Rating: Summary: Somewhat Underrated Film with Great Special Features Review: For many lovers of musicals, the film version of Annie Get Your Gun is a movie that does not fulfill its promise. From the beginning, the film had its problems. Originally Judy Garland was scheduled to play he role of Annie Oakley, but her difficulties with substance abuse prevented this from happening. Not long after the shooting began, MGM realized she would more than likely be unable to complete the film. Since the movie's costar Howard Keel was a relative unknown, a strong leading lady was needed for the role of Annie, so MGM made a deal to have Betty Hutton star in the role. Betty Hutton's contributions were considered second rate by many, and people wondered what Garland would have been able to do if she completed the film. Actor Frank Morgan's death did not help matters either. Perhaps there are valid reasons why the movie was rarely seen for nearly thirty years. People knew the film existed, but it remained locked in Hollywood vaults for quite a while. DVD viewers will be able to get the opportunity to compare and contrast. The DVD contains rarely seen film clips with Garland in the role as Annie. Viewers can see her sing "Doin What Comes Naturally" and "I'm an Indian Too." It could be argued that Garland's interpretation could have rivaled that of Ethel Merman, who created the role on Broadway. Viewers who see the clips, especially fans of Judy Garland, may be disappointed in Hutton's interpretation of Annie Oakley. While I am not the world's greatest Judy Garland fan, seeing the clips made me realize just how hard Hutton tried to portray the role masterfully, but she may have tried just a bit too hard. She is convincing in certain parts, but overall she seems to be trying so hard to succeed, she is somewhat unconvincing. The movie does have merit, however. We see a lavish MGM musical with numbers that are typical of the great MGM films. Howard Keel is a strong leading man, and it is a film that can carry a person away to another time and place. The special features of the DVD alone are of great value and make it worthy to be in any musical lover's collection.
Rating: Summary: annie get your gun-not Review: Actually, though I own a copy I have not seen it because it refuses to play in my DVD player. I had tried to return it to the store, but they would not take it or exchange it. I do not think that Lucci is on this version and I am wondering if there was an earlier DVD release. Perhaps some day I will get to view the film.
Rating: Summary: NOT BAD, BUT GARLAND WOULD'VE BEEN BETTER Review: I MUST SAY, THIS WAS AN ENJOYABLE MOVIE,AND THAT BETTY HUTTON WAS GOOD. IF THIS FILM HAD A HAPPY, SECURE, JUDY GARLAND WITH STUDIO SUPPORT, AND A COMPASSIONATE DIRECTOR,IT COULD HAVE BEEN AN ALL TIME CASSIC IN THE MODE OF"WIZARD OF OZ", "MEET ME IN ST LOUIS", "EASTER PARADE", OR "A STAR IS BORN". I FEEL THAT EVEN OK AS SHE WAS, THAT BETTY HUTTON WAS TOO PRETTY, BRASSY, AND ONE DIMENSIONAL TO GIVE ANNIE OAKLEY THE TRUE DEPTH AND WARMTH THAT JUDY COULD HAVE. JUDY WAS OBVIOUSLY THE BETTER SINGER, BY MILES. IN A WAY I'M KIND OF GLAD THAT BETTY GOT THE GIG AND JUDY GOT THE AXE FROM MGM.INSTEAD OF THE MAGNIFICENT MS. G. IN "ANNIE GET YOUR GUN", WE GOT "A STAR IS BORN", HER BRILLIANT CONCERT RUN INCLUDING BROADWAY, CARNEGIE HALL, THE PALLADIUM ETC..., "JUDGEMENT AT NUREMBURG", THE SUPERB "THE JUDY GARLAND SHOW" AND ENOUGH RECORDINGS , FOOTAGE, STORIES TO MAKE HER THE ALL TIME MULTI MEDIA SUPERSTAR, THAT WILL REMAIN A LEGEND AS LONG AS THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO WANT TO BE TOUCHED, MOVED, END ENTERTAINED BY THE WORLDS GREATEST ENTERTAINER!
Rating: Summary: Extras are a Big Disappointment Review: I purchased this dvd specifically for the well advertised inclusion of the Frank Morgan scenes that were filmed but never used due to Frank's untimely death. What a disappointment! There is a large production number, that seems to go on forever, about Buffalo Bill is Coming, and then at the end, Frank rides up on a horse - he has about 30 seconds of screen time. I just don't think this should have been advertised as such because, having seen some of the Garland outtakes on other occasions, I expected at least a scene with Frank that included some dialogue.
Rating: Summary: This DVD has only a MONO soundtrack ! Review: I was very disappointed to find out that the "digitally restored" is only a MONO soundtrack , not even Stereo that can be heard as surround . really a shame ! I also think Amazon should have included this info on the DVD info list , and it's not fair it is sold full price.
