favourite snow scenes in classic movies

For the Bedford Falls snow scenes in IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, RKO studio's head of special effects developed a new compound using water, soap flakes, foamite, and sugar to create "chemical snow" for the film. Before then, movie snow was usually made from untoasted cornflakes, which were so loud when stepped on that dialogue had to be redubbed afterwards. The new technique was given a special effects Oscar.

More about movie snow

"Until the 1920s, Hollywood film sets used cotton to make fake snow but in 1928 it was pointed out that there are safety hazards regarding cotton as it can catch fire easily. Hence, asbestos was used instead. At that time, it was not known that asbestos was a risk factor for an aggressive form of cancer known as mesothelioma. However, it was made known around that time but after many years, asbestos was used, nevertheless.

The famous brands for the material were “Pure White” and “Snow Drift.” They were popular because they were fire-resistant and looked more realistic than cotton or other materials. The most famous use of this material can be seen in “The Wizard of Oz” scene where snow falls on Dorothy and her friends, waking them up from a spell cast by the Wicked Witch of the West.

In the early 1940s, asbestos was no longer used as snow. This is because important quantities of it were used during World War 2 to fireproof Navy ships, and by 1950, a sprayable foam, with ingredients that consisted of foamite, water, sugar, and soap, was being used instead. Experts still believe that it was mixed in these materials too.

“Asbestos was once marketed as artificial snow and sprinkled on trees and wreaths and ornaments. Although those products have not been produced for many years, the oldest decorations that were passed down from one generation to the next may still have small amounts of asbestos.”

snow link

Swing Time (1936)

Sweet Ginger Rogers is cold, and wants to (romantically) cuddle up with Fred Astaire...



But dumbass Fred Astaire doesn't seem to care and practically ignores her, which upsets her, leading up to the song:

"A Fine Romance"

The Shining

Citizen Kane

The Pink Panther

Charade