Complete credited cast: | |||
Doris Day | ... | Calamity Jane | |
Howard Keel | ... | Wild Bill Hickok | |
Allyn Ann McLerie | ... | Katie Brown (as Allyn McLerie) | |
Philip Carey | ... | Lieutenant Danny Gilmartin | |
Dick Wesson | ... | Francis Fryer | |
Paul Harvey | ... | Henry Miller | |
Chubby Johnson | ... | Rattlesnake | |
Gale Robbins | ... | Adelaid Adams |
Deadwood, Dakota Territory, is largely the abode of men, where Indian scout Calamity Jane is as hard-riding, boastful, and handy with a gun as any; quite an overpowering personality. But the army lieutenant she favors doesn't really appreciate her finer qualities. One of Jane's boasts brings her to Chicago to recruit an actress for the Golden Garter stage. Arrived, the lady in question appears (at first) to be a more feminine rival for the favors of Jane's male friends...including her friendly enemy Wild Bill Hickock. Written by Rod Crawford <puffinus@u.washington.edu>
... who else could put across the Deadwoodstageis number like Doris Day in the opening sequences of this wonderful movie? Right through to her mushy ballad 'Secret Love' she is perfect for the role of the butch cowgirl who gets a feminine makeover and snares her shooting buddy (the excellent Howard Keel, in fine voice here). Doris was a true star, a great actress and singer, game for a laugh and a pretty blonde who transcended her rather trite public image through her talent. Calamity Jane is possibly her best work, and certainly one of the best musical movies of the 1950s (against some pretty stiff competition). They might be making musicals again, but they won't make them quite like this.