Halfway through the sixth viewing of the film Annie with a group of spellbound kids, something struck us beyond the great score, brilliant casting and choreography: Miss Hannigan.
Spectacularly played by the great Carol Burnett, Miss Hannigan goes down as the single greatest movie drunk we’ve ever seen. Well, Lee Marvin runs a close second in his role in Cat Balou, but Burnett plays the role with such gusto, joy and credibility that you can’t help but fall in love with her. Again and again.
From the scenes where she passionately kisses her radio, bumps into swinging light bulbs and grasps her head in pain as the orphans shout, to the decreasing sigh tones as she swallows one glass after the next of cheap booze, this is an acting feast that you want one serving of after the next.
The hair, the make-up and costumes and her ability to imitate the voices of her little “pig-droppings” is unparalleled.
Who the hell else could pull off the following punch-line?
Grace: What about this child?
Miss Hannigan: Annie?… Oh, you don’t want Annie.
Grace: Why not?
Miss Hannigan: Because… Because she’s a drunk!
Brilliant. And we’ve attached a clip below for your viewing pleasure.
You have other nominations? Send ‘em in!
The Prodigal Fool
Straight-Six
Patito
Lady B
snarkysmachine
29 March 2010
I feel her drunktasticness really comes alive – like Frampton – when she sings “Sign” with Albert Finney. Fantastic number.
Straight-Six
31 March 2010
Snarkysmachine: she’s just indomitable, unbeatable throughout the entire film. And if you’ve seen recent pics of her she looks so utterly demure and sweet. Magnificent stuff..
David O'Brien
6 August 2010
i love this site because it great to know about and lave a video clip of annie the movie and i saw the clip of little girls play by carol burnett as miss hannigan and i love