision was this pornographically soppy but, nonetheless, hearty and humorous 1954 festive romp.

White Christmas is the cinema equivalent of an inappropriate festive snog under the mistletoe – you know you probably shouldn’t enjoy it but you just can’t help yourself.

It's a nice, if undemanding, Yuletide treat.

This was the Mamma Mia! of its day, a nostalgic blast of popular Irving Berlin showtunes gift-wrapped in new-fangled VistaVision that danced its way to the top of the 1954 box office.

A new score by Irving Berlin also contributed to its marzipan popularity. But it’s the title song that really produced lasting gold. That and the fake snow.

How many festive shopping experiences have been ruined by the sound of Bing Crosby gargling out White Christmas over department store tannoys worldwide?

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With a cast like this, the ensuing light-hearted mayhem and Irving Berlin's title song, there is not much cause to complain if you're looking for nothing more than mild diversion.

Though it's not as satisfying as it might have been, it still boasts great stars and catchy songs in addition to a love story, and is a perennial holiday favorite.