听 User Rating 
Contains no material likely to offend or harm
Here's a rare chance to see this 1955 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical blockbuster on the big screen. As if you didn't already know, Oklahoma! stars Gordon MacRae and Shirley Jones (yes, from The Partridge Family) as Curly and Laurey, two stubborn lovers managing an on-off affair in turn of the century Indian Territory. With some of the most famous tunes in all showbusiness, plenty of dancing cowboys, and an irrepressible feel good factor, expect a dose of good old-fashioned entertainment.
The first stage hit for seminal team Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, Oklahoma!'s transfer to cinema revitalised the Hollywood musical. We get two love stories: farmgirl Laurey - belle of the Territory - and cowboy Curly are destined for one another but too pig-headed to declare their love. Meanwhile Laurey's na茂ve friend Ado (Gloria Grahame) can't choose between honest Will Parker (Gene Nelson) and Ali Hakim (Eddie Albert), a smooth-talking peddler from Persia. So far, so traditional, but Oklahoma! was hailed for innovative use of historical context - the transformation of Indian Territory into Oklahoma state - and spectacular set-piece dances.
"THE TUNES ARE GREAT"
The question must be, is all this watchable today? Well, yes. 50 years on there's still an infectious charm about Oklahoma! OK, Shirley Jones occasionally veers towards the wooden, the Wild West sets are distinctly shonky, and Eddie Albert has clearly never been anywhere near Persia. All minor points when set against a compelling love story, and tunes - Oh What A Beautiful Mornin, Oklahoma! - that even the most determined hipster will have to admit are great. There's no cynicism here or sensationalist thrills, just well-crafted, thoroughly enjoyable escapism. I"m Just a Girl Who Can't Say No? And it's just about kissing? Ah, they were simpler times.
fabulous to see it back on the big screen
