Betty Hutton's energy and 'ethel' factor is undisputed. She carries a B tier story but ultimately, this doesn't work for me. Forget that it was dated when it was made, the energy of a truly undervalued performer doesn't carry the film. To quote Noel Coward - 'not denying the fact, she's desperate to act, it isn't quite enough.' Such a shame Hutton never had a better vehicle.

Betty Hutton is wonderful, particularly in the first third of the film, before Annie joins Buffalo Bill. Her version of "You Can't Get a Man With a Gun" is both funny and very moving. Hutton had such frightening energy, such a desperate need to be loved, that it reaches right out of the screen and grabs you. Keel lacks charm, the direction lacks energy, but--for me--Hutton is enough. (If you're not easily offended by Native-American stereotypes, Naish's Sitting Bull is pretty funny too.)

Mostly abysmal due to its unsightly overacting, slight sexism and overt racism. Between two decent musical numbers, the only thing occupying my mind while watching this was Howard Keel's teeth, which is equaled in you-can't-look-away creepy only by Sarah Jessica Parker and the third nipple in Total Recall. I clearly had a lot of time to think about it.

Betty Hutton's over-the-top personality and talents are perfectly suited to this big, bombastic musical -- one of Hollywood's best.