The Paleface (1948)

Calamity Jane (Jane Russell) is offered a pardon from the government if she cooperates by finding out who is selling guns to the Indians. When the man who was supposed to pass as her husband is murdered, she dupes a dentist (Bob Hope) into unknowingly taking his place. Directed by Norman Z. McLeod, this lively comic western was co-written by Frank Tashlin and his animated touch is obvious. Like most of Hope's vehicles, the thin plot is merely an excuse for endless quips, visual gags and all around silliness ... that's a good thing! Hope and Russell exchange traditional roles with Russell as the brave gunslinger and Indian fighter with Hope taking on the traditional female role. The stereotypical portrayal of Indians is no longer politically correct but one can't take offense as just about everybody in the movie are played for laughs. The film features the Oscar winning song Buttons And Bows. Popular enough to spawn a sequel in 1952 and a remake in 1968 with Don Knotts in Hope's role. With Robert Armstrong, Iris Adrian, Nestor Paiva and George Chandler.