Calamity Jane
Published February 14, 2025
Film info
- Title Calamity Jane
- Director David Butler
- Year 1953
- Run time 1hr 41m
- Genres Music, Comedy, Western, Romance
- Tagline Warner Bros.' sky highest, smile widest, wild and woolliest Western of 'em all!
Sharpshooter Calamity Jane takes it upon herself to recruit a famous actress and bring her back to the local saloon, but jealousy soon gets in the way.
Live blog
| Time | Comment |
|---|---|
| 5:00 | Such a great way of introducing everyone, you’re right into it with a great song. |
| 11:09 | Forgot how much of an attitude Calamity has, so good. |
| 12:20 | “To get Danny.” So much in those three words. |
| 19:57 | Why does Calamity care so much about the theatre I wonder. |
| 23:49 | Yay, I Can Do Without You! “My half-pint buckaroo.” |
| 29:09 | Snotty Adelaide Adams. |
| 32:41 | “Come to think of it, that ain’t so funny.” It’s not perfect but there are some great gender issues on display here. |
| 34:56 | “I got a strange feeling somebody’s being hustled.” |
| 42:23 | “Oh what’s the use, if she is or if she isn’t, she’s got to be.” I talk like this sometimes. |
| 53:37 | Really like Katie’s blue hat & coat combo. Intense colour. |
| 59:00 | The crick. |
| 1:01:48 | I am curious how a woman’s touch managed to fix the holes in the door with just a bucket of paint. |
| 1:10:39 | “I fell in that dang-blasted crick!” Great moment. |
| 1:19:48 | Danny is such a cad. |
| 1:27:26 | “That’s female-thinking.” |
| 1:40:19 | I like that they basically do everything as a foursome now. |
Thoughts
Right, up front we have to acknowledge the awful portrayal of Native Americans and the casual racism on display here. It’s of its time, sure, but still not really acceptable and there are definitely moments of uncomfortable viewing. But I honestly love every other thing about this movie. Doris Day is brilliant, the love quadrangle a lot of fun, the songs are absolutely banging, and it’s just a joy. There are some surprisingly insightful thoughts on gender hidden behind the misogyny, and plenty of city versus rural rivalry, and all of it topped with some fabulous tunes. Love it.
Rating: 5 / 5
