The Deadwood Stage from Calamity Jane (1953)

This is our first introduction to the boisterous Calamity Jane (Doris Day) as she arrives in Deadwood City with a wagon full of goods. The sequence extends to include her entry into the Golden Garter, where we encounter Wild Bill Hickok (Howard Keel); one of the love interests in the movie. Since, at this point, we're not sure of the relationship between Calam and Bill, we witness and interesting interaction between them as Calam introduces Bill as a "friend of a friend", and Bill hides a small smile.

Lyrics:

Oh the Deadwood Stage is a-rollin' on over the plains
With the curtains flappin' and the driver slappin' the reins
A beautiful sky, a wonderful day
Whip crack-away, whip crack-away, whip crack-away

Oh the Deadwood Stage is a-headin' on over the hills
Where the Injun arrows are thicker than porcupine quills
Dangerous land, no time to delay
So whip crack-away, whip crack-away, whip crack-away

We're headin' straight for town, loaded down
With a fancy cargo, care of Wells and Fargo, Illinois - Boy!
Oh the Deadwood Stage is a-comin' on over the crest
Like a homin' pigeon that's a-hankerin' after its nest
Twenty-three miles we've covered today
So whip crack-away, whip crack-away, whip crack-away

The wheels go turnin' round, homeward bound
Can't you hear 'em hummin'
Happy times are comin' for to stay - hey!
We'll be home tonight by the light of the silvery moon
And my heart's a-thumpin' like a mandolin a-plunkin' a tune
When I get home, I'm fixin' to stay
So whip crack-away, whip crack-away, whip crack-away
Whip crack-away, whip crack-away, whip crack-away...

[enters town, tune changes, Townspeople sing/say:]
Here they be, here they be. How's about a welcome?
A peaceful sort of welcome for the gang [gunshots]

[Calamity Jane:]
The Deadwood Stage is a-finally home again.

[Townspeople:]
Well excuse my stammer, if it ain't Calamity Jane.
Hi-ya Calam... - What you bring us today?
New rubber boots? Ten dollar suits? Things to crochet?

[Calamity Jane:]
Beads that sparkle like a prism, snake oil for your rheumatism,
Calico and gingham for the girls.
Gumdrops made up in Chicag-y, Gumdrops just a trifle soggy,
And a genuine string of artificial pearls.

Here's a hat from Cincinnati, same as Adelina Patti
Wore in every famous concert hall!
Cast your eye on Dr. Bores' patent-pending hair restorer,
Guaranteed to grow hair on a billiard ball!

[enters the Golden Garter, tune changes again]

Introducin' Henry Miller, just as busy as a fizzy sarsaparilla
Ain't a showman and he's smarter, operates the Golden Garter
Where the cream of Deadwood City come to dine
And I'm glad to say he's a very good friend of mine

Hi Joe! Say, where d'you get them fancy clothes?
I know! Off some fella's laundry line!
Hi Beau! Aren't you the Prairie Rose?
Smellin' like a watermelon vine!

Here's the man the Sheriff watches
On his gun there's more than twenty-seven notches
On the draw there's no-one faster,
And you're flirting with disaster,
When Bill Hickok's reputation you malign.
But I'm glad to say he's a very good friend, of a friend of mine.

Oh! My throats as dry as a desert thistle in May,
In the Golden Garter gonna wet my whistle today!
Last to the bar's a three legged crow,
Set 'em up Joe, Set 'em up Joe, Set 'em up Joe.
Drinks on the house, Drinks on the house!
Set 'em up Joe, Set 'em up Joe, Set 'em up Joe!!!!!!


**Note: The content of this video belongs exclusively to Paramount Studios and all the people involved in its construction and distribution.

• #entertainment
• #deadwood
• #stage
• #calamity
• #jane
• #doris
• #day
• #howard
• #keel
• #wild
• #bill
• #hickok
• #musical