Various Artists - Annie Get Your Gun: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Re-release of 1950 Film)

Irving Berlin's Wild West Show-themed romp Annie Get Your Gun has long been a Broadway evergreen, including a wildly successful modern revival starring Bernadette Peters and Tom Wopat. But its original 1950 MGM film translation was fraught with production problems and recasting; Judy Garland was initially signed to star and even recorded her vocal numbers before being dismissed (due largely to her notorious personal problems) and replaced by Betty Hutton. While several of Garland's performances as Annie Oakley have been released on other compilations, this generous, 31-cut release not only marks the CD debut of the film's original soundtrack (originally just eight tracks), it compiles all of the various Garland versions (including the first release of a spectacular stereo Garland version of "There's No Business Like Show Business") onto its second half, essentially re-creating the "Annie that never was," in addition to the first complete release of the Hutton score. Also included is a superbly illustrated and well-annotated booklet that tells the complete story of the show's Broadway origins and rocky journey to Hollywood. --Jerry McCulley Amazon.com

Disappointing

What could have been one of MGM's best, very simply, is not. While Betty Hutton gamely gives it her all (some times a little too much "all") and Keel is perfectly cast, MGM once again massacred the score. One of the best theater songs ever written, I Got Lost In His Arms, was cut. Why?
Should have been better than it is, leaves one wondering what might have been had Garland completed the film. May 20, 2008

A great buy!

This CD is well worth the money. If you loved the movie and want to relive the thrill and energy of the production while driving or around the house - get this CD you won't be sorry. I want to point out that some other reviews said Betty Hutton was not as good as Judy Garland. Not true. Betty's ability to sing in the accent she spoke in brought the character and performace to life. Judy's great but not great at everything. July 7, 2006

The two Annies

I was very pleased with this CD because it not only had the original movie musical soundtrack, but also included the versoin with Judy Garland that was scrapped when she was replaced by Betty Hutton. March 13, 2006

Buy it for the movie it could of been

I bought this especially for the "missing " Garland soundtracks. And yes , anything Hutton sang, Judy sang better. It goes to prove that as a singer, Betty was a struggling artisan, croaking out the words badly at times. Whereas,when Judy the artist sings, you can feel every emotion and nuance that you would expect from a great artist.

Even though the movie version with Hutton isn't the greatest, it's still worthy of getting for your collection. Hutton's version adds a bit of zaniness to the character that neither Judy, or Ethel would want to attempt. With Garland the movie would have been entirely different, and knowing Judy's ability to rise to the occassion, it probably would have been better. After all,there is a reason why she has been known as the "world's greatest entertainer". Even in her outtakes that were supposed to be "so horrible", she seemed to have that performers ability to entertain. (I felt her outtakes were better than Hutton's finished performances.)

That being said, this soundtrack gives you an idea of what a Garland Annie could have been like. Its kind of fun to compare and contrast. Hutton did give her Annie a slapstick, comedic take that makes it fun to watch, and she did give it her all. Its amazing to hear the Garland naysayers, though. For one, Judy was always beautiful as an artist and as a person. Secondly, everyone has a favorite Judy Garland movie whether it be Oz, or Meet me in st louis, or Girl Crazy, or A Star is Born. Each of her characters were different and her co-stars and chemistry were different,yet each perfomance was done beautifully. I have to give the little lady the benefit of the doubt. I think Judy Garland would have been a terrific Annie Oakley. March 13, 2005

I love this CD

I was a little nervous ordering this CD because I thought it would be poor quality based on the reviews. I was very pleasantly surprised and enjoy the music. The CD includes Both Betty Hutton and Judy Garland. ( I prefer Betty Hutton) and 2x Howard Keel. If you like the music from Annie get your gun, you will enjoy! April 4, 2004

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