Bing Crosby filmography
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This is a filmography for the American singer and actor Bing Crosby.


Films


Box office ranking

Crosby was frequently voted among the leading box office stars in a poll of exhibitors. See
Top Ten Money Making Stars Poll The Top Ten Money Making Stars Poll were polls on determining the bankability of movie stars. They began quite early in the movie history. At first, they were popular polls and contests conducted in film magazines, where the readers would vote for t ...
*1933 - 14th (US) *1934 - 7th (US) *1935 - 12th (US) *1936 - 22nd (US) *1937 - 4th (US) *1938 - 13th (US) *1939 - 11th (US) *1940 - 7th (US) *1943 - 4th (US) *1944 - 1st (US) *1945 - 1st (US) *1946 - 1st (US) *1947 - 1st (US) *1948 - 1st (US) *1949 - 2nd (US) *1950 - 3rd (US) *1951 - 5th (US) *1952 - 4th (US) *1953 - 5th (US) *1954 - 8th (US) *1955 - 13th (US) *1956 - 20th (US)


Top-ten films of their year

USA *''
Road to Singapore ''Road to Singapore'' is a 1940 American semi- musical comedy film directed by Victor Schertzinger and starring Bing Crosby, Dorothy Lamour and Bob Hope. Based on a story by Harry Hervey, the film is about two playboys trying to forget previo ...
'' (placed in top ten) (1940) *'' Road to Zanzibar'' (placed in top ten) (1941) *''
Holiday Inn Holiday Inn is an American chain of hotels based in Atlanta, Georgia. and a brand of IHG Hotels & Resorts. The chain was founded in 1952 by Kemmons Wilson, who opened the first location in Memphis, Tennessee that year. The chain was a division ...
'' (No. 8) (1942) *''
Going My Way ''Going My Way'' is a 1944 American musical comedy drama film directed by Leo McCarey and starring Bing Crosby and Barry Fitzgerald. Written by Frank Butler and Frank Cavett based on a story by McCarey, the film is about a new young priest tak ...
'' (No. 1) (1944) *''
The Bells of St. Mary's ''The Bells of St. Mary's'' (1945) is an American musical comedy-drama film, produced and directed by Leo McCarey and starring Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman. Written by Dudley Nichols and based on a story by McCarey, the film is about a priest ...
'' (No. 1) (1946) *'' Blue Skies'' (No. 3) (1946) *''
Road to Utopia ''Road to Utopia'' is a 1946 American semi-musical comedy film directed by Hal Walker and starring Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, and Dorothy Lamour. Filmed in 1943 but not released until 1946, ''Road to Utopia'' is the fourth film of the "'' Road to β€ ...
'' (No. 4) (1946) *''
Welcome Stranger The Welcome Stranger is the biggest alluvial gold nugget that has ever been found, which had a calculated refined weight of .Potter, Terry F. (1999) ''The Welcome Stranger: a definitive account of the worlds largest alluvial gold nugget''. I ...
'' ( No. 7) (1947) *''
Road to Rio ''Road to Rio'' is a 1947 American semimusical comedy film directed by Norman Z. McLeod and starring Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, and Dorothy Lamour. Written by Edmund Beloin and Jack Rose, the film is about two inept vaudevillians who stow away on ...
'' (No. 1) (1948) *'' The Emperor Waltz'' (No. 7) (1948) *'' White Christmas'' (No. 1) (1954) *'' The Country Girl'' (No. 6) (1955) *''
High Society High society, sometimes simply society, is the behavior and lifestyle of people with the highest levels of wealth and social status. It includes their related affiliations, social events and practices. Upscale social clubs were open to men based ...
'' (No. 4) (1956) UK *''
Holiday Inn Holiday Inn is an American chain of hotels based in Atlanta, Georgia. and a brand of IHG Hotels & Resorts. The chain was founded in 1952 by Kemmons Wilson, who opened the first location in Memphis, Tennessee that year. The chain was a division ...
'' (No. 5) (1942) *''Going My Way'' (No. 4) (1944) *''The Bells of St. Mary's'' (No. 2) (1946) *''Blue Skies'' (placed in top ten) (1947) *''
Road to Bali ''Road to Bali'' is a 1952 American comedy film directed by Hal Walker and starring Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, and Dorothy Lamour. Released by Paramount Pictures on November 19, 1952, the film is the sixth of the seven ''Road to …'' movies. It w ...
'' (No. 2) (1953) *''White Christmas'' (No. 2) (1955) *''High Society'' (No. 1) (1957) *''
The Road to Hong Kong ''The Road to Hong Kong'' is a 1962 British semi-musical comedy film directed by Norman Panama and starring Bing Crosby and Bob Hope, as well as Joan Collins, with an extended cameo featuring Dorothy Lamour in the setting of Hong Kong under Br ...
'' (placed in top ten) (1962) The source of the information is ''
Variety Variety may refer to: Arts and entertainment Entertainment formats * Variety (radio) * Variety show, in theater and television Films * ''Variety'' (1925 film), a German silent film directed by Ewald Andre Dupont * ''Variety'' (1935 film), ...
'' for the USA results and ''
Kinematograph Weekly ''Kinematograph Weekly'', popularly known as ''Kine Weekly'', was a trade paper catering to the British film industry between 1889 and 1971. History ''Kinematograph Weekly'' was founded in 1889 as the monthly publication ''Optical Magic Lantern ...
'' for the UK.


