Released in 1949, Neptune's Daughter has nothing to do with Christmas. It's a story about falling in love in the middle of the century. It doesn't even take place in winter!
The song "Baby It's Cold Outside," written by the composer Frank Loesser, is the film's most memorable musical number. It actually wasn't originally meant to be in the movie, but it ended up winning Best Original Song at the 22nd Academy Awards ceremony. The scene shows playful flirtation between two couples played by Esther Williams and Ricardo Montalbán, and Betty Garrett and Red Skelton.
The intricately choreographed scene stands sturdily on its own, separate from the movie. The two couples dance around the rooms with each other, trying to convince one another to stay for just a little while longer. It's easy to picture a crackling fire in the fireplace and a couple of hot toddies sitting on the coffee table. It's no wonder this song turned into the holiday standard that it is today!
Watching Williams, a truly classic beauty, twirling around in her long skirt and fur coat somehow does the trick to put you into the holiday spirit… even if that weren't the original intention at all! After all, the best things do usually come from unexpected places. I bet no one knew that this scene would spark such warm and fuzzy Christmas joy!
If this filled you with holiday cheer, or if you learned something new about mid-century cinema, please SHARE with your friends and family!
