O that Irving Berlin.

I watch “Holiday Inn” once a year, whether I need it or not. If you don’t know the premise, worn-out crooner Jim Hardy (Bing Crosby) plans to retire from showbiz, but after a year of hard labor at his “retreat” on a Connecticut farm, he hits upon the idea to convert his home into a nightclub that’s only open (wait for it) ON HOLIDAYS.

Of course, along the way, there are plenty of farcical digressions, as he and his former partner, hoofer Ted Hanover (Fred Astaire), become involved in successive love triangles. The preposterous framework gives Berlin a chance to write a song for every festive occasion, and then some.

The results are a mixed bag. On the one hand we’ve got “White Christmas.” On the other, songs like “I Can’t Tell a Lie” (for Washington’s Birthday). And it’s best not even to bring up the Lincoln number in the 21st century.

That said, how can I pass on Bing as the Freedom Man?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEUBmmQrygU

Or Fred with firecrackers?

Celebrate responsibly, everyone, and have a happy 4th!