ANNIE (Theatrical Release USA 1982)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Stars ìììì

Annie—the perfect musical film template—showcases and blends unbelievable musical talent, choreography, casting, and storyline into one of the best movies of the century. The moral—get wealthy by hard work because most free lunch, handouts, and ‘easy money’ programs and schemes turn sour—runs as an undercurrent in the story as Miss Hannigan (Carol Burnett), her brother Rooster (Tim Curry), and his girlfriend Lily St. Regis (Bernadette Peters) circumvent the recommended road to wealth and prosperity to exploit Orphan Annie (Aileen Quinn) and her realization of a better life when she is chosen to spend a week with wealthy Mr. Oliver Warbuck (Albert Finney) as a publicity routine. The story becomes delightfully complicated as Warbuck’s secretary, Grace Farrell (Ann Reinking), falls in love with Orphan Annie and desires to keep her.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An orphan finds an opportunity to establish a real home and family. 

Additional Thanks

Best Work effort for Director John Huston. Thank you to Executive Producer Joe Layton for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Punjab (Geoffrey Holder), Asp (Roger Minami), Molly (Toni Ann Gisondi), Pepper (Rosanne Sorrentino), Tessie (Lara Berk), Kate (April Lerman), Duffy (Robin Ignico), July (Lucie Stewart), FDR (Edward Herrmann), and Eleanor Roosevelt (Lois De Banzie).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film deserves a place in the family home video library. The music is outstanding and the storyline tugs at the heart. Excellent musical entertainment.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers