Calamity Jane 1953

In the rugged terrain of the Dakota Territory during the 1870s, the fearless Calamity Jane bursts onto the scene aboard the Deadwood stage, wielding her rifle with a swagger that commands attention. At the local saloon, where she reigns over a lively gathering sipping “sassparilly,” she shares embellished tales of her feats against Native American adversaries, though her accounts may stretch the truth. Calam harbors feelings for Lieutenant Gilmartin, and when she hears of his wounding, she courageously rushes to rescue him from a hostile tribe, risking her own safety in the process.

In the meantime, the owner of Deadwood’s infamous saloon makes a grave error by hiring the male performer Francis Fryer, mistakenly believing he has booked a talented female singer. To prevent chaos, Fryer is convinced to don a dress and take to the stage, but his initial success is swiftly derailed when his wig falls off, inciting an angry mob. Undaunted, Calam steps in, promising the bewildered crowd that she will fetch the renowned Adelaid Adams from Chicago, a vow that her skeptical friend Wild Bill Hickok finds hard to believe, especially as he chuckles at her androgynous charm.

With determination, Calam travels to Chicago, finding Adelaid as she prepares for a European tour. After a spectacular performance, Adelaid generously gifts her old costumes to her maid Katie Brown, who dreams of stardom. In a comedic twist, Calam mistakes Katie for Adelaid and convinces her to return to Deadwood. Eager to seize the chance for the limelight, Katie agrees, unaware of the chaos that will ensue.

However, during her debut, stage fright overwhelms Katie, leading her to break down in tears, admitting that she is not the real Adelaid Adams. Facing potential riot, Calam swiftly intervenes, firing a shot into the air to quell the crowd, fiercely defending her friend. As the audience gradually warms up to her, Bill, hiding in the shadows, is dressed as a Native American woman due to a bet, which leaves Calam dangling from the saloon ceiling, much to the amusement of the townsfolk.

As Katie settles into Calamity’s humble home, they embark on a renovation project that unexpectedly strengthens their friendship. In her efforts to capture Gilmartin’s attention, Calam, with Katie’s encouragement, undergoes a significant transformation, adopting more refined behavior and attire. This change inadvertently breeds rivalry, as both women vie for Gilmartin’s affections and those of Hickok. Tensions rise when they agree to draw straws to see who will attend an upcoming ball with Gilmartin. The draw favors Gilmartin, and Bill gallantly offers to escort Calamity, showcasing his gentlemanly side.

The ball is a sight to behold as Calamity’s new look earns her accolades, yet beneath her poised exterior, jealousy simmers as she witnesses Katie and Gilmartin grow closer. This atmosphere leads to an emotional showdown between the two women, with Calamity’s frustration erupting dramatically.

The next day unfolds with an unexpected twist when Bill and Calamity plot a clever prank as retaliation against Katie at the saloon. As the dust settles from their antics, Calamity is struck by the painful realization that she harbors deeper feelings for Gilmartin than she had acknowledged. Concurrently, Bill reveals his affection for Katie, culminating in a bittersweet yet passionate embrace.

Eventually, guilt propels Katie to leave for Chicago by stagecoach the following day. As the stagecoach fades into the distance, Gilmartin confronts Calamity, chastising her for driving Katie away. With unyielding resolve, Calam mounts her horse and gallops off, determined to correct her mistakes.

In a heartwarming conclusion, the narrative culminates in a joyous double wedding, with the four friends reconvening on the stagecoach, now proudly displaying the sign “JUST HITCHED.” With Bill handing Calamity’s trusty firearm to Fryer, it becomes evident that even the most unexpected friendships can evolve into something truly meaningful.