Annie Get Your Gun

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Summary: Knockout Betty Finally on DVD
Review: Like several other reviewers here, this was the first movie musical I ever saw in a theater back in l950 and to this day, I've never forgotten the exhiliration of watching Betty Hutton portray Annie Oakley, the very hunky Howard Keel as Frank Butler and the magnficent Technicolor hues of Betty's costumes. Those glowing reds and blues and greens are just as beautiful now on DVD as they were back in l950. But there are some serious questions about this DVD's program of extras: why was Susan Lucci, a TV performer who played Annie on Broadway, chosen to be the hostess of the history of Annie Oakley when Betty Hutton and especially Howard Keel are still very much alive and kicking? Why wasn't there a 'Making-of-the-Movie'documentary, like the one made for another fantastic MGM musical, "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" with the documentary showcasing everybody from Jane Powell, Howard Keele, choreographer Michael Kidd to several extras and dancers? "Annie" was certainly one of MGM's biggest grossing movies but the only extras you get are the trailer (big deal)and two scenes of Judy Garland, looking horrible and sounding worse, before she was fired. It's obvious that Garland could never have completed the grueling work demanded of this role. "Seven Brides" was presented on DVD with the loving care of someone and I've watched the documentary about a dozen times in just two weeks. The same should have been done for this DVD version of "Annie." Why couldn't they have included Betty Hutton's interview with the host of Turner Classic Movies about the terrible problems she encountered when taking over the role of Annie from Garland? How about footage of the premieres (Betty complains she was never even invited to the NY premiere by MGM. If this is true, what was the reason? Who were her enemies on the set?)Anyway, let's rejoice that at last, after mysterious restraints and roadblocks, we've finally got Betty Hutton and Howard Keele back at their peaks. Somebody at Turner's, which owns all these great classics, should really get on the ball, though, and start treating these masterpieces with care. Just look at Turner's DVD version of "Gone With the Wind." This greatest of all movies doesn't have a single extra--except for a trailer. Wow. Wonderful treatment of HOllywood's all-time movie masterpiece. But gee, these movies are real old, you know, and therefore they shouldn't get the razzle-dazzle extras package like "The Perfect Storm" and "Mission Impossible: II". Wake up Turner and Warners and DVD producers. We want our classics presented with archival materials, outakes, screen tests, etc.

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Summary: Hurrah! for Betty Hutton as Annie
Review: Looking at the other customer reviews, there is'nt much else to say about ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, except to say, that I for one am glad that Betty Hutton was finally chosen as Annie. No one else could have played the role better. Although I like Judy Garland, I do not think she would have been at all right for the role. As for the the quality of the DVD, this is as good as it can be, supberb picture quality and very good sound. The recording studio has done a brilliant job. It is a pity some other studio's do not copy the same in quality. For anyone thinking of buying the DVD, get it!

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Summary: I adore Betty Hutton!
Review: They say that "Falling in Love" with "Annie Get your Gun" is wonderful, so they say....I was raised on MGM musicals and this one was always my favorite. Imagine how disappointed I was to discover that it was never realeased on video and that I would never be able to have it in my extensive library. I hounded video houses for years in search of it and suddenly HERE IT IS, NOW PLAYING in my home and was it ever worth waiting for! The "costumes, the scenery, the make-up, the props" and the incredible music all add to specialness of this film. My son asked me why I loved this particular musical so much and my answer was simply, Betty Hutton. That magical, farcical face of hers in " I'm An Indian, too"; I remember loving that scene so much as a child and now as an grown-up. I just wish I could write and tell her that what apparently was an unpleasant experience for her, made a tremedous impact on my love of the arts. There is No Annie like Betty's Annie!!

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Summary: CORRECTION TO EDITION DETAILS
Review: This DVD does NOT contain the production dailies for Judy Garland's version of "I'm an Indian Too." It DOES contain an edited together version using SOME of the footage, but not ALL of the footage filmed, as noted in the edition details above. Other than that, a fun movie and a well-produced disc.

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Summary: Annie Get Your Gun
Review: I truly miss the traditional Broadway/Hollywood musical, a true American art form that has virtually disappeared. As a collector I was delighted when I received Annie Get Your Gun a couple of days ago. I was not disappointed! Besides the delightful score, Annie Get Your Gun, being Irving Berlin's last musical, has historic significance. The theme of this almost 50 year old musical weaves nicely into the modern feminist agenda, and for that reason is very timely. Betty Hutton did a great job. I remember her movies from a time when she and I were much younger. I did not appreciate then the quality of her dance movements, but they are a thing to behold. Betty's singing voice is not the best, but this does not detract. What the viewer is seeking is not operatic quality but personality projection and delight and there is plenty of that. Howard Keel demonstrates that he was one of the great non-operatic singers of the movies. I will keep this one in my collection and recommend it.

