I think that Bing's performance was one of the few redeeming features of the film.  It was a great idea and it had a formidable cast.  The script wasn't bad. The production values, however, particularly in lighting and shot choice, left much to be desired.  As has been said, there were good reasons for the project not working out as well as its producers hoped. But it's still a great shame. - it could have been so good!  (I agree that 'Mr Booze' was one of the highlights of Bing's screen career.  He was brilliantly supported here by Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis jnr. who were clearly enjoying the experience.)

I think almost all singers when they start out are strongly influenced by earlier vocalists they've studied.  Various factors, however, determine how close they sound like their mentors.  For example,  pitch range may be different.  (My brother tried to sound like Elvis with a vocal range about a fifth lower.)  The musculature and shape of the mouth and throat may be at variance.  Physical differences also affect the tongue, teeth and soft palate.
For a singer to sound very like another singer, physical similarities are present after which style is applied. Even then he may not have a talent for mimicry.   Michael Holliday had a very fine voice in its own right and was able to make it sound like a 'stylised' version of Bing's with relative ease.  Similarly, Dick Todd was able to replicate the more strident tone and husky power of Bing's early recordings.   But ultimately such gifted singers are at a disadvantage.  It's harder for them to develop a trademark style separate from their idol's.  (Though Perry Como eventually achieved this, as did Dean Martin.)
On the other hand, a singer who has no physical similarities to another and no propensity for mimicry, the path is easier if the essential voice and musicality is up to standard.  No matter how much they aim to sound like their heroes, they can't!  Bing's early efforts owed a lot to Al Jolson, but I never heard Bing do an actual impression of his hero. 
Did he want to?  Would he have known how to?

This site started well and continues to improve.  Keep up the good work, Richard!

A Happy New Year to you, Richard, and to all subscribers to this board!   May it grow and flourish through 2011!

I'd like to wish all contributors to this exciting new forum a very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!

I'm also voting for 'Holiday Inn'.  Easily the best because of the storyline, and especially now we can watch it in colour!.   I always felt that a lot of the entertainment basics, not least narrative, were forgotten because the producers were dazzled by their VistaVision and felt they couldn't go wrong with their star line-up.  I rarely watch 'White Christmas' and, when I do I'm disappointed.  'Holiday Inn' I always watch around Christmas time.  (I hope you and your family are well, David,and that you have an enjoyable Christmas - I'll email you personally soon.)

I bought 'Return to the Paradise Islands' when the LP was issued in 1963. The mix was dreadful with Bing drowned by the excellent Nelson Riddle backings.  I understand this fault is now corrected in the complete remix on the Collectors' Choice CD.  The track playing recently on the official Bing Crosby site sounded really good.  I'm looking forward to hearing the rest!

Depends on whether you want to hear the 'troubadour' or the 'mood merchant'.  Bing's apparently effortless production of superb tonal quality, if attempted by Frank Sinatra, would probably have detracted from his equally brilliant interpretation of mood and attaitude.

Many an open forum is  marred by the kinds of posts you are clearly trying to avoid, Richard.  It's important that we give full support to the ICC and Bing Crosby Enterprise sites in helping promote Bing's legacy into the 21st Century.  The signs are good.  Bing won't be easily forgotten!

Sounds a wonderful weekend with a follow-up meeting of the 'Bing Crosby Panel' on December 15th!  It's exciting to see such events taking place, even when they're too far away for us Brits regularly to attend.  With the schedules proposed I can't see how they can fail.   I wish the organisers well and hope great enjoyment is had by all!