Other short subjects

*''
Two Plus Fours ''Two Plus Fours'' is a 1930 American short film directed by Ray McCarey and featuring the Rhythm Boys ( Bing Crosby, Al Rinker and Harry Barris). The film was shot in 5 days starting on May 29, 1930 at a cost of $19,689. It previewed in mid-J ...
'' (1930) *''Hollywood on Parade'' (1932) *''Hollywood on Parade No. 11'' (1933) *''Hollywood on Parade No. A-9'' (1933) *''Star Night at the Cocoanut Grove'' (1934) *''Screen Snapshots Series 16, No. 5'' (1937) *''Hollywood Handicap'' (1938) *''Screen Snapshots Series 18, No. 4'' (1938) *''Screen Snapshots Series 18, No. 9'' (1939) *''Screen Snapshots: Hollywood Recreations'' (1940) *'' Swing with Bing'' (1940) *''Angels of Mercy'' (1941) *''Meet the Stars #6: Stars at Play'' (1941) *'' Show Business at War'' (1943) *''Don't Hook Now'' (1943) *''Road to Victory'' (1944) *''
The All-Star Bond Rally ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the ...
'' (1945) *''
Hollywood Victory Caravan The Hollywood Victory Caravan was a two-week cross-country railroad journey in 1942 that brought together two dozen film stars to raise money for the Army and Navy Relief Society. It was sponsored by the Hollywood Victory Committee of Stage, Scree ...
'' (1945) *''Screen Snapshots: Hollywood Celebrations'' (1945) *''Screen Snapshots: Famous Fathers and Sons'' (1946) *''Screen Snapshots: Hollywood's Happy Homes'' (1949) *''Alberta Vacation'' (1950) *''You Can Change the World'' (1951) *''Crusade for Prayer'' (1952) *''Screen Snapshots: Hollywood Mothers and Fathers'' (1955) *''Showdown at Ulcer Gulch'' (1956) (Bing and Bob Hope walk past each other with umbrellas) *''Bing Presents Oreste'' (1956) *''The Heart of Show Business'' (1957) *''Just One More Time'' (1974)


Television

*''The Bing Crosby Show'' (1954) *'' High Tor'' (1956) *''
The Edsel Show ''The Edsel Show'' is an hour-long television special broadcast live on CBS in the United States on October 13, 1957, intended to promote Ford Motor Company's new Edsel cars. It was a milestone in the long career of entertainer Bing Crosby and is ...
'' (1957) *''Bing Crosby in London'' (1961) *'' The Bing Crosby Show'' (ABC, 1964–1965) *''A Little Bit of Irish'' (1967) *''
Goldilocks "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" (originally titled "The Story of the Three Bears") is a 19th-century English fairy tale of which three versions exist. The original version of the tale tells of an obscene old woman who enters the forest hom ...
'' (1970) *'' Dr. Cook's Garden'' (1971) *''Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire: A Couple of Song and Dance Men'' (1975)


Songs nominated for Academy Award

From 1934, when the first
Oscar Oscar, OSCAR, or The Oscar may refer to: People * Oscar (given name), an Irish- and English-language name also used in other languages; the article includes the names Oskar, Oskari, OszkΓ‘r, Γ“scar, and other forms. * Oscar (Irish mythology) ...
was awarded for " Best Song", until 1960, Bing Crosby introduced more nominated songs than any other singer. His fourteen nominations produced four Oscar winners, a record that has never been matched.


