On this day April 24, 1981, the western drama Cattle Annie and Little Britches premiered in theaters. Directed by Lamont Johnson, the film starred Burt Lancaster, Rod Steiger, Diane Lane, and Amanda Plummer in a fictionalized tale based on two real life teenage girls who idolized outlaws and set out to join them in the fading days of the Old West.
The story followed Annie and Little Britches as they get involved with the Doolin Dalton gang and become caught between romanticized adventure and harsh reality. With strong performances and period detail, the film offered a different take on western legends by focusing on female characters typically left out of the genre. Despite the cast and concept, the film had a limited release and earned just over half a million dollars at the box office.
Fun fact: This film marked the screen debut of Amanda Plummer, who would later go on to win a Tony Award and appear in major films throughout the 90s.
The story followed Annie and Little Britches as they get involved with the Doolin Dalton gang and become caught between romanticized adventure and harsh reality. With strong performances and period detail, the film offered a different take on western legends by focusing on female characters typically left out of the genre. Despite the cast and concept, the film had a limited release and earned just over half a million dollars at the box office.
Fun fact: This film marked the screen debut of Amanda Plummer, who would later go on to win a Tony Award and appear in major films throughout the 90s.
