Christmas Holiday

Siodmak knows his way around a noir, and the camerawork is absolutely gorgeous. There's some seedy subject matter and stunning moments. Some standard noir themes are covered. But the film is a little underwhelming. There doesn't seem to be any chemistry between Durbin and Kelly. And a lot of the story, which isn't exceptionally engaging to begin with, comes off as filler. I can't be too harsh on a movie that nails the noir window dressing so well, but the substance is lacking.

Gene Kelly is exactly right for his part, and Deanna Durbin is adorable.

The half flashback structure of the film leads to some strange pacing, but it works. Durbin projects an interesting wholesome sensuality that really fits the role and, together with the great cinematography, gives the film a wonderful melancholy air. The rest of the cast is also very good. The story is a very good take on doomed romance and while it lacks a little substance I really like what it does with what it has.

Liked how the different parts of the story were woven together with an atypical composition. The leading roles were unfortunately given to the wrong people which took away from a much more promising script.

The attraction is seeing Deanna Durbin as a femme fatal (sure, they sweetened it up as it is Durbin after all) and Gene Kelly as a nasty hoodlum. That's also what keeps the movie back, for it's poor casting. Neither fit their role. The story kept it together, and with the fascination of seeing the two stars try something different makes at least a curio worth watching.