Soundtrack appearances

* ''Richard Hamilton'' (1969) – This is an Arts Council of Great Britain sponsored twenty five minute short. It is devoted to the works of artist Richard Hamilton. The only song heard in the short is " White Christmas". Bing Crosby's Decca recording is used to illustrate Hamilton's painting ''I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas''. The painting is of Bing in negative and the effects of color reversal create a snow scene effect to the Crosby features. * '' Paper Moon'' (1973) –
Peter Bogdanovich Peter Bogdanovich (July 30, 1939 – January 6, 2022) was an American director, writer, actor, producer, critic, and film historian. One of the " New Hollywood" directors, Bogdanovich started as a film journalist until he was hired to work on ...
's film relies solely on commercial recordings and radio programs to provide background music for this film which is set in the US in the 1930s. Crosby's recording of "Just One More Chance" is featured. * '' Brother, Can You Spare a Dime'' (1975) –
David Puttnam David Terence Puttnam, Baron Puttnam, CBE, HonFRSA, HonFRPS, MRIA (born 25 February 1941) is a British film producer, educator, environmentalist and former member of the House of Lords. His productions include ''Chariots of Fire'', which wo ...
was involved in this 109 minute compilation of 1930s film footage. As well as singing the title song we hear Bing's recording of "
Where the Blue of the Night (Meets the Gold of the Day) "Where the Blue of the Night (Meets the Gold of the Day)" was the theme Bing Crosby selected for his radio show. It was recorded in November 1931 with Bennie Krueger and his Orchestra. The song was featured in a Mack Sennett movie short starring B ...
." The film's closing credits wrongly title the latter song "When the Blue...". * ''
The Man Who Fell to Earth ''The Man Who Fell to Earth'' is a 1976 British science fiction drama film directed by Nicolas Roeg and written by Paul Mayersberg. Based on Walter Tevis's 1963 novel of the same name, the film follows an extraterrestrial (Thomas Jerome Newt ...
'' (1976) – In this Crosby can be heard singing " True Love". At the film's end, Candy Clark, playing
David Bowie David Robert Jones (8 January 194710 January 2016), known professionally as David Bowie ( ), was an English singer-songwriter and actor. A leading figure in the music industry, he is regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the ...
's girlfriend, goes to Bowie's apartment in a Father Christmas outfit. As the two move around the apartment, part of the
Capitol A capitol, named after the Capitoline Hill in Rome, is usually a legislative building where a legislature meets and makes laws for its respective political entity. Specific capitols include: * United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. * Numerous ...
recording of "True Love" is heard on the soundtrack. * '' Tracks'' (1977) – Director
Henry Jaglom Henry David Jaglom (born January 26, 1938) is an English-born American actor, film director and playwright. Life and career Jaglom was born to a Jewish family in London, England, the son of Marie (nΓ©e Stadthagen) and Simon M. Jaglom, who w ...
makes use of two of Crosby's American Decca recordings: "
These Foolish Things "These Foolish Things (Remind Me of You)" is a standard with lyrics by Eric Maschwitz, writing under the pseudonym Holt Marvell, and music by Jack Strachey, both Englishmen. Harry Link, an American, sometimes appears as a co-writer; his input ...
" and " (There'll Be a) Hot Time in the Town of Berlin", the latter performed with
The Andrews Sisters The Andrews Sisters were an American close harmony singing group of the swing and boogie-woogie eras. The group consisted of three sisters: contralto LaVerne Sophia Andrews (July 6, 1911 – May 8, 1967), soprano Maxene Anglyn Andrews (January ...
. * '' F.I.S.T.'' (1978) – In the early part of the film the U.S. Decca recording of "
Santa Claus Is Coming to Town "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" is a Christmas song featuring Santa Claus written by J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie. The earliest known recorded version of the song was by banjoist Harry Reser and his band on October 24, 1934. It was then ...
" by Crosby and the Andrews Sisters is heard on the soundtrack. The song is playing on the radio in a scene where a Chicago businessman is visited during the Christmas holiday by union representatives. * ''
The Brink's Job ''The Brink's Job'' is a 1978 American crime comedy drama film directed by William Friedkin and starring Peter Falk, Peter Boyle, Allen Garfield, Warren Oates, Gena Rowlands, and Paul Sorvino. It is based on the Brink's robbery of 1950 in Bos ...
'' (1978) – In an early scene set in Boston, the American Decca recording of "
Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive" is a popular song which was published in 1944. The music was written by Harold Arlen and the lyrics by Johnny Mercer. The song was nominated for the "Academy Award for Best Original Song" at the 18th Academy Awa ...
" by Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters is heard. This serves to indicate the era without resorting to a caption or explanatory dialogue. At the end of the film the same recording is heard as the gang of robbers depicted in the film ascend the courthouse steps for a trial prior to imprisonment. * '' Pennies From Heaven'' (1981) – This version uses recordings from the 1930s to advance the story-line. The film's setting is the thirties with the actors miming to 78s from that decade. Crosby's contribution is "
Did You Ever See a Dream Walking? "Did You Ever See a Dream Walking?" is a popular song, introduced by Art Jarrett in the 1933 film '' Sitting Pretty.'' The music was written by Harry Revel, the lyrics by Mack Gordon. The song was originally published in 1933 and there were charte ...
". * ''
Frances Frances is a French and English given name of Latin origin. In Latin the meaning of the name Frances is 'from France' or 'free one.' The male version of the name in English is Francis. The original Franciscus, meaning "Frenchman", comes from the F ...
'' (1982) – Bing Crosby is heard singing "Love Is So Terrific" as background music in this screen biography of Crosby's one time leading lady Frances Farmer. This song is taken from the
Philco Radio Time ''Philco Radio Time'' was an old-time radio radio series starring entertainer Bing Crosby. The series ran over ABC Radio with episodes airing from October 16, 1946–June 1, 1949. The series also was syndicated for a period of time over th ...
broadcast of March 31, 1948. * ''
