What it’s about
George Sidney brings to gorgeous big-screen life the rowdy career of backwoods sharp-shooter Annie Oakley (Hutton), who soared to fame in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show and tamed the heart and holster of rival Frank Butler (Keel).
Why we love it
Irving Berlin’s immortal musical had a sensational run on Broadway in the 40s, but MGM’s lavish full-color production, originally slated for Judy Garland, remains memorable thanks to Hutton’s fiery, sparkling turn as Oakley. Keel is great, too, playing the pistol-packing ladykiller and unrepentant chauvinist whom Annie challenges to a shooting match. There’s No Business Like Show Business is the film’s signature theme, but the witty wordplay of Berlin numbers like You Can’t Get a Man With a Gun and the cheeky Anything I Can Do are every bit as pleasing. Fire up Annie!
Betty Hutton, Howard Keel, Louis Calhern George Sidney