Watch Buffalo Girls

Buffalo Girls is a star-studded mini-series from 1995 that takes us on a journey through the Wild West in the late 1800s. Set in the rugged plains of Wyoming and Montana, the character-driven story weaves together the lives of some of the most notorious figures of the time, including Calamity Jane (Melanie Griffith) and her childhood friend Doll (Anjelica Huston).

The two women couldn't be more different in temperament and lifestyle. While the brash and tough-talking Calamity Jane craves the spotlight and attention, Doll is more understated, preferring a quieter life with her husband and child. But their bond remains unbreakable, and they remain an inspiration to each other despite their differences.

The action-packed series follows the two women as they travel through the West, fighting to survive and thrive in an environment that wasn't always kind to women. Along the way, they encounter other famous figures, such as Wild Bill Hickok (Sam Elliott), who becomes Calamity Jane's love interest, and Buffalo Bill Cody (Gabriel Byrne), a flamboyant showman who dreams of bringing the Wild West to the rest of America.

Other memorable characters include Broken Nose Jack (Tracey Walter), a notorious outlaw who becomes Calamity Jane's partner in crime, and Charlie Utter (Peter Coyote), a loyal friend to both Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok. And then there's Reba McEntire, who plays Annie Oakley, a sharpshooting sensation who joins Buffalo Bill's show and quickly becomes a fan favorite.

The series is not without its darker moments, as well. There are several intense scenes that deal with alcoholism, prostitution, and violence against women. But the script by Cynthia Whitcomb handles these issues with sensitivity and nuance, never exploiting them for shock value.

One of the strengths of Buffalo Girls is its attention to detail when it comes to the historical setting. The show was filmed on location in Montana, and the production team went to great lengths to recreate the look and feel of the late 1800s. The costumes and sets are all meticulously crafted, and the result is a world that feels both authentic and immersive.

Of course, the performances are what truly bring the characters to life, and the cast is uniformly excellent. Huston brings a quiet strength to the role of Doll, while Griffith fully embraces the brash, larger-than-life persona of Calamity Jane. Sam Elliott is a standout as Wild Bill Hickok, exuding a rugged charisma that makes it easy to see why he was such a legendary figure in his time.

The show also features a number of memorable supporting performances, particularly from character actors like Tracey Walter and Jack Palance. Even Reba McEntire, who was not yet known as an actress at the time, does an admirable job as Annie Oakley.

All in all, Buffalo Girls is an enjoyable and engaging mini-series that offers a unique look at the Wild West through the eyes of some of its most iconic figures. With its strong performances, attention to historical detail, and well-crafted story, it's a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Buffalo Girls is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between December 18, 1995 and on Vivendi Entertainment