Calamity Jane (1953)

Wonderful character development!

Highly Overrated But Still Good

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

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.

(*Calamity Jane-character movie-quote*) - "You thought I was a man!!??"Hey! - Are you ready for a 1953, Hollywood Western/Musical/Comedy/Romance that's a total.... And I do mean "total" gender-bender?.... Well - Then get ready for Calamity Jane.So - As this gender-bending story goes - Even though she's really, truly, hopelessly in love with Katie Brown (and vice-versa) - Calamity Jane (an implied tomboy/lesbian) totally reforms herself (discarding all of her infantry drag, cussing lingo, and macho mannerisms) and (get this!) (in frilly frock and a sweet, feminine demeanour) agrees to marry Wild Bill Hickok.... (Groan!) Anyway - When it came down to her utterly embarrassing, over-the-top portrayal here - (Believe me) - Doris Day's scenery-chewing "Calamity" was completely cringe-worthy from start to finish.I mean - Isn't it just too ironic for words that (years later) Day would claim that her Calamity character was, indeed, her absolute fave of her entire career?.... (Spare me!)

Doris is very energetic. She plays Calam over the top. Chicaggy-word is unique. Her deerskin getup must a-needed a-cleanin' after all-them-years of wearing it (phew!). Changing to the femi-NINE duds was a welcome change. . . . Cigar-EEEETS are another hoot.Post-war World War II 1950s and onward (yes, they made anti-Nazi movies even into 1970s-80s-etc.) . . . Tons of rustic cowboy western movies, TV shows. Annie Get Your Gun (Annie was from Ohio, which was no longer The West in the later 1800s), Calamity Jane, Annie Oakley TV show, Gunsmoke, Zorro, Rin Tin Tin, Wagon Train, The Rifleman, Circus Boy, Death Valley Days, Gene Autry, Hopalong Cassidy, Roy Rogers, Lone Ranger. Good grief -- Davy Crockett! Escapism toned down the harshness of The Cold War and McCarthyism. Musicals helped America feel good about itself. The Korean War was ending, and Americans were tired of hearing about real-life fighting and killing. Howdy Doody, Buffalo Bob and Princess Summer-Fall-Winter-Spring all wore western clothes.2013: Ya can't say Injuns no mo! It is the "I-word". Women don't have to clean up the cabin or sling that hash. Times have changed. We ALL wear pants! Still, for a 60-year-old movie, the humor and music hold up well.Howard Keel was a good singer. He was a Douglas Aircraft inspector before his movie career. In two particular movies, he saw himself as a lady's man: In "Kiss Me Kate", he sings "Where Is the Life That Late I Led?", bemoaning that his little black book is irrelevant now that he is hooking up with Kathryn Grayson. In "Show Boat", he sings "Only Make Believe" in which he tries to woo Grayson with his worldly bravado.

This musical-western-comedy-romance (yes, it packs a lot of genres in!) is a terrific musical treat that shows star Doris Day to her best advantage. She's the lady of the title, but the Deadswood townsfolk certainly don't think this gun-toting tomboy is a lady. It takes a "Woman's Touch" to turn Calamity into a stunner, and by then, her best friend Wild Bill Hickok (Howard Keel)has lost his heart. Doris Day is so likable in this film-- full of charisma, talent and enthusiasm for her role. If Oscars voters in 1953 had any sense, she would have gained a nomination for her wonderful work here. This Warners Bros musical was obviously influenced by the big success of MGM's version of the stage hit "Annie Get Your Gun", which also starred Howard Keel. Keel gets a similar role, perfect partner for the independent lady if they ever stop disagreeing. Keel and Day worked very well together, and their number "I Could Do Without You" is energetic, fun and one of the best in the film. Keel is so sexy and charming. As with "Annie Get Your Gun", with Betty Hutton as the sharpshooter, Day's Calamity has to have a make-over first for men to notice her finer qualities. Yep, it's probably sexist now but I see it more as an encouragement for women to embrace their femininity, which, like it or not, is always there. I'm a tomboy myself, and I enjoyed seeing Day mix it with the boys--even if she does end up in a dress by film's end.