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Summary: AT LAST
Review: I CANT BELEIVE THIS MOVIE HAS NOW BEEN RELEASED ON VIDEO. HAVE BEEN WAITING YEARS TO ADD THIS TO MY COLLECTION MANY THANKS TO SOME-ONE

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Summary: Simply Great
Review: Until now, my previous reviews of AGYG have been based on my recollection of last seeing this musical more than 25 years ago. Happily, my memory did not betray me, as this film is indeed as wonderful as I recall it. The story, in case you're not familiar, concerns a backwoods sharp-shooting bumpkin named Annie Oakley. Annie stumbles upon Buffalo Bill's traveling Wild West Show in her hometown. After the local hotel owner realizes her shooting ability, her persuades her to try for the prize money by challenging a Mr. Frank Butler, one of Buffalo Bill's stars, to a trap shooting contest. After Annie defeats Frank, Buffalo Bill persuades her to join his show in order to boost sagging sales. Although his pride is wounded, Frank reluctantly agrees to have Annie join the troop, but only as his assistant. Annie quickly falls in love with Frank, but his ego stands in the way of true romance. He likes Annie, but only if she remains a second banana in the show. Buffalo Bill convinces Annie that if she performs some fancy shooting during the upcoming Wild West show, Frank will be hers for the taking. Instead, Annie's performance sends the jealous Frank reeling. He leaves the show, which crushes Annie. Despite her grief, Annie stays with Buffalo Bill's show and becomes a huge star. At the conclusion of the film Annie does "get her man (Frank) with a gun", but I won't tell you how. AGYG has a beguiling story, a tuneful score, colorful costumes, humor, and a tinge of melancholy thrown in for good measure. The DVD transfer is beautiful, but not without some minor editing glitches which can be overlooked. However, I was a little disappointed over the lack of closing credits that I'm sure the theatrical release contained. Quibbles aside, this delightful musical belongs in everyone's home video library. One of MGM's greatest!

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Summary: Annie Get Your Gun
Review: I first saw this movie in 1950 when I was nine years old. This is the movie that initiated my love of musicals of all kinds. Having searched for the past 20+ years for a video, I was thrilled to finally see it released. While Judy Garland was my first favorite singer ever, followed by "Barbra" in the 60s, Betty Hutton is the ONLY ONE for the role of Annie Oakley. The songs from the movie are the best and I have remembered all of them all this time (a few words forgotten here and there). I strongly feel that it is Betty Hutton's shining glory as an actress and singer, and recently having learned of all the issues involved with her replacing the great Judy Garland as the star, it only reinforces the fact that Betty Hutton was the ONLY person (professionally and personally) to play this part. I might add that, Howard Keel as Frank Butler was my heart throb for more then 20 years. A voice as good, if not better then Gordon MacRae who is also a long-time favorite. I'm so happy to hear that Betty is alive and doing so well, having turned her life around.

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Summary: It's Okay...But what's the build up?
Review: I received the ANNIE GET YOUR GUN DVD in the mail last night and I have to admit that I immediatly opened and began to watch it. I didn't start the movie, I watched the outtakes and the intro. with Susan Lucci and then began the movie. I loved Judy Garland's interpretation of the role. I just have to say that it was Judy (who really reminded me of Liza playing ANNIE) and there wasn't a thick character there for her. But her wide-eyed charm is ever captivating. Butty Hutton is another story. I was driven crazy by her not being able to keep up with the music, meaning, I know she was lip-syncing to her own singing, but she was way off. I found many glitches in the movie, for instance, when Betty began "You Can't Get a Man..." it showed her from one angle and she opened her mouth to begin singing. Then it snapped to another angle and her mouth was closed and then she opened her mouth and began singing. I hated Howard Keel, though. His voice was too old timy and I missed the Tom Wopat charm that Frank enthuses/radiates. Tom Wopat has the been one of the best Frank's ever. His voice was perfect for the role. Keel was a little too operetic. Hutton and Keel were singers, no one else in the show was a good singer. The supporting characters spoke their songs more than they sung. I saw the out take with Frank Morgan as Buffalo Bill and all I can say is, I WISH HE HAD BEEN ALIVE TO FINISH THE MOVIE. He has that caring quality in all his characters and he is just great. One thing that I can say about the movie is that it gives great images. The filming, with the exception of mistakes, and the dance sequence and stunt sequences are wonderful. Top of the line you could probably say. I love that quality of it. I love "Anything you Can Do" and "Sun in the Morning" was pretty fun. I wished that "Old Fashioned Wedding" had been written so it could have been in the movie, I love that song. I also missed "Moonshine Lullaby" and "I got Lost in his arms," a great ANNIE song that Bernadette radiated in when she sung it. All in all, I would have to say that I will watch it again. It gives some great images and the acting is superb. Hutton voice was annoying at first, but when she became a lady all of her songs were more mature and her voice wasn't as squeaky. I would suggest you buy this movie. This is the first time it has been released since 1973 and I think that is reason enough to pick it up and watch it. Just be aware that it is not the best movie in the world. It has it's moment, but so do all great movies!

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Summary: Well, Hello Annie!
Review: After years of legal wrangling, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN is finally available on video and it was worth the wait. Those who watched the reclusive Betty Hutton interviewed recently by Robert Osborne on Turner Classic Movies will recall Hutton's recollection of the cast's rudeness to her during the filming. Indeed, she called it the worst experience of her life and cited it as the major reason for her retirement from picture making. According to Hutton, MGM didn't even invite her to the premiere in New York. Knowing that, it is difficult to watch her performace as Annie Oakley without noting the vulnerability of her portrayal. Yes, she is broad and hammy but she delivers the goods in one of the most enjoyable MGM musicals I've ever seen. What a treat to have it back, not only for film buffs but for budding film scholars to study as part of the canon of the Freed Unit's many celebrated achievements. The added goodies are also intriguing. Whatever Garland's personal demons, we now have irrefutable evidence that her Annie would have been a disaster. Hutton has the energy and the spunk for this larger than life character of the Old West.