Berlin originally wrote the melody in 1917, under the title "Smile and Show Your Dimple", as a "cheer up" song for a girl whose man has gone off to fight in World War I.
A recording of "Smile and Show Your Dimple" by Sam Ash enjoyed modest success in 1918.
[1] Berlin resurrected the tune, with modifications, and gave it the now-familiar Easter lyrics for the 1933 Broadway musical revue As Thousands Cheer, in which musical numbers were strung together on the thematic thread of newspaper headlines; it was first sung by Marilyn Miller and Clifton Webb.
It was performed by Don Ameche in the 1938 film Alexander's Ragtime Band,[4] which was loosely based on Irving Berlin's life.
In 1948, it was performed by Judy Garland and Fred Astaire in the musical film Easter Parade, which was constructed around the song.