Filmed in color but broadcast in black and white, HAPPY HOLIDAYS WITH BING AND FRANK has a scenario where Crosby visits Sinatra's house in preparation for Christmas, and the two of them sing songs in celebration of the occasion. There is a minimal plot - as Crosby picks up a book, looks out of the window, or enjoys Sinatra's company. What matters more is that viewers should enjoy the sight of two legendary stars at the peak of their powers.
All the famous songs are there: the program ends with Crosby looking out of a window towards the camera and singing "White Christmas." Sinatra joins in to the sound of heavenly choirs off-set, leaving a general feelgood mood to end the program with.
The orchestrations are lush and romantic, but what else would viewers expect from Nelson Riddle and his orchestra, who provided the arrangements for many of Sinatra's best albums, recorded at the the time when this program was broadcast (e.g. "Songs for Swingin' Lovers")?
The mood is a sentimental one, but then as it is Christmas, director Sinatra (and writer William Morrow) were deliberately seeking to attract as large an audience as possible. Although over fifty-five years old, HAPPY HOLIDAYS WITH BING AND FRANK is still worth looking at, if only for the sight of two great singers appearing together (they had previously appeared in HIGH SOCIETY (1956)).