Some Kind of Hero ''Some Kind of Hero'' is a 1982 American comedy-drama film starring Richard Pryor as a returning Vietnam War veteran having trouble adjusting to civilian life. Soon he is involved in an organized crime heist. It co-stars Margot Kidder and was dir ...
'' (1982) – Towards the end of the main character's imprisonment, the public address system broadcasts the Bing and
Carol Richards Carol Swiedler (stage name Carol Richards or Carole Richards) (June 6, 1922 – March 16, 2007) was an American singer, radio and television performer, best remembered for her duets with Bing Crosby on the hit single " Silver Bells" and the song ...
Decca recording of " Silver Bells". * '' A Christmas Story'' (1983) – Crosby's Decca 78s are used to give a seasonal early 1940s atmosphere to the film by the playing of "
Jingle Bells "Jingle Bells" is one of the best-known and most commonly sung American songs in the world. It was written by James Lord Pierpont (1822–1893) and published under the title "The One Horse Open Sleigh" in September 1857. It has been claimed t ...
", " It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" and "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town". * ''
Racing with the Moon ''Racing with the Moon'' is a 1984 American drama film starring Sean Penn, Elizabeth McGovern, and Nicolas Cage. It was directed by Richard Benjamin and written by Steve Kloves. The original music score was composed by Dave Grusin. The film's t ...
'' (1984) – Popular songs of the era are played on the soundtrack including Crosby's Decca recording of " Moonlight Becomes You". * '' A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge'' (1985) – Crosby's recording of "Did You Ever See a Dream Walking?" is heard on the soundtrack of this American horror film about a teenager suffering from nightmares. * ''
One Magic Christmas ''One Magic Christmas'' is a 1985 Christmas fantasy film directed by Phillip Borsos. It was released by Walt Disney Pictures and stars Mary Steenburgen and Harry Dean Stanton. It was shot in Meaford, Ontario with some scenes in Owen Sound, Ontari ...
'' (1985) – Bing's Decca recording of "
I'll Be Home for Christmas "I'll Be Home for Christmas" is a Christmas song written by the lyricist Kim Gannon and composer Walter Kent and recorded in 1943 by Bing Crosby, who scored a top ten hit with the song. Originally written to honor soldiers overseas who longe ...
" adds poignancy to a scene where the characters have a heart to heart talk in their kitchen. * ''
Tough Guys ''Tough Guys'' is a 1986 American action comedy film directed by Jeff Kanew and starring Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas, Eli Wallach, Charles Durning, Dana Carvey and Darlanne Fluegel. It is the eighth film of Touchstone Pictures, and the final ...
'' (1986) – Crosby sings "
Don't Get Around Much Anymore "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" is a jazz standard written by composer Duke Ellington. The song was originally entitled "Never No Lament" and was first recorded by Duke Ellington and his orchestra on May 4, 1940. "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" ...
" on the soundtrack. It is Crosby's 1977 recording made for a Concord CD, although Burt Lancaster is shown placing a 78 on the record turntable. * ''
Radio Days ''Radio Days'' is a 1987 American comedy-drama film written and directed by Woody Allen, who also narrates the story. The film looks back on an American family's life during the Golden Age of Radio using both music and memories to tell the story. ...
'' (1987) –
Woody Allen Heywood "Woody" Allen (born Allan Stewart Konigsberg; November 30, 1935) is an American film director, writer, actor, and comedian whose career spans more than six decades and multiple Academy Award-winning films. He began his career writing ...
's affectionate tribute to the golden days of American radio crams loads of music from the 1930s and 1940s onto the nostalgia provoking soundtrack. Bing Crosby's contribution is part of the Decca recording of "
Pistol Packin' Mama "Pistol Packin' Mama" was a " Hillbilly"-Honky Tonk record released at the height of World War II that became a nationwide sensation, and the first "Country" song to top the Billboard popular music chart. It was written by Al Dexter of Troup, ...
" sung with the Andrews Sisters. * '' Someone to Love'' (1987) – Director Henry Jaglom selected Bing's Decca recording of "
Long Ago (and Far Away) "Long Ago (and Far Away)" is a popular song with music by Jerome Kern, and lyrics about nostalgia by Ira Gershwin from the 1944 Technicolor film musical ''Cover Girl'' starring Rita Hayworth and Gene Kelly and released by Columbia Pictures. T ...
" to help capture the mood of one of the film's introspective moments. * ''
Lady in White ''Lady in White'' is a 1988 American supernatural mystery film directed, produced, written and scored by Frank LaLoggia, and starring Lukas Haas, Len Cariou, Alex Rocco and Katherine Helmond. The plot follows a schoolboy in 1962 upstate New ...
'' (1988) – Bing sings "Did You Ever See a Dream Walking?" as the film's main character, young Frankie, played by
Lukas Haas Lukas Daniel Haas (born April 16, 1976) is an American actor and musician. His acting career has spanned four decades, during which he has appeared in more than 50 feature films and a number of television shows and stage productions. Early life ...
, descends the stairs and sees the ghost of a murdered girl. The song has a significant part to play in the film's plot. As the end credits roll the Crosby vocal is reprised, followed by the lyrics being picked up by a childish voice intended to be that of the murdered girl. * ''
Christmas in Tattertown ''Christmas in Tattertown'' is a 1988 animated television Christmas special created and directed by Ralph Bakshi. The special was an unsold pilot episode for a series, ''Tattertown'', about a place where everything discarded in the world came al ...
'' (1988) – This thirty minute cartoon was first shown on television in the US in 1988. The plot concerns a doll called Muffet who hates Christmas and the sentiment surrounding the season of goodwill. She is supported in her beliefs by a spider and a fly. When Debbie, the doll's owner, plays Crosby's recording of "White Christmas" both spider and fly are reduced to tears. * '' When Harry Met Sally...'' (1989) – Crosby sings "
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is a song written in 1943 by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane and introduced by Judy Garland in the 1944 MGM musical ''Meet Me in St. Louis''. Frank Sinatra later recorded a version with modified lyrics. I ...