Rating: Summary: I Say That Betty Hutton Is Wonderful! Review: Anyone who says that Judy Garland (looking wan and in a terrible fright wig) would have been better than Betty Hutton in the role of Annie Oakley either didn't see the outtakes of Garland or saw something that wasn't there. At that time in her life Judy Garland would not have brought to the role anything approaching the energy and brilliance that Hutton brings to it. Also judging by the aborted scenes and the soundtrack CD Hutton sang the musical numbers much more "in character" while Garland retained her own voice (as great as it was). Hutton was truly fantastic in the role and it is too bad that the experience was so bad for her but the backstory makes her performance seem even better. If Keel treated her as badly as Hutton claims then he should be ashamed of himself. There are many great songs in the picture but to me the musical highlight of the film is the "You Can't Get A Man With A Gun" number. Hutton does such a great job on the number that I can't think of another actress who could have approached it. Robert Osborne on TCM said that when he saw the film in Seattle the audience in the movie theater broke into loud applause after that number. Because Paramount has not done a good job of preserving and making available their catalog of films over the years many people today have no idea how big of a star Betty Hutton was. After becoming an instant star after her debut in "The Fleet's In" she starred in many huge Paramount hits throughout the 40s and early 50s. At the time of its release "Annie Get Your Gun" was the highest grossing MGM musical of all time and moviegoers at the time loved her performance as Annie Oakley. She received a star of the year award from Photoplay and was on the cover of Time magazine. Garland was a truly great performer but her Annie would not have come close to the brilliant Hutton's.
Rating: Summary: Betty Hutton is Awesome now in vivid TECHNICOLR on DVD!! Review: "Annie Get Your Gun" (1946) Broadway Musical ran for 1147 performances starring Ethel Merman (her signature song became "There's No Business, Like Show Business") prompted the MGM TECHNICOLOR movie adaptation in 1950 starring Betty Hutton in the leading role. MGM's promising singing baratone, Howard Keel would be Annie's love interest, Frank Butler. The legendary Irving Berlin (God Bless America, White Christmas) penned the incredible lyrics & music for this explosive musical. Maximizing the TECHNICOLOR the vivid colorful movie sets & costumes exploded off the screen!! Now this remastered DVD delivers this incredible color to our home as good as the original 1950 theatrical release. NOTE: Even though this Musical is dated and reflects it to be a period piece we do get to see the world, Broadway & Hollywood of 1950. So sit back & enjoy the entertainment, delightful songs & lyrics of Irving Berlin performed by the wonderful, Betty Hutton & Howard Keel. Summary: Loosely based on Annie Oakley's (Hutton)real life with the "Buffalo Bill Wild West Show" & her stormy relationship with fellow male-nemisis sharpshooter Frank Butler (Keel). The music provides us with toe tapping & knee slapping excitement. The song & dance numbers are lively & colorful. Eventually as all early Broadway/Hollywood stories go, a happy ending prevails followed by a grand finale number!!! Proving "There's No Business, Like Show Business". This DVD is Outstanding. Picture Quality is unbelievable! The extra features are excellent. To include; Introduction & brief Annie Oakley history by Susan Lucci, 4 Movie Outakes, Production Notes, Trailer & Audio Session Track for "There's No Business, Like Show Business". Enjoy.
Rating: Summary: The Ultimate Go West Experience Review: Saw the show on Broadway, but this completes the Annie Get Your Gun Experience. Excellent, just excellent, and as I am in my mid/20's it goes to show that this story never ages. Hilarious, original, sentimental, funny, bold, just excellent.
Rating: Summary: a classic Review: this is a classic... enough said... the DVD takes u behind the scenes and into the story. i luv this movie, like i said, it;s a classic. 4 stars
Rating: Summary: Betty Hutton Ruins the Film Review: It was so disappointing finally seeing "Annie Get Your Gun," after waiting for so long, because of Betty Hutton's bombastic and relentlessly one-note mugging throughout the film, which definitely deprives her character (and Irving Berlin's songs) of any nuances and realistic human emotions. In several scenes, her acting style is so out of sync with the other actors that she seems to be in an entirely different movie altogether (or better yet, in some second-rate vaudeville routine.) It's such a shame that Judy Garland wasn't able to complete the film. The two takes that she was able to complete, even though flawed and relatively unfocused on her part, displays an Annie that's infinitely more engaging (and human-like) than the over-the-top caricature trotted out by Betty Hutton. On another note, I have to state this much more strongly than in the official Amazon review, many of the scenes, especially the "I'm an Indian Too" number features some jaw-droppingly offensive and negative depictions of Native Americans. Although I understand these scenes are a reflection of the times and the prevailing attitudes when this film was made, I still think they are very uncomfortable (and embarrassing) to watch for a modern-day audience.
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