How Did Carol Burnett Not Get The Oscar For ANNIE?- Page 2

[ClapYo'Hands]

Posted: 4/16/12 at 8:31am

I seem to be the only one who thinks that ANNIE is a fantastic movie with perfect casting!

[newintown]

Posted: 4/16/12 at 9:20am

Stick to your guns, clap, as unloaded as they may be.

[ClapYo'Hands]

Posted: 4/16/12 at 9:38am

Ha!

[morosco]

Posted: 4/16/12 at 10:20am

Loudon played the role with a knowing wink to the audience. Her Hannigan was an important part of what made the original production work. I often wonder if the show would have had the chance to become a hit without her. She set the perfect balance for the evening. Just listen top how she reads the line "Oh God I hate that rotten orphan!" on the attached link.

Burnett just played the role drunk. Yawn.
Easy Street

[newintown]

Posted: 4/16/12 at 10:44am

I agree. I've seen a LOT of Hannigans over the decades, and Loudon has never been matched or surpassed. Far too often, the actress hired is either lacking in comic chops or just plain nuts (in an unfunny way). Many of them go for "the truth," as victims of too many acting classes.

Burnett was already past her comic peak, and had to rely on a handful of tricks because the material had been watered down from the stage to the screen (that screenplay is one of the worst). And, because she was afraid of playing a monster, she pulled back from the full comic potential of the role. Face it, Hannigan only works if she's played over-the-top as a toothless monster, almost like a panto dame.

The show Annie is a tight, bright cartoon; if approached as anything else, it becomes a lead balloon (something even the show's lyricist doesn't seem to understand).