" as the story moves towards a happy conclusion. * ''
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation ''National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation'' is a 1989 American Christmas comedy film and the third installment in ''National Lampoon'' magazine's ''Vacation'' film series. ''Christmas Vacation'' was directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik, written and co ...
'' (1989) – The Hawaiian song "
Mele Kalikimaka "" () is a Hawaiian-themed Christmas song written in 1949 by R. Alex Anderson. The song takes its title from the Hawaiian phrase , meaning "Merry Christmas". One of the earliest recordings of this song was by Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sis ...
", sung by Crosby and the Andrews Sisters is used to illustrate a dream sequence. A further nod to the Crosby influence on Christmas comes at Griswold's darkest hour when the family guests pack to leave the disaster stricken house.
Chevy Chase Cornelius Crane "Chevy" Chase (; born October 8, 1943) is an American comedian, actor and writer. He became a key cast member in the first season of ''Saturday Night Live'', where his recurring ''Weekend Update'' segment became a staple of the ...
bars their way, grits his teeth and says, "Nobody leaves. This is going to be the happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap danced with Danny Kaye." * ''The Road Home'' (1989) – Crosby's 1943 recording of "San Fernando Valley" is incongruously included on the soundtrack where recordings by the likes of
Happy Mondays Happy Mondays are an English rock band formed in Salford in 1980. The original line-up was Shaun Ryder (vocals), his brother Paul Ryder (bass), Gary Whelan (drums), Paul Davis (keyboard), and Mark Day (guitar). Mark "Bez" Berry later joine ...
, Raheem,
The Pogues The Pogues were an English or Anglo-Irish Celtic punk band fronted by Shane MacGowan and others, founded in Kings Cross, London in 1982, as "Pogue Mahone" – the anglicisation of the Irish Gaelic ''pΓ³g mo thΓ³in'', meaning "kiss my arse" ...
and
The Cure The Cure are an English rock band formed in 1978 in Crawley, West Sussex. Throughout numerous lineup changes since the band's formation, guitarist, lead vocalist, and songwriter Robert Smith has remained the only constant member. The band's ...
predominate. * ''
Avalon Avalon (; la, Insula Avallonis; cy, Ynys Afallon, Ynys Afallach; kw, Enys Avalow; literally meaning "the isle of fruit r appletrees"; also written ''Avallon'' or ''Avilion'' among various other spellings) is a mythical island featured in the ...
'' (1990) – Bing's soundtrack contribution is "Silver Bells" which he duets with Carol Richards. * ''
Henry & June ''Henry & June'' is a 1990 American biographical drama film directed by Philip Kaufman, and starring Fred Ward, Uma Thurman, and Maria de Medeiros. It is loosely based on the posthumously published 1986 AnaΓ―s Nin book of the same name, and ...
'' (1990) – Director Philip Kaufman decided to use French and American recordings of the period alongside an orchestral score of 1930s classical compositions. One of his contemporary selections was Crosby's recording of " I Found a Million Dollar Baby". * ''
Hudson Hawk ''Hudson Hawk'' is a 1991 American action comedy film directed by Michael Lehmann. Bruce Willis stars in the title role and also co-wrote both the story and the theme song. Danny Aiello, Andie MacDowell, James Coburn, David Caruso, Lorraine To ...
'' (1991) This American comedy thriller was the first major financial disaster of the 1990s as far as Hollywood was concerned. Bing's recording of "
Swinging on a Star "Swinging on a Star" is an American pop standard with music composed by Jimmy Van Heusen and lyrics by Johnny Burke. It was introduced by Bing Crosby in the 1944 film '' Going My Way'', winning an Academy Award for Best Original Song that year, ...
" plays a major part in the plot.
Bruce Willis Walter Bruce Willis (born March 19, 1955) is a retired American actor. He achieved fame with a leading role on the comedy-drama series ''Moonlighting'' (1985–1989) and appeared in over a hundred films, gaining recognition as an action hero a ...
as the Hudson Hawk of the title plans to steal a Leonardo da Vinci from a New York auction house. He estimates the heist will take the length of time it takes to sing "Swinging on a Star". * ''
Oscar Oscar, OSCAR, or The Oscar may refer to: People * Oscar (given name), an Irish- and English-language name also used in other languages; the article includes the names Oskar, Oskari, OszkΓ‘r, Γ“scar, and other forms. * Oscar (Irish mythology) ...
'' (1991) – In a scene in the first reel, Sylvester Stallone's daughter (
Ornella Muti Ornella Muti (born Francesca Romana Rivelli; 9 March 1955) is an Italian actress. She made her film debut as Francesca Cimarosa in the 1970 film ''La moglie piΓΉ bella.'' Early life Muti was born in Rome to a Neapolitan journalist father and ...
) is showing her rebellious side. She is in retreat in her bedroom smoking and listening to Crosby's 1932 recording of "
Sweet Georgia Brown "Sweet Georgia Brown" is a jazz standard composed in 1925 by Ben Bernie and Maceo Pinkard, with lyrics by Kenneth Casey. History Reportedly, Ben Bernie came up with the concept for the song's lyrics – although he is not the credited lyricis ...
". * ''November Days'' (1991) – Parts of Bing's May 1942 recording of "Song of Freedom" are used throughout the film.
Anti-Semitism Antisemitism (also spelled anti-semitism or anti-Semitism) is hostility to, prejudice towards, or discrimination against Jews. A person who holds such positions is called an antisemite. Antisemitism is considered to be a form of racism. Antis ...
is an issue explored in the film and Crosby's vocal gives added poignancy in a sequence when a Neo-Nazi is interviewed. * '' Grumpy Old Men'' (1993) – This Warner Bros. film includes Crosby's Warner Bros. released recording of "
Winter Wonderland "Winter Wonderland" is a song written in 1934 by Felix Bernard and lyricist Richard Bernhard Smith. Due to its seasonal theme, it is often regarded as a Christmas song in the Northern Hemisphere. Since its original recording by Richard Himbe ...
". * ''
Trapped in Paradise ''Trapped in Paradise'' is a 1994 American Christmas-themed crime comedy film written and directed by George Gallo and starring Nicolas Cage, Jon Lovitz, and Dana Carvey. Plot At Christmas time, New York City convicts Dave and Alvin Firpo are par ...
'' (1994) – There is a scene in the town's bank where customers are conducting business while Bing Crosby's 1963 recording of "
