The Paleface (1948)
Bob Hope and Jane Russell team up for a wildly funny Wild West romp in this beloved classic comedy Western.
The Paleface - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Paleface
- Release Year: 1948
- Directed by: Norman Z. McLeod
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Western
- Runtime: 1h 31m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 17, 1948 (Australia), December 24, 1948 (United States), December 24, 1948 (United Kingdom - U)
- Production Companies: Paramount Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Paleface - Plot
Bob Hope stars in this laugh-packed wild west spoof co-starring Jane Russell as a sexy Calamity Jane, Hope is a meek frontier dentist, "Painless" Peter Potter, who finds himself gunslinging alongside the fearless Calamity as she fights off outlaws and Indians.
The Paleface - Trailer
See the classic comedy unfold in the official trailer for The Paleface.
Like Merry Xmas and Happy New Year...They belong together!
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The Paleface - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Norman Z. McLeod
Main Cast
- Bob Hope
- Jane Russell
- Robert Armstrong
- Iris Adrian
- Bobby Watson
- Jackie Searl
- Joseph Vitale
- Charles Trowbridge
- Clem Bevans
- Jeff York
Writers
- Edmund L. Hartmann
- Frank Tashlin
Producers
- Robert L. Welch
The Paleface - FAQs
Who plays Calamity Jane in The Paleface?
Jane Russell plays Calamity Jane in The Paleface, and she absolutely steals the show. Her portrayal is bold, confident, and full of swagger — a perfect comic foil to Bob Hope's hapless dentist. Russell's charisma and screen presence made her one of the film's biggest draws.
What is The Paleface about?
The Paleface is a hilarious Wild West spoof following "Painless" Peter Potter, a hopelessly inept frontier dentist played by Bob Hope. He teams up with the fearless Calamity Jane (Jane Russell) as she secretly works undercover to expose outlaws smuggling weapons to hostile tribes — with Potter blissfully unaware of the real danger.
Did The Paleface win any awards?
Yes! The Paleface earned an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Buttons and Bows," composed by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans. The catchy tune became a massive hit, topping the charts and helping cement the film's legacy as one of the most beloved comedies of the late 1940s.
Who are the main actors in The Paleface?
The film stars Bob Hope and Jane Russell in the lead roles, with Robert Armstrong, Iris Adrian, Bobby Watson, Jackie Searl, Joseph Vitale, Charles Trowbridge, Clem Bevans, and Jeff York rounding out the supporting cast. Hope and Russell's comedic chemistry is the heart of the whole picture.
Where can you watch The Paleface?
You can watch The Paleface by renting or buying it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It's widely available across major digital platforms, so picking it up for a classic comedy night is pretty easy no matter which service you prefer.
Is The Paleface based on a true story?
Not really — The Paleface is a comedic spoof rather than a historical account. While it features the legendary figure of Calamity Jane, the story is entirely fictional and played for laughs. The real Calamity Jane was a frontier figure of the American West, but the film takes enormous creative liberties with her legend.
How long is The Paleface?
The Paleface runs for 91 minutes — just over an hour and a half. It's a breezy, fast-paced comedy that never overstays its welcome. At that runtime, it's the perfect length for a fun, lighthearted evening with a classic Hollywood comedy from the golden age of Westerns.
Did The Paleface get a sequel?
Yes! The success of The Paleface led to a sequel, Son of Paleface, released in 1952, again starring Bob Hope and Jane Russell alongside Roy Rogers. The follow-up was also a hit, continuing the comedic Western adventures and proving that audiences couldn't get enough of Hope's bumbling frontier antics.
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