Annie Get Your Gun (1950)

Never before available on home video and unseen on television since 1973, the 1950 production of Annie Get Your Gun has achieved somewhat legendary status, most notably for who would inherit the role Ethel Merman had made famous on Broadway in 1946. MGM originally cast Judy Garland, but her ongoing drug and alcohol problems led to her being fired and replaced by Betty Hutton. Fortunately, the bright and brassy Hutton sparkles in this highly fictionalized story of Annie Oakley, the sharpshooter who wins fame in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show and wins the heart of fellow sharpshooter Frank Butler (Howard Keel). Dashing baritone Keel was beginning his career as one of MGM's favorite leading men in the 1950s (including Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Kiss Me, Kate). Together they make gold of the many Irving Berlin hits--"Doin' What Comes Naturally," "Anything You Can Do," "They Say It's Wonderful," "I Got the Sun in the Morning," and the classic anthem "There's No Business Like Show Business."

Annie Get Your Gun is unquestionably a product of the 1950s. Keel's relentless chauvinism and Hutton's constant fawning over him grow tiresome (though she does stand up to him in a battle of the sexes), and the Indians wear full headdresses and face paint, say "Ugh," and destroy modern conveniences. (In the name of political correctness, the 1999 Broadway revival starring Bernadette Peters removed "I'm an Indian Too" and received its own share of criticism from purists.) Quibbles aside, the excellent cast and immortal score make Annie Get Your Gun a classic musical. It's great to have it back. --David Horiuchi Amazon.com

Great family selection!

This classic is fun for children of all ages. Great discussion with your daughters about women and competition!! August 17, 2008

Annie Get Your Gun

Betty Hutton replaced the ailing Judy Garland and did a splendid job in depicting the life of sharp shooter Annie Oakley in this rollicking musical comedy. The musical is further enhanced by the music of Irving Berlin. August 3, 2008

ANNIE GET YOUR GUN

I am completely satisfied with both the product and the purchaser of this movie. Quality satisfactory and delivery prompt. I would purchase here again. July 31, 2008

Delightful Musical

This is a great musical for the whole family! After a few viewings everyone will be singing the songs. The DVD format provides background about the actors, the making of the musical, and a brief history of Annie Oakley on whom the movie is based. Good, fun family entertainment! July 29, 2008

Very disappointed

When I was a little girl, my mom had the broadway soundtrack on LP and I listened to it a lot. I believe that was Judy Garland singing. So after all these years I finally get to see the movie and it did not even come close to that soundtrack I used to listen to. I am a big fan of musicals. I loved Calamity Jane and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Howard Keel), but this one just made me roll my eyes through the whole thing.

My husband and I watched a biography of Annie Oakley's life on the History Channel a few weeks before watching this movie. This may be partially to blame for the hatred I have for this movie. I realize there is not a lot of historical accuracy in a musical and it's for fun, etc. But this actually made me want to throw up in my mouth a little bit. I'm sure I lost my sense of humor, but oh my God! The whole premise of the movie was how oooie goooie she was about this guy that used her, treated her like crap and in the end, she throws a shooting match against him so he will feel like a man... enough to marry her anyway. The whole thing was ridiculous and pathetic. May 12, 2008

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