Do You Hear What I Hear? "Do You Hear What I Hear?" is a song written in October 1962, with lyrics by NoΓ«l Regney and music by Gloria Shayne. The pair, married at the time, wrote it as a plea for peace during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Regney had been invited by a record ...
" is playing over the public address system. * ''The Troubles We've Seen'' (1994) – Crosby is heard singing "White Christmas" to film footage of sledding in the Bosnian mountains. * '' Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead'' (1995) – The American Decca recording of "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive" by Bing and the Andrews Sisters accompanies a scene after
Andy Garcia Andy may refer to: People *Andy (given name), including a list of people and fictional characters *Horace Andy (born 1951), Jamaican roots reggae songwriter and singer born Horace Hinds *Katja Andy (1907–2013), German-American pianist and piano ...
, the film's leading man, is the subject of a vicious beating. * ''
Mother Night ''Mother Night'' is a novel by American author Kurt Vonnegut, first published in February 1962. The title of the book is taken from Goethe's ''Faust'' (and ultimately from the Egyptian Goddess Nuit, mother of Osiris, Horus, Isis, Set, and Nepht ...
'' (1996) – The Crosby Decca recording of "White Christmas" is played unedited over the credit titles at the film's beginning. Then, forty minutes into the action, there is a sequence set in New York in 1960. "White Christmas" is heard on the soundtrack. A display of Decca 78s is shown as the
Nick Nolte Nicholas King Nolte (born February 8, 1941) is an American actor. He won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for the 1991 film ''The Prince of Tides''. He received ...
character explains he has 26 copies of the Crosby disc which he obtained via the U.S. Armed Forces. * ''
L.A. Confidential ''L.A. Confidential'' (1990) is a neo-noir novel by James Ellroy and the third of his L.A. Quartet series. It is dedicated to Mary Doherty Ellroy. The epigraph is "A glory that costs everything and means nothing"β€” Steve Erickson. Plot The s ...
'' (1997) – About twenty minutes into the film there is a scene in a liquor store. Crosby and the Andrews Sisters are heard singing "Mele Kalikimaka" when
Kim Basinger Kimila Ann Basinger ( ; born December 8, 1953) is an American actress and former fashion model. She has garnered acclaim for her work in film and television, for which she has received various accolades including an Academy Award, a Golden Glo ...
and a cop visit the store. * ''
The Locusts The Locusts, also known as the Peter Eltinge House, is a 19th-century brick Federal style house built in 1826 located on Plains Road in the Town of New Paltz, New York, United States, two miles (3 km) south of the village of New Paltz. It ...
'' (1997) – The film's songs are almost all late 1950s recordings with the notable exception of Crosby's "Did You Ever See a Dream Walking?". That song starts up as background music some thirteen minutes into the story. * ''
The Myth of Fingerprints ''The Myth of Fingerprints'' is a 1997 American drama film written and directed by Bart Freundlich. It stars Blythe Danner, Roy Scheider, Noah Wyle, and Julianne Moore (who later married Freundlich). The story follows the gathering of a dysfuncti ...
'' (1997) – A snatch of Crosby's recording of "Don't Be That Way" and a lengthy excerpt from " Adeste Fideles" are heard on the soundtrack. The latter song is used two-thirds through the story when actors
Roy Scheider Roy Richard Scheider (; November 10, 1932 – February 10, 2008) was an American actor and amateur boxer. Described by AllMovie as "one of the most unique and distinguished of all Hollywood actors", he gained fame for his leading and supporting ...
and Blythe Danner are preparing a turkey for the oven. * ''
Enemy of the State An enemy of the state is a person accused of certain crimes against the state such as treason, among other things. Describing individuals in this way is sometimes a manifestation of political repression. For example, a government may purport to m ...
'' (1998) – Bing's 1947 Decca recording of "
They Can't Take That Away from Me "They Can't Take That Away from Me" is a 1937 popular song with music by George Gershwin and lyrics by Ira Gershwin. It was introduced by Fred Astaire in the 1937 film ''Shall We Dance'' and gained huge success. Overview The song is performed b ...
" is played over the credits. * ''Forever Hollywood'' (1999) – This fifty minute compilation ends with Crosby singing "Going Hollywood" from the film of the same name. * ''
Snow Falling on Cedars ''Snow Falling on Cedars'' is a 1994 novel by David Guterson. Guterson, a teacher, wrote the book in the early morning hours over ten years then quit his job to write full-time. Plot Set on the fictional San Piedro Island in the Strait of Jua ...
'' (2000) – Bing's Decca recording of "Would You" plays in the background of a flashback scene. * ''
Bicentennial Man ''The Bicentennial Man'' is a Novella, novelette in the Robot series (Asimov), ''Robot'' series by American writer Isaac Asimov. According to the foreword in ''Robot Visions'', Asimov was approached to write a story, along with a number of other ...
'' (2000) – In one scene, Robin Williams is seen repairing a phonograph. The 78 that is played is Crosby's "I Found a Million Dollar Baby". * ''
Hollywood Ending ''Hollywood Ending'' is a 2002 American comedy film written and directed by Woody Allen, who also plays the principal character. It tells the story of a once-famous film director who suffers hysterical blindness due to the intense pressure of dir ...
'' (2001) – This Woody Allen film makes use of Bing's recording of "Going Hollywood". * ''
Catch Me If You Can ''Catch Me If You Can'' is a 2002 American Biographical film, biographical crime film, crime Comedy drama, comedy-drama film directed and produced by Steven Spielberg and starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks with Christopher Walken, Martin ...
'' (2002) – Crosby and the Andrews Sisters are heard singing "Mele Kalikimaka". * ''
Bad Santa ''Bad Santa'' is a 2003 American Christmas black comedy film directed by Terry Zwigoff and written by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa. It stars Billy Bob Thornton, with a supporting cast of Tony Cox, Lauren Graham, Brett Kelly, Lauren Tom, Joh ...
'' (2003) – About twenty minutes before the end of the film, there is a scene which takes place on Christmas Eve. Prior to carrying out another robbery
