Bing Crosby: Rediscovered

Bing Crosby: Rediscovered is an intriguing documentary film that unwraps the multifaceted and dynamic life of one of America's most adored and successful entertainers, Bing Crosby. Famed for his engrossing musical talent, a voice that could melt hearts, and an acting prowess that won him an Oscar, Crosby's influence on the entertainment industry has been colossal and enduring. This comprehensive film offers a profound exploration of Crosby's life, pedigree, and accomplishments, and reveals a side of him that most fans have not experienced before.

The documentary was produced by American Masters and released in 2014. It doesn't merely settle for a rehash of Crosby's successes in his stellar career as an actor and singer. Instead, it delves deeper, unearthing his growth as a performer, the hurdles he overcame, his struggles with personal life, and his resilience to bounce back every time life knocked him down.

At the heart of Bing Crosby: Rediscovered is the wealth of archived materials. The footage includes personal family films, exclusive interviews with his family, friends, and colleagues, radio footage, and unpublished recordings, some of which have never been made public before this documentary. The amalgamation of the exclusive content and the chronological narrative of Crosby's life gives the audience a chance to journey through Bing's life in a mesmerizing and intimate way, understanding the man and the star in a unique light.

The timeline in the film begins with Crosby's early days in Spokane, Washington, where he was born in 1903. The film charts his rise from humble beginnings, his foray into singing, his stint with Paul Whiteman's jazz band, to the start of his solo career. Being a pioneering multimedia star of his time, Crosby conquered film, music, and radio, and the documentary details how he became a sensation in the 1930s and 40s.

The core of the documentary offers glimpses into Crosby's professional prowess and even shines a light on how he revolutionized the entertainment industry. As an artist, Crosby was the first to use a microphone for singing, thereby redefining the singing style of his generation. His recorded music was one of his biggest achievements, given that he released an unprecedented number of hit singles, making him one of the best-selling recording artists of the 20th century.

The film also puts forth Crosby's giant leap into the movie industry and his journey to the zenith of his acting career. Bing won an Academy Award for his role in "Going my way" and starred in successful films like "The Bells of St. Mary's," "Road to Morocco," and "Holiday Inn". The documentary contains film clips from these classics, showcasing his talent and versatility as an actor.

However, the film doesn't shy away from highlighting the tumultuous aspects of Crosby's life. His relationships, his often stormy first marriage to Dixie Lee, and rumors of him being a stringent disciplinarian to his children-all are tactfully explored, humanizing this legend further. Yet, the documentary shows his other side too, the Crosby who was a dedicated philanthropist, having donated millions to charity and education over his life.

As much as Bing Crosby: Rediscovered is a study of his life, it is also a film that pays tribute to a man who has left an indelible print on American entertainment. The narration, done by Stanley Tucci, couples with the film's direction by Robert Trachtenberg, delivers a well-structured, engaging, and heartwarming journey into a life that became a beacon for future entertainers. The film features interviews with family, friends, and renowned artists who admired and were influenced by Crosby, including the likes of Tony Bennett, Michael Feinstein, and Kathryn Crosby.

Bing Crosby: Rediscovered is a must-watch delight for Crosby fans as well as for anyone interested in the history of American entertainment. The striking balance between his glamorous career and his private life's controversies makes this documentary nothing short of gripping. It paints a comprehensive picture of the man, his complexities, and the lasting legacy he left behind. Ultimately, the film takes viewers on a memorable journey into the life of Bing Crosby, going beyond the public persona to reveal the man behind the legend.