Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Binding: VHS Tape
EAN: 0012569543836
Format: Closed-captioned
Label: Warner Home Video
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: Warner Home Video
Release Date: 2000-11-14
Running Time: 121
Studio: Warner Home Video
Theatrical Release Date: 1950-05-17

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

Customer Rating:
Summary: No business like show business!
Comment: This is show business at it's best. My six year old niece, when asked her favorite movie, doesn't say Little Mermaid, or Hannah Montana, she says, "Annie get your gun, with Betty Hutton 1952" Honestly!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Everything About it Is Appealing
Comment: ANNIE GET YOUR GUN is one of the great musicals of the theater and 1950 film adaption certainly ranks with the most beloved movie musicals, a true classic despite being locked away for almost 30 years. The movie stars the amazing Betty Hutton as Annie Oakley, a real woman from Ohio whose phenomeonal shooting ability made her an international celebrity in the late 1800's up until her death in 1926. Annie's life story seemed destined for the stage and screen for not only was she a unique celebrity but she fell in love with the man who was considered the greatest marksman of the era whom she proved was an inferior shot making their love a classic plot for a battle of the sexes romantic tale.

This Irving Berlin musical meets it's perfect Annie in Betty Hutton, who captures all of of the shadings of Berlin's character - the simple illiterate, the loudmouth hick, the wistful lover, the professional showwoman. Betty hits the bullseye at every turn. Those who say she is guilty of overacting are completely ignoring the fact that character is very broadly drawn at times and she is only performing the role as it is written. Betty Hutton is reknowned for her wacky, sweet comedy - she is totally adorable here and surely must have been an influence on Lucille Ball (who was actually a decade older) with her jump in the farce bucket with both feet approach to comedy which was extraordinarily rare for young attractive comediennes at the time. And then there's the fact that she is a wonderful singer, not only delivering every gag line of Berlin's lyrics with perfection but also capturing the pathos of his tender lyrics as well. Notice her superb scene late in the film when she mocks Howard Keel's "The Girl That I Marry" number - she start out singing it in a faux baritone then into the song suddenly realizes this "girl" could never be her, her vocals turn to a tender, heartbroken sadness. It's one of the finest moments in the film and one of the most touching in any movie musical.

One interesting choice of director George Sidney was to have Betty sing several of her songs looking directly into the camera which is virtually never done in film. One obvious reason for this is that these numbers are sung when she is alone so there is no one to sing to but the audience - which brings us into the film even more. This film has to be one of the most colorful and fun movie musicals of all time. The DVD print is gorgeous, the special features wonderful. ANNIE GET YOUR GUN went on to be the biggest box-office hit musical MGM ever produced. A half century later it remains as great a movie musical as you could want.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Great family selection!
Comment: This classic is fun for children of all ages. Great discussion with your daughters about women and competition!!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Annie Get Your Gun
Comment: 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.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: ANNIE GET YOUR GUN
Comment: I am completely satisfied with both the product and the purchaser of this movie. Quality satisfactory and delivery prompt. I would purchase here again.

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