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According to the Hymns and Carols of Christmas Web site, Irving Berlin wrote White Christmas for the film "Holiday Inn." It was one of more than a dozen songs Berlin penned for the film.
Berlin reportedly had doubts about White Christmas. But Bing Crosby, one of the stars of the film, was sure it would be a hit. He proved it: Crosby's recorded version went on to sell more than 30 million copies.
More than a decade after "Holiday Inn" was released, it inspired the movie also called "White Christmas."
White Christmas won an Oscar in 1942 as best movie song. One other song from the "Holiday Inn" soundtrack, Easter Parade, also is familiar to most of us. (It also led to a same-named movie.)
But other songs from "Holiday Inn" are not as well known. Probably, only the most ardent film buffs or Berlin fans know:
I'll Capture Your Heart
Abraham
I Can't Tell a Lie
Say It With Firecrackers
I've Got Plenty to be Thankful For
But almost certainly, everyone knows White Christmas.
By the way: The Holiday Inn motel chain did, in fact, take its name from the movie. The first Holiday Inn was opened in Memphis, Tenn. in 1952 by Kemmons Wilson. (Source: American Hotel and Lodging Association.)
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