On this day in 1954, PARAMOUNT PICTURES released WHITE CHRISTMAS. Directed by MICHAEL CURTIZ, this film was originally intended to be a follow-up to HOLIDAY INN and reunite FRED ASTAIRE and BING CROSBY. ASTAIRE opted for retirement and the role eventually fell to DANNY KAYE. Also in the cast are ROSEMARY CLOONEY, VERA-ELLEN, DEAN JAGGER and MARY WICKES. Now, almost sixty years later, WHITE CHRISTMAS is a bona fide classic and perennial holiday favorite.