Billy Bob Thornton Billy Bob Thornton (born August 4, 1955) is an American actor, filmmaker and musician. He had his first break when he co-wrote and starred in the 1992 thriller ''One False Move'', and received international attention after writing, directing, a ...
is assisting in dressing a Christmas tree and hanging Christmas stockings. The film's soundtrack plays Bing singing "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas". Almost all of the 1962 Warner Bros. recording is used. * '' Fahrenheit 9/11'' (2004) – Three-quarters of the way into the film there is footage of U.S. military stationed in Iraq. It is just before Christmas, presumably in the year 2002. Crosby and the Andrews Sisters can be heard singing "
Here Comes Santa Claus "Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)" is a popular Christmas song written and originally performed by Gene Autry, with music composed by Oakley Haldeman. Autry's original recording (in which he pronounces Santa Claus as "Santy Cl ...
" on two occasions during the sequence. * ''
The Polar Express ''The Polar Express'' is a children's book written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg and published by Houghton Mifflin in 1985. The book is now widely considered to be a classic Christmas story for young children. It was praised for its detai ...
'' (2004) – Both "White Christmas" and "Here Comes Santa Claus" can be heard on the soundtrack. * '' The Aviator'' (2004) – Bing Crosby is heard twice on the film's soundtrack during the drama's first half. "Thanks" is played shortly after the sequence depicting the premiere of the film "
Wings A wing is a type of fin that produces lift while moving through air or some other fluid. Accordingly, wings have streamlined cross-sections that are subject to aerodynamic forces and act as airfoils. A wing's aerodynamic efficiency is expre ...
" and "
Some of These Days "Some of These Days" is a popular song, written and composed by Shelton Brooks, published in 1910, and associated with the performer Sophie Tucker. Background Shelton Brooks and "Some of These Days" was brought to Sophie Tucker's attention in 191 ...
" is featured when
Howard Hughes Howard Robard Hughes Jr. (December 24, 1905 – April 5, 1976) was an American business magnate, record-setting pilot, engineer, film producer, and philanthropist, known during his lifetime as one of the most influential and richest people in th ...
, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, visits the home of Katharine Hepburn ( Cate Blanchett). * ''
Run Fatboy Run ''Run Fatboy Run'' is a 2007 comedy film directed by David Schwimmer, written by Michael Ian Black and Simon Pegg, and starring Pegg, Dylan Moran, Thandiwe Newton, Harish Patel, India de Beaufort and Hank Azaria. It was released in the United ...
'' (2007) – Crosby's recording of " Nice Work If You Can Get It" with accompaniment by
Buddy Bregman Louis Isidore "Buddy" Bregman (July 9, 1930 – January 8, 2017) was an American arranger and conductor. Biography Bregman was born in Chicago. His father was an executive in the steel industry. His uncle was songwriter Jule Styne. He spen ...
can be heard over the pre-credit sequence of this British comedy. * ''
Four Christmases ''Four Christmases'' is a 2008 American Christmas comedy film about a couple visiting all four of their divorced parents' homes on Christmas Day. It stars Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon with Robert Duvall, Jon Favreau, Mary Steenburgen, Dwight ...
'' (2008). – The first song heard in this seasonal comedy is "White Christmas" sung by Bing. It is heavily overdubbed and is referred to as "the Declan mix" when acknowledging that it is licensed from the current owners of Crosby's Decca catalog. * ''
Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang ''Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang'' (released in the United States and Canada as ''Nanny McPhee Returns'') is a 2010 period fantasy comedy film directed by Susanna White, produced by Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner and Lindsay Doran with music by Jam ...
'' (2010) – The soundtrack features Crosby singing "
The Best Things in Life Are Free "The Best Things in Life Are Free" is a duet between American singers Luther Vandross and Janet Jackson, recorded for the Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis-produced soundtrack to the 1992 American film '' Mo' Money'', starring Damon Wayans. The song was ...
". It is the first use in a film of a Ken Barnes session recording. Bing was in London to record the song in 1975. * ''
The Music Never Stopped ''The Music Never Stopped'' is a 2011 American drama film directed by Jim Kohlberg, who makes his directorial debut from a script by Gwyn Lurie and Gary Marks. It premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival, and was given a limited release in ...
'' (2011) – Bing is heard singing the version of " Young at Heart" recorded for the GE show on the soundtrack. * '' Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger'' (2012) A worried new teacher has to juggle a pregnant wife and a class of children on a road trip to the National 'Song for Christmas' Competition. Crosby and
The Andrews Sisters The Andrews Sisters were an American close harmony singing group of the swing and boogie-woogie eras. The group consisted of three sisters: contralto LaVerne Sophia Andrews (July 6, 1911 – May 8, 1967), soprano Maxene Anglyn Andrews (January ...
can be heard singing "
Jingle Bells "Jingle Bells" is one of the best-known and most commonly sung American songs in the world. It was written by James Lord Pierpont (1822–1893) and published under the title "The One Horse Open Sleigh" in September 1857. It has been claimed t ...
". * '' Serena'' (2014) – Around two-thirds through the film the characters attend a business dinner and
The Rhythm Boys The Rhythm Boys were an American male singing trio consisting of Bing Crosby, Harry Barris and Al Rinker. Crosby and Rinker began performing together in 1925 and were recruited by Paul Whiteman in late 1926. Pianist/singer/songwriter Barris joine ...
recording of "There Ain't No Sweet Man That's Worth the Salt of My Tears" starts up. This February 8, 1928 recording with the
Paul Whiteman Paul Samuel Whiteman (March 28, 1890 – December 29, 1967) was an American bandleader, composer, orchestral director, and violinist. As the leader of one of the most popular dance bands in the United States during the 1920s and early 1930s, W ...
Orchestra is the earliest instance of the Crosby voice being used on screen. * ''
