Annie Get Your Gun (1950)

by Tristi Pinkston | More from this Blogger

23 Jan 2007 11:27 AM

Annie Oakley is a historical figure from the Old West, famous for her shooting abilities which she exhibited while working for Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. The movie "Annie Get Your Gun" is loosely based on Annie's life, her upbringing (or lack of it) and the experiences she had as one of the most well-known females of that era.

Betty Hutton stars as Annie, a girl from the backwoods who has been given the charge to raise her younger siblings. She feeds them by shooting wild game and selling the extras to a nearby hotel. Her aim is so good that she can get birds right through the head, with no buckshot in the meat. When the Wild West Show comes through town, the performers elect to stay in the hotel where Annie sells her birds, and she meets Frank Butler (Howard Keel) the star of the show. He's a smooth-talking ladies' man, used to getting his girl and making his shot. He's got a bit of an ego on him and brags he's the best shot around. Well, Annie's got an ego on her and brags that she's the best shot, and so a contest ensues. Annie's skill earns her a place as one of Buffalo Bill's performers, and she hits the road with the show, taking her siblings along with her.

Annie is doing really well with the show. She's seeing places she's only dreamed of and meeting wonderful people. She's learning how to read and how to bathe and look like a girl. But she's got one really big problem - she's fallen in love with Frank Butler, and he wants a girl who looks all beautiful like a magazine. She tries and tries, but no matter how fine she dresses, those old habits pop out and she doesn't think she'll ever catch his eye. And, as you know, and as the song from this movie says, "You Can't Get a Man With a Gun."

Imagine her surprise when one day, Frank admits that he does have feelings for Annie. But then imagine her hurt when he refuses to share the spotlight with her. She knows she's just as good as he is, but he will not share the stage. This brings about another classic hit, "Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better."

An interesting note about this movie: Judy Garland was originally cast to play Annie, but her addictions were keeping her from holding to a regular shooting schedule. The producers decided they'd better go with an actress they could count on, rather than hoping Judy would be well in time.

Another note: Daytime Emmy Award-winning actress Susan Lucci played Annie on Broadway.

A fun, romantic movie, this is one classic even your little boys will enjoy. There are cowboys and Indians all over the place!

Related Blogs:

Show Boat

Kiss Me Kate

Calamity Jane

Learn more about Tristi Pinkston

I've been a blogger for Families.com since August of 2006.

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