sol-
Very loosely based on the life of the titular Wild West figure, this Hollywood musical tracks the experiences of the tomboyish gunslinger who strikes up a close friendship with a second-rate actress. As the two women eventually decide to live together, it is easy to appreciate why 'Calamity Jane' has been cited as a film with an overt gay subtext over the years; there is also lead actress Doris Day dressing and talking like a man, even commenting how pretty co-star Allyn Ann McLerie is when they first meet. This is, however, a film that can be thoroughly enjoyed for the surface story, subtext aside. Day is a revelation in the title role, a true transformation when one considers the housewife and Rock Hudson movie roles that she is best known for. It is a very energetic performance too as Day sings, dances, talks tough and wrestles with her own sense of identity as she takes McLerie's advice of how to act more feminine to attract a man. The film occasionally gets lost in mixed messages along these lines (celebrating her individuality plus applauding her desire to conform), but with memorable songs, well-timed comic relief and a solid supporting cast, it remains a delightful experience overall. Those keen on an accurate portrait of the real Calamity Jane would be best served to look elsewhere, but anyone after merely a fun musical or lighthearted western could scarcely go wrong here.
atlasmb
Doris Day plays an unrefined tomboy who is handy with a gun and learns about refinement on the way to finding romance and singing some hit songs. If that sounds like a rehash of 1950's successful "Annie Get Your Gun", it's probably no coincidence. And both starred Howard Keel as the male lead.Even if "Calamity Jane" can't match the array of notable, classic tunes that "Annie Get Your Gun" boasts, it can an stand on its own as a solid musical with songs by Sammy Fain and lyrics by Paul Francis Webster. In fact, the film relies mostly on its music and the wholesomely talented Miss Day to make its mark.Ms. Day, besides displaying her usual enthusiasm while singing the film's musical numbers, including its best song "Secret Love", also plays the role of Calamity with a physicality that deserves special praise. Not only does she adapt a carriage that rings true for a woman who tries to be manlier than any man, but she also talks the talk and performs stunts that most actresses would hesitate to consider.The other major female character, Katie Brown, is portrayed by Allyn Ann McLerie (in only her fourth screen credit). Ms. McLerie holds her own with Doris and has a presence that seems to portend more leading roles in her future.Fans of fifties musicals should find what they're looking for in "Calamity Jane" unless they are seeking biographical truth.
benosler
I've just watched "Calamity Jane" and it really is one of the most lovely films I've ever seen.I am by nature suspicious of "musicals". In fact I'd normally say I don't like 'em. But although the characters in this film do burst out into spontaneously synchronised and practised song somehow the songs they sing are short enough to be less than a mild irritation and pertinent enough to keep the story moving.I'm a straight guy but must admit to being a sucker for women with their feet firmly on the ground and that's why I find Doris Day's portrayal of the character so intriguing. Some might say that this is an "ugly duckling" film but in this case and for me the "before" look is much more interesting than the "after" one. She prances around in scruffy attire, walks like a man and often sits or poses with her legs wide open but however much she plays the tomboy and tries to hide her femininity under a bushel she fails. Why? Because she just is a very beautiful woman; heck you could cover her in mud (and this actually happens at one point in the film) and she wouldn't lose her femininity.I've seen lots of cabaret in Berlin - Victor, Victoria type stuff and this film is reminiscent of that although not quite so refined but all the same it's a woman dressed as a man and looking good for it! The film verges on homo-eroticism at times although it never features as a central theme. There is about 10 minute's worth of pure homo-eroticism however that takes place in a log cabin that would do Barbie proud but the main themes focus on a woman who doesn't know how to be one and learns as well as people who are oblivious to the fact that they are in love perhaps because they are such good friends; then Cupid strikes suddenly. As I say, I'm a straight guy but although a part of me appreciated the "ugly duckling" changing her spots another part of me ended up wishing that she'd stayed the way she was.The sets are wonderful as are the lush costumes.This is not a film to watch on a small monitor. If you have a projector then fire her up for this one. Lovely colour and sound just as one would expect from a musical of this era.
Spikeopath
Calamity Jane is directed by David Butler and written by James O'Hanlon. It stars Doris Day, Howard Keel, Allyn Ann McLerie, Phillip Carey & Dick Wesson. The score features music by Sammy Fain and lyrics by Paul Francis Webster. Out of Warner Brothers, the film is seen as a response to the success of MGM's production of Annie Get Your Gun in 1950, where Keel was also starring. Plot here is loosely based on the life of Wild West heroine Calamity Jane (Day) and explores the relationship between Wild Bill Hickok (Keel) and herself. I guess the first thing that should be said is that this is no biography of one Martha Jane Cannary Burke (AKA: Calamity Jane), In truth this is more a comedy musical romp built around the famous frontiers woman. And with it being very basic on narrative and direction, this really only appeals to the film fan with musical leanings. But on that score the film is delightful, with spirited lead performances from Day & Keel and a handful of truly great tunes headed by the Oscar winning "Secret Love". The film also earns some bonus points for giving Day the chance to play something other than the naive innocent girl next door type (it was a personal favourite role of hers). She gets to be spunky and brash without ever losing that adorable appeal that carried her throughout her career. The play on sexual stereotypes is rather humorous without being twee, something that you feel Butler was under appreciated for, and Wilfred M. Cline's colour photography enhances the playfulness of it all. Seen now as a feminist fantasy with a gay following thanks to "Secret Love", there's no denying the film is all very Hollywoodized; with characters so animated they could burst. But all told, if one is able to forgive and see past its flaws then it's a film guaranteed to light up the darkest of wintry days. 7/10
AD
