Musical Monday: Calamity Jane

For a girl who was brought up on musicals, I find it a bit surprising that I didn't see Calamity Jane until I moved to England. It happened to be the school musical and I loved it (despite the all girl cast). The music was great and the story was the right side of silly and whimsical with an obvious, happy ending.

Later, I saw the film version with Howard Keel (one of my all time favourites) and Doris Day who I always find adorable.

Poor Calamity Jane isn't quite as rootin' tootin' as she thinks she is out west and the other cowboys laugh at her a fair bit as she spins her tall tails of adventure. She digs herself a little hole when she promises to go to the big city and bring back a music hall star. She makes a bit of a mistake and hearts are broken (and of course mended) in the process, with a makeover or two to boot!

This is a really silly, feel good film with songs that will stick in your head. I love them all, with Secret Love, Keep it under your Hat and The Windy City up there as some of my favourites. But I think the one I love the most is the musical battle Calamity Jane has with Bill Hicock. Enjoy.


P.S. Here;s Howard Keel in my absolutely most favourite musical ever.