This PBS-aired American Masters documentary from filmmaker Robert Trachtenberg looks at the life of one of the most successful and oft-recorded vocalists in history, Bing Crosby (1903-1977). Viewers who thought they knew Crosby from his holiday chestnut White Christmas and his paternal laid-back demeanor may be surprised to learn that the entertainer was considered a ladies' man and carouser in his early Hollywood days, chronically late to engagements and even denounced from the pulpit since his romantic singing was blamed for a number of divorces (Crosby's lead role as a Catholic priest in the hit Going My Way was actually a career risk). Crosby had the distinction of being able to hold his liquor; the same was not true of his first wife, and some of his notoriously troubled children may have been the victims of fetal alcohol syndrome. The posthumous image of Crosby as a cold, abusive father, according to family members interviewed here (actress-daughter Mary, widow Kathryn), was largely due to late son Gary Crosby being convinced to spice up his tell-all memoir for hype purposes. Crosby's famous Road comedies with Bob Hope were the most successful film franchise prior to James Bond, but while the duo seemed inseparable to the public, Bing and Bob actually saw little of each other when not performing (a good way to stay friends in showbiz, evidently). The artist whom Crosby did idolize, in fact, was Louis Armstrong. Although it has a smattering of harsh language (rather peculiar in the genteel Crosby atmosphere), Bing Crosby Rediscovered is a fine biographical portrait, featuring interviewees including Crosby biographer Gary Giddins and crooners Tony Bennett and Michael Feinstein. Highly recommended. Aud: P. (C. Cassady)
Bing Crosby Rediscovered
(2014) 90 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.99 w/PPR). PBS Video. SDH captioned. ISBN: 978-1-62789-160-8. Volume 30, Issue 2
Bing Crosby Rediscovered
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
Order From Your Favorite Distributor Today: