Annie Get Your Gun

Rating:
Summary: A welcome return, though not everything holds up
Review: Annie Get Your Gun is a big brash bold MGM musical, with a score of nothing but all-time favourites by Irving Berlin. Howard Keel makes a very good impression as Frank Butler, and the script is fairly amusing, superior to most other movie musicals. However, all is not perfect here : firstly, the story has dated terribly in the last twenty years. The sexist message (a superior woman has to publicly demean herself to gain the love of a conceited male) leaves a sour taste when we should be rejoicing in love conquering all. And Betty Hutton... Well... Like Jerry Lewis, she doesn't seem to know the value of holding back and controlling the comedy.She's so broad and hyper most of the time that she oversells the material. When she DOES quieten down she's actually very effective. And when her comedy is delivered with split-second timing (her instant crush on Keel) she's very good. Unfortunately these moments are too few and far between. The DVD reissue is great, the extra's (outtakes of Garland, Hutton, and the recording session of No Business where Garland keeps messing up) are a real added value for musical buffs. However, there could have been more cast-and-crew bios. All in all, a DVD definitely worth the purchase even if the movie has lost some of its charm (though certainly not all). What I'm hoping for is a similar reissue (with deleted scenes!) of Ziegfeld Follies and The Band Wagon. I can't believe some of Fred Astaire's dance numbers were simply thrashed...

Rating:
Summary: This one does not hold up
Review: Like most film musical buffs not old enough to have caught this when it was new nor even to have seen it on TV, I have waited years to get a look at it. But ultimately it's a disappointment. If you happen to love Betty Hutton then you'll like it. But if she doesn't do much for you -- and she never has for me -- then her relentless mugging and stagey line readings wear thin real fast, and the film is in the end all about her. The score is great, of course, and most of it is here. But to see how Judy Garland rendered "Doin' What Comes Natur'lly" in the appendix, even obviously too ill to pull it off with professional verve, is to see what these songs CAN become in the right hands. In comparison, Hutton is paint-by-numbers BIG. Then you have the problem with MGM musicals of this period -- the constant tug towards bland apple-cheekedness. Midway through, Annie Oakley is abruptly transformed from dirty-faced hoyden to glowing, coiffed MGM blonde, and starts singing her numbers in a drippy "girl singer" style that would have been alien to the character she first introduced us to. We condescend to the film to assume that this was "just the way it was in old movies" -- musicals like FORTY-SECOND STREET or even MGM's own THE BAND WAGON conveyed humanity with more nuance even within the strictures of the period. At another studio, they would have let Frank fall in love with something closer to what Annie really was, a much more interesting story. Howard Keel is good as always; the occasional number is not bad ("My Defenses are Down" comes off especially well). But overall, you get a kid's vision of a Wild West show, J. Carroll Naish's rather funny turn as an "Indian", and a lot of forced, loud corn.

Where now is Berlin's other lost film musical, CALL ME MADAM? That one, which I have seen, holds up much better than this one.

Rating:
Summary: Betty Hutton -- My First Love.
Review: I first saw Annie Get Your Gun in 1950 at a London cinema in England. Let me first say that I was simply captivated by Betty Hutton as Annie Oakley and being at the time barely 14 years old, I simply fell in love with her at first sight. To-day 50 years later my feelings for Betty have remained the same. In my view she deserved the Oscar for best performance for this movie -- it was simply tailor made for her and NO ONE could have portrayed Annie anywhere near as she did. She made Annie Oakley look bigger than life. Needless to say that this film initiated my interest in Musical pictures with its simple but appealing story and its outstanding score by Irving Berlin. The film adaptation is outstanding and this is hardly surprising when its producer is Arthur Freed (who is the best ever Musical Comedy film producer) with the finest MGM team and George Sidney who's delicate touch made it one of the best Musicals ever. I have been looking for a Video copy of this film for nearly 20 Years and with so many lesser films available I could never understand why this wonderful film was not available. I received my Video copy through Amazon to-day via a friend who ordered it in the US on my behalf. Of course I played the film twice through, thrilled that the copy was perfect. As much as I admire Judy Garland I am glad she dropped out from this movie since it simply wasn't suitable for her otherwise unique talents. Just as Betty Hutton wouldn't be suitable for the "Wizard of OZ" or "A Star Is Born" so Judy wasn't suitable for "Annie Get Your Gun". The whole film is superb as is its entire cast. I strongly reccomend that all Movie Fans who like quality films buy this cassette. Thank-you Amazon for making it possible for us to buy it.

Rating:
Summary: She is the best!!!
Review: I have been waiting for this video for years and cannot believe that I finally had the very good fortune to purchase it. Betty Hutton is the best! She gives everything she has and more. Many people still love her and always will. The songs are wonderful - the lyrics and melodies. I am thrilled to have the pleasure of watching this over and over.

Rating:
Summary: What in the World is This so called "Movie" all about!?!
Review: Well folks, I'll tell you, one of the most ingenious action films to date, following up on the success of Annie: The Musical, Betsy Hutton gives the world her final masterpiece that isn't afraid of saying "movies are awesome". Some critics are critising the move to release this movie on what is called 'VHS'. Yet this new medium is being praised by technology buffs as being the "standard of the new millenium". And seeing that this movie is being released on the 50th anniversary of the first Major Motion Picture, I say kudos the Lucas for blazing a new trail in Movietekniks. Correographed by the same man who gave May_Tricks it's punch, the action in this film is non-stop. What may have been seen as risky choices for other directors, seems natural for Hudgson, but Hey, You know what I always say "I like my movies, like I like my coffee... with lots of women in them." and let me tell you folks. This movie does not dissapoint. There are plenty of guns in this one, and Annie's got one. When Annie says to Mr. Starbucks "play it again, Sam" and those credits rolled.. she walked off the screen and took a piece of my heart (god bless those surgeons who saved my life, Hutton you'll be hearing from my lawyers). It's a hard knock life indeed. The sun will definately come out tomorrow, as long as I have this little gem in my movie collection for a long time.

Rating:
Summary: Great musical..
Review: This is a pretty good musical! I would have enjoyed it a lot better if Ethel Merman would have been in it though!

Rating:
Summary: ANNIE back at last!
Review: THE major video event of the year, for me at least, is the long-overdue release of one of the great MGM musicals, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN. And Warner Home Video has done the release proud, giving us a gorgeous print in perfectly restored Technicolor, and adding in the original trailer and three unused musical numbers.

Because ANNIE has been unavailable for viewing since 1973 (I did see it around that time, but was only about nine years old!), movie buffs have been understandably skeptical about the movie's quality: is it really as good as 1950 reviewers said it was? That question can now be answered: it is!

The movie gets off to a rousing start with a wonderful production number, "Colonel Buffalo Bill," and continues with one memorable song after another, all of them beautifully staged and excitingly performed. Special standouts are "My Defenses are Down" (the vocal harmonizing on this one is positively thrilling), "I've Got the Sun in the Morning," and that king of all "challenge" duets, "Anything You Can Do (I Can Do Better)."

The performances are excellent, from Howard Keel, Louis Calhern, Keenan Wynn, right down the line. And I must save a special word of praise for Betty Hutton. Yes, she gives a slam-bang performance in her comic scenes (and is extremely funny while doing so!). But Hutton also shows in this movie what a sensitive actress she could be when given the chance. She shows shades of vulnerability here that were not always present in her other films. And she is especially fine when emoting through song--a difficult task. Watch her during the initial performance of "There's No Business Like Show Business" or during her solo reprise of that number when she is first being "starred" in the Wild West show. Here Hutton is not just belting out a song, but instead is showing us the inner feelings of the character she is playing. Bravo to Betty Hutton!

If there is an aspect of the movie that prevents me from giving it a five-star rating, it's the fact that Sidney Sheldon's screenplay ocassionally drags. This is especially true during the stretch when Annie is estranged from Frank Butler and she sails away to triumph in Europe. This portion of the movie could use more music. Ironically enough, this is exactly where the "cut" song, "Let's Go West Again," was supposed to have appeared. MGM made a mistake in contradicting Irving Berling by cutting this song. First, as the "outtake" at the end of the tape shows, it's a lovely tune and is spendidly performed by Hutton and the chorus. Second, it would have given the movie a lift exactly where it needs it.

A final word: What about Judy Garland? As shown by the two musical numbers featured on the tape that were filmed by Garland before she left the picture, Garland could have made a persuasive Annie. Possibly working against her, though, were her innate sophistication (she seems a bit miscast as the "hayseed" Annie in her dialogue scenes surrounding "Doin' What Comes Naturally") and her ill health (the tempo during Garland's performance of "I'm an Indian Too" is horribly draggy, perhaps due to her lack of energy at the time). It's possible that Garland may have even been a bit relieved that she was taken off the picture.

All in all, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN is a triumph. It's great to have this movie back and available for viewing!

Rating:
Summary: No Wonder Irving Berlin Hated The Film
Review: Sorry but I've waited years for this release--just like the rest of you. But what I remembered as being superb is merely mediocre I'm afraid. Unfortunately, it's all due to Betty Hutton's overacting, mugging, and generally chewing up the scenery and slaughtering Irving Berlin's score with a sledge hammer approach which produces a one note performance--LOUD! Even at her most desperately ill, Garland was somehow able to dredge up more from her inner resources than Hutton is able to deliver on her best day. Still, it is a somewhat entertaining film and I'm glad to have added it to my collection.

Rating:
Summary: AN OVERHWELMINGLY SPECTACULAR MUSICAL!
Review: What a show! "Annie Get Your Gun" is an immense achievement, and one of the greatest musicals I've ever seen! MGM's lavish production with eye-filling Technicolor hasn't aged a bit and is a joy to behold fifty years later!

As Annie Oakley, Betty Hutton is nothing short of a knockout with her outstanding, energetic portrayal of the western gal who became known as the greatest marksman in the world. She is well complemented by Howard Keel, in his first film role, as the arrogant marksman Frank Butler, who carries on a very competitive courtship with Annie. The supporting cast, including Louis Calhern, Keenan Wynn, and Clinton Sundberg are just great.

And what a songbook! Irving Berlin scores perhaps his greatest triumph with "Annie"'s popular score. The knockabout "Doin' What Comes Natur'lly", the bouncy "You Can't Get A Man With A Gun", the amusing "I'm An Indian, Too" and "Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better" and of course, the glorious masterpiece, "There's No Business Like Show Business". No wonder this film won an Oscar for musical adaptation!

Also included as special features are the original MGM theatrical trailer and introduction by recent "Annie" star Susan Lucci, and three other surprises. Judy Garland, as the original "Annie" is shown in two musical numbers completed before her departure from the picture. Garland is charming and energetic with "Doin' What Comes Natur'lly": "Uncle Dick was always sick/But never saw a doctor/He just died at ninety-three/Doin' What Comes Natur'lly!" and is even better with what I believe an even more exciting version of "I'm An Indian, Too": "Like the Chippewa/ Iri-quaw/Omaha/ Like those Indians/ I'm an Indian, too!" Finally, there is a charming musical number sung by Betty Hutton as "Annie" called "Let's Go West Again" (why was this cut?!).

This video version is just incredible. When first watching it, you really feel like you're participating in a special event, mainly because the film hasn't been seen in so many years. And watching the show and hearing the music, I sometimes feel that I'm not watching a movie at all, but a fantastic Broadway production. To MGM, Betty Hutton, Howard Keel, Irving Berlin, Arthur Freed, and everybody who had anything to do with the making of this film, I say three cheers and bravo!

Rating:
Summary: Betty Hutton scores a triumph as Annie Oakley
Review: At last the 1950 movie muscial "Annie Get Your Gun" is finally available for a whole new generation and fans who fondly recall seeing it years ago to experience the magic of America's greatest composer,Irving Berlin(who in addition to the great score of this film brought us"White Christmas", God Bless America" and hundreds of others)dynamic stars, Betty Hutton, Howard Keel and a first rate supporting cast perform in one of Hollywood's greatest and at the time most expensive musical. The technicolor has been preserved in such a manner that the colors are a joy to behold and the meticulous detail of the great photography of Charles Rosher and the costumes by Walter Plunkett("Gone With The Wind")and Helen Rose, who did the exquisite western costumes for Betty Hutton are truly a feast for the eye.This film showcases Betty Hutton at her best. She may not have "voice of the century" like Judy Galand who had to bow out of the role due to illness and other problems but she adds a tremendous gusto to the role plus an almost child like innocence to her early scenes as the backwoods, uneducated Annie. She is especially touching in several scenes in addition to her special gusto (toned down here from some of her earlier roles). Betty Hutton was one of the top stars in Hollywood when this film was released. That same year she made the cover of Time magazine and the film went on to be one of the top grossing movies that year. She went on to sing and dance with Fred Astaire in "Let's Dance" and then won the coveted starring role in Cecil B. DeMille's oscar winning film(for best picture of 1952)"The Greatest Show on Earth"in which she did most of her own stunts in her role as a trapeze performer in a circus.(both of these films are available on video Her last big film was "Somebody Loves Me" in 1952. She left Paramount Pictures due to a dispute over having her then husband direct her next film. She later made one more film in 1956(released in 1957 called "Spring Reunion" a small black and white film produce by Kirk Douglas'company co-starring Dana Andrews. Miss Hutton gave a sensitive performance in this drama about an unmarried career woman in her 30's ,lonely and living with her parents. Once the most popular girl in high school, she meets and old classmate at a reunion. The film gave Miss Hutton a chance to really show that she was a actress fo considerable depth. It is a small film but quite affecting. It is not available on videobut has been aired on TCM) Also in "Annie Get Your Gun", Howard Keel made his movie musical debut and it was an auspicious one indeed. The first of many great parts showcasing his magificient baritone voice, natural acting ability and his strong, handsome ,masculine prescence.Mr. Keel later reached his peak in MGM musicals in "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" and especially "Kiss Me Kate" (both available on video and probably DVD)The theatrical version of "Annie Get Your Gun"had several songs that were not included in the film. One "I'm a Bad Bad Man" would have been fun to have had Mr. Keel perform and two sung by Annie were a ballad"I Got Lost In His Arms"(beautifully done recently by Bernadette Peters in the broadway revival) and the delightful "Moonshine Lullaby" sung by Annie to her little brother and 3 sisters with an assist by them . It would have been nice to have had Miss Hutton do these in the film. Most of her songs except "They Say It's Wonderful" are of the exuberant variety. She is a standout doing the show's greatest number "There' No Business Like Show Businesss" in which she sings with her co-stars, later a reprise by herself and a again with Mr. Keel. Before the film, it is enjoyable to see the original trailer(or coming attraction promotion) for the film, a short introduction and brief history of Annie Oakley and her various incarnations by broadway/television star, Susan Lucci. Shown are outakes made by Judy Garland before she was let go for the film. After the film 2 completed numbers by Miss Garland are shown. She appears rather tired in them but her voice is just great and fine natural acting ability is evident as always. Finally a lovely number that unfortunately was later deleted from the film before it was released is shown for the first time.It is called "Let's Go West Again" with Betty Hutton. It is a good number , beautifully shot, sung in a more low key manner by Miss Hutton. Another interesting sideline, some of the original lyrics by Mr. Berlin were considered a little too "racy" for movie censors in 1950. For example in "You Can't Get a Man With A Gun",The lyric "a man's love is mighty he'll even buy a nighty for a gal who he thinks is fun, but they don't make pajamas for pistol packing mamas" was altered for the movie to "a Tom, Dick or Harry will build a house for Carrie when the preacher has made them one" Although a minor complaint it did cause a few of the songs to lose a little of their "bite".The film won 2 Oscars for sound recording and musical adaptation and it is obvious by the smooth , clear arrangements which give great justice to Irving Berlin's genius as both a composer and lyricist. I highly recommend this film for the entire family, especially if you are tired of the current films that offer nothing more than extreme violence, car chases, boring performers, gimmicky special effects, blatant sexuality etc. run and get this film. Betty Hutton was recently interviewed by the brilliant Robert Osborne on TCM(the Turner Classic Movies cable channel) and if they see my review I want to say "Bravo" to both of you for an outstanding one hour conversation about Miss Hutton's life and career. I hope that Betty Hutton will continue to give future interviews and lectures . She is a remarkable "survivor"who gives so much of herself to her audience.It is not surprising that she got her start on the Broadway stage and after her movie career continued appearing all over The USA and Europe in concerts and and theatrical productions to sellout audiences until personal problems in the 1960's caused her to stop performing until she made a brief return to Broadway in 1980(filling in for Alice Ghostley) in the role of Miss Hannigan in "Annie" ( muscial based on Little orphan Annie)