Calamity Jane (1953) Review in 2025
A classic western comedy starring Doris Day as the charismatic and confident Calamity Jane, a woman who poses as a man to work as a scout for the U.S. Army. Along the way, she falls in love with a female soldier and must navigate her feelings in a time when same-sex relationships were not accepted.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is suitable for family viewing, but parental discretion is advised due to some mild innuendos and brief violence.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for its entertaining storyline, memorable characters, and historic significance. It's a classic western comedy that's suitable for family viewing, but parental discretion is advised due to some mild innuendos and brief violence.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie follows Calamity Jane as she poses as a man to work as a scout for the U.S. Army, where she meets a female soldier named Susan. As they spend more time together, Calamity Jane develops feelings for Susan, but struggles to express them due to the societal norms of the time. Meanwhile, the two women must also contend with the challenges of their roles in the army and the dangers of the frontier.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and entertaining, with a clear narrative structure and well-developed characters. However, the plot is somewhat predictable and lacks depth.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, with Doris Day delivering a charismatic and confident performance as Calamity Jane. The supporting cast is also excellent, with notable performances from Howard Keel and Allyn Ann McLerie.
characters9.00/10
The characters are well-developed and memorable, with Doris Day delivering a standout performance as Calamity Jane. The supporting cast is also excellent, with notable performances from Howard Keel and Allyn Ann McLerie.
direction8.00/10
The direction is solid, with a clear vision for the film's tone and style. However, the pacing is sometimes uneven, and the film could benefit from a more nuanced approach to its themes.
cinematography7.00/10
The cinematography is visually appealing, with a mix of sweeping vistas and intimate close-ups. However, the color palette is somewhat limited, and the film could benefit from more creative use of lighting and composition.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The movie's engaging storyline, memorable characters, and historic significance make it a must-watch for fans of westerns and comedies. Doris Day's charismatic performance as Calamity Jane is a standout highlight of the film.
Cons
The plot is somewhat predictable, and the pacing is sometimes uneven. The cinematography could benefit from more creative use of lighting and composition.
Notable Quotes
"I'm a woman, and I'm proud of it. I'm a woman, and I'm not afraid to show it."
"If you want to know what I think of men, I'll tell you something. I think they're like fireflies - they light up the sky and then they're gone."