Get Santa ''Get Santa'' is a 2014 British Christmas comedy film directed and written by Christopher Smith. The film stars Jim Broadbent, Rafe Spall, Warwick Davis, Stephen Graham, Jodie Whittaker and Kit Connor. Plot A few days before Christmas, Stev ...
'' (2014) A father and son team up to save Christmas once they discover Santa Claus sleeping in their garage after crashing his sleigh and finding himself on the run from the police. "
Here Comes Santa Claus "Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)" is a popular Christmas song written and originally performed by Gene Autry, with music composed by Oakley Haldeman. Autry's original recording (in which he pronounces Santa Claus as "Santy Cl ...
", "
Deck the Halls "Deck the Hall” is a traditional Christmas carol. The melody is Welsh, dating back to the sixteenth century, and belongs to a winter carol, "Nos Galan", while the English lyrics, written by the Scottish musician Thomas Oliphant, date to 1862. ...
", " Away in a Manger" and "
I Saw Three Ships "I Saw Three Ships (Come Sailing In)" is an English Christmas carol, listed as number 700 in the Roud Folk Song Index. The earliest printed version of "I Saw Three Ships" is from the 17th century, possibly Derbyshire, and was also published by ...
" are all heard. * ''
Krampus Krampus is a horned, anthropomorphic figure in the Central and Eastern Alpine folklore of Europe who, during the Advent season, scares children who have misbehaved. Assisting Saint Nicholas, or Santa Claus, the pair visit children on the nigh ...
'' (2015) A boy who has a bad Christmas ends up accidentally summoning a festive demon to his family home. The seasonal theme inevitably means that Bing Crosby will be included on the soundtrack and he pops up with "
I'll Be Home for Christmas "I'll Be Home for Christmas" is a Christmas song written by the lyricist Kim Gannon and composer Walter Kent and recorded in 1943 by Bing Crosby, who scored a top ten hit with the song. Originally written to honor soldiers overseas who longe ...
" and "
Santa Claus Is Coming to Town "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" is a Christmas song featuring Santa Claus written by J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie. The earliest known recorded version of the song was by banjoist Harry Reser and his band on October 24, 1934. It was then ...
". * ''
Brooklyn Brooklyn () is a borough of New York City, coextensive with Kings County, in the U.S. state of New York. Kings County is the most populous county in the State of New York, and the second-most densely populated county in the United States, be ...
'' (2015) – A brief snatch of "
Zing a Little Zong "Zing a Little Zong" is a popular song written by Harry Warren, the lyrics by Leo Robin. The song was published in 1952 and written for the 1952 movie '' Just for You'' where it was performed by Bing Crosby and Jane Wyman. It was nominated for t ...
" is played over Coney Island's public address system. This is the version featuring Crosby duetting with Rosemary Clooney and is taken from the Chesterfield broadcast of June 11, 1952.
Jasmine Records Jasmine Records is a London-based record label that specialises in jazz reissues. History The label was founded in 1982 as part of Hasmick Promotions, issuing LPs and cassettes of jazz and popular vocalists. Jasmine diversified into country mu ...
are credited with making the recording available. * ''
Deadpool Deadpool is an antihero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Fabian Nicieza and artist/writer Rob Liefeld, the character first appeared in ''New Mutants'' #98 (cover-dated Feb. 1991). Initially, Deadp ...
'' (2016) A fast-talking mercenary, played by
Ryan Reynolds Ryan Rodney Reynolds (born October 23, 1976) is a Canadian-American actor. He is one of the highest-grossing film actors of all time, with a worldwide box-office gross of over  billion. He began his career starring in the Canadian teen ...
, with a morbid sense of humour is subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers and a quest for revenge. The Crosby recording of "
I'll Be Home for Christmas "I'll Be Home for Christmas" is a Christmas song written by the lyricist Kim Gannon and composer Walter Kent and recorded in 1943 by Bing Crosby, who scored a top ten hit with the song. Originally written to honor soldiers overseas who longe ...
" is heard. * ''Moon Rock City'' (2017) In the future, a band of misfits uncover the saga of an infamous rock star. The Crosby version of " Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" is featured. * '' Breathe'' (2017) This tells the story of Robin Cavendish who becomes paralyzed from the neck down by polio at age 28. The film opens and closes with the duet by Bing and Grace Kelly of " True Love" from "
High Society High society, sometimes simply society, is the behavior and lifestyle of people with the highest levels of wealth and social status. It includes their related affiliations, social events and practices. Upscale social clubs were open to men based ...
." * Sonja: The White Swan (2018) - the story of
Sonja Henie Sonja Henie (8 April 1912 – 12 October 1969) was a Norwegian figure skater and film star. She was a three-time Olympic champion ( 1928, 1932, 1936) in women's singles, a ten-time World champion (1927–1936) and a six-time European champi ...
, one of the world's greatest athletes and the inventor of modern figure skating, who decides to go to Hollywood in 1936 to become a movie star. Bing and
The Bell Sisters The Bell Sisters were an American singing duo, popular in the 1950s, consisting of the sisters Cynthia and Kay Strother, who adopted their mother's maiden name of Bell. History The sisters are the daughters of Eugene Rex Strother (1908–1988) and ...
are heard singing " Wait Till the Sun Shines, Nellie". * '' Shazam'' (2019) - a superhero film. The opening scene is set in 1974 at Christmas and several passengers in a car are talking with the car radio playing in the background. The music being played is Bing singing "
Do You Hear What I Hear? "Do You Hear What I Hear?" is a song written in October 1962, with lyrics by NoΓ«l Regney and music by Gloria Shayne. The pair, married at the time, wrote it as a plea for peace during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Regney had been invited by a record ...
". The text of this section entitled 'Crosby Voice' is available for modification and reuse under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0 Unported License and the GNU Free Documentation License.


References


External links


Bing Crosby official website

''BING'' magazine
{{DEFAULTSORT:Crosby, Bing Male actor filmographies American filmographies Filmograpby