Calamity Jane Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Cowgirl goes to Chicago, brings back the wrong girl, learns to love, and suddenly Deadwood has curtains.

🍿 Calamity Jane: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Deadwood’s Defender

In Deadwood, Dakota Territory, Calamity Jane is a celebrated figure known for her sharpshooting skills and fearless nature. She protects the stagecoach from Native American attacks, earning the respect of the townsfolk. However, her tomboyish demeanor hides a longing for the attention of Lieutenant Danny Gilmartin.

The Promise of an Actress

To appease the frustrated residents of Deadwood after a failed stage act, Calamity Jane promises to bring the famous actress Adelaid Adams from Chicago to perform at the Golden Garter Saloon. This sets her off on a journey that will challenge her perceptions of herself and her relationships. Her trip to “Chicagee” sets off a hilarious chain of events.

Mistaken Identity

In Chicago, Calamity Jane mistakenly brings back Adelaid Adams’ maid, Katie Brown, to Deadwood, believing her to be the actress. Katie, eager for a chance at stardom, plays along. The deception is eventually revealed, but Katie’s talent and charm win over the town, further complicating Calamity’s feelings for Lt. Gilmartin and her burgeoning friendship with Wild Bill Hickok.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Calamity Jane (Doris Day): A tomboyish and boastful Indian scout in Deadwood who embarks on a journey to find an actress but discovers her own femininity and love.
• Wild Bill Hickok (Howard Keel): A skilled gunslinger and Calamity Jane’s friendly rival, who eventually becomes her romantic partner.
• Katie Brown (Allyn Ann McLerie): An ambitious maid who pretends to be a famous actress and finds success in Deadwood, becoming a friend and confidante to Calamity Jane.
• Lieutenant Danny Gilmartin (Philip Carey): An army lieutenant who is admired by Calamity Jane but is initially oblivious to her feelings.
• Francis Fryer (Dick Wesson): An effeminate actor who is initially hired to impersonate a female actress, creating comedic chaos.
• Henry Miller (Paul Harvey): The owner of the Golden Garter saloon in Deadwood who relies on actresses to keep the peace and entertain the townsfolk.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Calamity Jane: “Just blew in from the Windy City!” – Calamity Jane announces her return to Deadwood after her trip to Chicago.
• Calamity Jane: “That ain’t all she ain’t.” – Calamity Jane responds to Wild Bill Hickok’s comment about the male performer in drag not being good looking.
• Calamity Jane: “Whip-crack-away!” – The catchy refrain from ‘The Deadwood Stage’ song, becoming synonymous with Calamity Jane’s arrival.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $7,893

💥 Calamity Jane Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely love Calamity Jane! From the opening ‘Deadwood Stage’ number to the sweet ballad of ‘Secret Love’, this movie just makes me smile. Doris Day is fantastic as Calamity, and I was rooting for her the whole time. The songs are so catchy, I find myself humming them all day! The moment when Calamity shows up at the ball in that beautiful dress? Pure movie magic. It’s a feel-good classic that never gets old. I wish they still made movies like this!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic musicals”
  • “Doris Day enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers looking for lighthearted entertainment”
  • “People interested in Westerns with a comedic twist”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild depictions of violence”
  • “Outdated stereotypes of Native Americans”
  • “Some suggestive dialogue”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Doris Day shines in this spirited musical, showcasing her versatility as both a comedic and dramatic performer. While the plot is simple, the catchy tunes and vibrant Technicolor make for an enjoyable cinematic experience. The choreography is impressive, and Day handles her role with energy and confidence, but the story is thin and old-fashioned.
• Variety: “A vibrant and entertaining musical western. Doris Day delivers a memorable performance as the tomboyish Calamity Jane, while Howard Keel provides strong support with his baritone voice. The songs are catchy, and the dance sequences are well-executed, making it a delightful spectacle for audiences of all ages.
• AllMovie: “Calamity Jane is a bright, spirited musical that succeeds due to Doris Day’s infectious energy. The film’s simplistic narrative and stereotyped characters are overcome by its memorable songs and the undeniable chemistry between Day and Howard Keel. A classic example of Hollywood’s golden age of musicals.

Audience Reactions

Doris Day’s transformation from tomboy to lovely lady is captivating.: Viewers praise the catchy musical numbers and Doris Day’s energetic performance.

The chemistry between Doris Day and Howard Keel lights up the screen.: The movie is a feel-good, lighthearted romp that delivers pure entertainment.

Overall Consensus: Calamity Jane is a beloved musical western that charms audiences with its catchy songs, energetic performances, and heartwarming story.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Original Song)- 1954

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Doris Day recorded the song ‘Secret Love’ in only one take.”
• “Howard Keel was borrowed from MGM studios for this film, as Warner Bros. wanted to see what the public missed when Doris Day didn’t play opposite Keel in ‘Annie Get Your Gun’.”
• “The role of Calamity Jane was a personal favorite of Doris Day, allowing her to play a more tomboyish and energetic character than her usual roles.”

🖥️ How to Watch Calamity Jane?

Calamity Jane is available for purchase or rental on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and other digital retailers. Check your preferred streaming service for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Calamity Jane, you might like these similar films:

• Annie Get Your Gun (1950): Both are Technicolor Western musicals featuring a female sharpshooter and romantic rivalries.
• Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954): Similar exuberance, musical numbers, and a focus on romance in a Western setting.
• The Harvey Girls (1946): Another musical set in the American West, focusing on the arrival of women and their impact on a male-dominated town.
• Oklahoma! (1955): A sprawling Western musical with big dance numbers and romance, set in the early 1900s.

🛒 Calamity Jane Related Products

• Calamity Jane (Blu-ray): Experience Calamity Jane in stunning high definition. The Blu-ray edition includes restored visuals and audio for an immersive viewing experience. Enjoy special features like behind-the-scenes footage and commentary.
• Calamity Jane: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Own the iconic soundtrack featuring timeless classics like ‘Secret Love’ and ‘The Deadwood Stage.’ Available as a digital download for convenient listening on all your devices. Relive the magic of the movie through its unforgettable songs.
• Doris Day: The Essential Collection: A comprehensive collection of Doris Day’s greatest hits, including songs from Calamity Jane and other iconic films. This set is a celebration of her remarkable career and features remastered recordings and rare tracks.
• Calamity Jane Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original Calamity Jane movie poster. Printed on archival paper for long-lasting display. Add a touch of classic Hollywood to your home decor.

🎧 Soundtrack

Calamity Jane features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Deadwood Stage (Whip-Crack-Away)” – performed by Doris Day & Chorus
• “Secret Love” – performed by Doris Day
• “I Can Do Without You” – performed by Doris Day & Howard Keel
• “Just Blew In From The Windy City” – performed by Doris Day
• “Higher Than A Hawk” – performed by Howard Keel

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

When Doris Day Died, She Had No Funeral or Grave Marker. This is Why

Ever wonder what happened to Doris Day after ‘Calamity Jane’? This video is a fascinating look at her life beyond Hollywood, and her surprising decision about her funeral really makes you think!

Calamity Jane vs. Al Swearengen – Deadwood

Want to see a totally different side of Calamity Jane? Check out this intense scene from *Deadwood* – it’s a far cry from the musical version, and frankly, I kind of love it!

Dialogue in Deadwood: The Mechanics of Delay

Want to understand what makes *Deadwood*’s version of Calamity Jane so compelling? This video breaks down the show’s amazing writing, and it makes you appreciate the character even more!

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