Annie (movie) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Annie |
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Theatrical release poster
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| Directed by | John Huston |
| Produced by | Ray Stark |
| Screenplay by | Carol Sobieski |
| Starring | |
| Music by | Ralph Burns |
| Cinematography | Richard Moore |
| Editing by | Michael A. Stevenson |
| Studio | Rastar |
| Distributed by | Columbia Pictures |
| Release date(s) | May 21, 1982 (limited)June 18, 1982 (wide) |
| Running time | 128 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $50 million |
| Money made | $57 million |
Annie is a 1982 American musical comedy-drama film. It is based on the popular Broadway musical of the same name. The musical itself was inspired by Harold Gray's 1924 comic strip, Little Orphan Annie. The movie tells the story of a young orphan girl named Annie who dreams of finding her real parents. It stars Aileen Quinn as Annie, Albert Finney as Daddy Warbucks, and Carol Burnett as Miss Hannigan. The film received mixed reviews from critics.
Contents
What is Annie About?
The story of Annie takes place in New York City during the Great Depression. This was a time in the 1930s when many people faced economic hardship. Annie lives in a rundown orphanage run by the mean Miss Hannigan. Annie is an optimistic and hopeful girl, despite her difficult life. She believes her parents will one day return for her.
Annie's Big Adventure
One day, a kind secretary named Grace Farrell visits the orphanage. She works for Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks, a very rich businessman. Mr. Warbucks wants to invite an orphan to stay at his mansion for a week. This is meant to improve his public image. Grace chooses Annie, who quickly wins over Mr. Warbucks and his staff with her cheerful spirit.
A New Home and a Search
Annie enjoys her time in the luxurious mansion. Mr. Warbucks grows very fond of her. He decides he wants to adopt her. However, Annie still wishes to find her birth parents. Mr. Warbucks, wanting to make her happy, offers a large reward to anyone who can prove they are Annie's parents. This offer attracts many people hoping to claim the reward.
The Villains' Plan
Miss Hannigan, her sneaky brother Rooster, and his girlfriend Lily see this as a chance to get rich. They create a plan to pretend to be Annie's long-lost parents. They hope to trick Mr. Warbucks and claim the reward money. Their plan involves using a special locket that Annie wears, which was left with her by her real parents.
The Truth Comes Out
Annie's real parents had actually passed away a long time ago. The locket was a clue to their identity. Mr. Warbucks eventually discovers the truth about Miss Hannigan's trick. He exposes their plan, and the villains are stopped. Annie realizes that her true family is with Mr. Warbucks and Grace. She finds a loving home with them.
Main Characters
The film features a memorable cast of characters. Each character plays an important role in Annie's journey.
Annie
Played by Aileen Quinn, Annie is a spirited and hopeful orphan. She never gives up on her dream of finding a family. Her positive attitude inspires everyone around her.
Daddy Warbucks
Albert Finney plays Oliver Warbucks, a powerful and wealthy businessman. At first, he seems tough and focused only on money. But Annie's kindness helps him discover his softer side. He learns that family and love are more important than riches.
Miss Hannigan
Carol Burnett portrays Miss Hannigan, the grumpy and often tipsy head of the orphanage. She dislikes children and dreams of a better life for herself. Her character provides much of the film's comedy.
Other Key Characters
- Grace Farrell: Played by Ann Reinking, she is Daddy Warbucks' kind and efficient secretary. She is the one who brings Annie to the mansion.
- Rooster Hannigan: Tim Curry plays Miss Hannigan's cunning and greedy brother. He helps his sister with her schemes.
- Lily St. Regis: Bernadette Peters plays Rooster's ditzy girlfriend, who joins in on their plans.
Music and Songs
Annie is famous for its catchy and uplifting songs. The music for the film was adapted from the Broadway musical.
Popular Songs
- "Tomorrow": This is perhaps the most famous song from the movie. It's a hopeful anthem sung by Annie, showing her belief that things will always get better.
- "It's the Hard-Knock Life": This song is sung by the orphans. It describes their difficult lives in the orphanage and their chores.
- "Easy Street": This song is performed by Miss Hannigan, Rooster, and Lily. It's about their dreams of getting rich easily.
Production and Release
The film was directed by John Huston. It was a big production for its time, with a budget of $50 million.
Filming Locations
Many scenes were filmed in real locations to capture the feel of 1930s New York. For example, the famous Radio City Music Hall was used for some scenes. The grand mansion of Daddy Warbucks was also a key setting.
Release and Reception
Annie was released in 1982. It earned about $57 million at the box office. While it was a popular movie, critics had mixed opinions about it. Some loved the performances and the music, while others felt it changed too much from the original musical. Despite this, it remains a beloved film for many families.
Legacy
Annie has continued to be popular over the years. It has been shown on television many times and is a favorite for home viewing. The story of Annie's optimism and search for a family still resonates with audiences today. It reminds us that even in tough times, hope and love can lead to a happy ending.
