The Ballad of Josie

1968 "IT'S QUICK-DRAW DORIS!"
5.7| 1h42m| G| en| More Info
Released: 21 February 1968 Released
Producted By: Universal Pictures
Country: United States of America
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
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Synopsis

A frontier widow aims to raise sheep despite a cattle rancher in old Wyoming.

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dwpollar 1st watched 6/18/2007 - 4 out of 10(Dir-Andrew V. McLaglen): Severely confusing women's lib "kind of" movie with Doris Day playing Josie who loses her abusive husband and then decides to do things her own way without a man and raise sheep in cow country so that she can raise her son on her own. The setting appears to be the late 1800's before Wyoming was a state in the union. The problem is the film-makers aren't sure how far they want this all to go. Maybe it wasn't the right time for a feminist movie(the late 60's) -- maybe we had to wait until the Norma Rae's etc.. later on. Day is OK in the role, but the movie throws too many attempts at Lucy-like situation comedy routines despite the serious subject matter. Peter Graves plays a guy trying to get into Josie's life even though he doesn't care for the women's lib thing. He eventually gets behind her ( sort of) and he ends up saving the day from the evil George Kennedy character. This is kind of a "1/2 women's lib" movie, and "1/2 we still need our men" film and that's where the confusion lies. It also has a kind of Disney(let's feel good when it's all over) feel to it that wreaks. OK, I guess I didn't like this movie, but it wasn't all bad. Day's persona was the best part of the movie, but as far as the movie it was pretty meaningless and silly.
daisy74-1 What's not to love about this film? If you can reserve judgment until the end, you'll discover the humorous and heartwarming tale of a woman who is not afraid to stand her ground! Doris Day as Josie, opposite Peter Graves' Jason, is a tremendous force to be reckoned with. In true Doris-style she takes on "the men" of Wyoming, bucking convention (in a great pair of Levi's) and daring them to deny her her basic human rights. OK, so it only takes 2 glasses of brandy to knock Josie off her feet, but she comes right back swinging all the harder! And when the dust clears, she's there, triumphant to the end. Not only does she beat back an oppressive cattle baron, she also manages to fend for herself and her son, run a sheep-raising operation, endear herself to the women of Wyoming, and win the love and admiration of a pretty swell guy, in my opinion. So who says you can't have your cake and eat it too? I give Josie 10 stars **********
moonspinner55 One of Doris Day's lesser-known entries from late in her film career, one even she wishes she had passed on. Feisty female turns rancher in this feminist western, butting heads with the local-yokels in a distaff variation on "The Sheepman". Doris doesn't look her best here (blame it on that wig), although her conniption fits are as funny as ever. When Day gets her ire up, it's really something to behold. But the film is unbelievably anachronistic, especially since this was 1967. No wonder she later turned to TV; this plays like a failed TV pilot, with a supporting cast to match! Directed by genre-mainstay Andrew V. McLaglen, who must have been looking at his watch. *1/2 from ****
edluvsday By this time in her career Doris was being forced into roles by her husband Marty Melcher. The forever beautiful Doris looked a little worn out on this production. Filmed on location, the scenery is beautiful and Doris' performance makes up for the simple plot. Its too bad the script was just so so. The best scenes are when she is defending her land and causes a "womens riot" in the town. It is enjoyable to see David Hartman ( 70's host of Good Morning America )and supporting star Elisabeth Fraser ( who played Doris Day's sister in Young at Heart). Doris is Hollywood royalty although she has never received the recognition she deserves.