Cast
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Barbara Stanwyck
as Annie Oakley
Preston Foster
as Toby Walker
Melvyn Douglas
as Jeff Hogarth
Moroni Olsen
as Col. William F. 'Buffalo Bill' Cody
Pert Kelton
as Vera Delmar
Andy Clyde
as James MacIvor
Chief Thunderbird
as Sitting Bull (as Chief Thunder Bird)
Margaret Armstrong
as Mrs. Oakley
Delmar Watson
as Wesley Oakley
Adeline Craig
as Susan Oakley
Crew
Director
- George Stevens
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Annie Oakley examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director George Stevens brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1935, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Annie Oakley took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.4 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 126 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The musical score contains over 62 unique compositions.
- The costume department created over 371 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1935, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Annie Oakley shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike They Died with Their Boots On, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Annie Oakley subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Annie Get Your Gun and The Milagro Beanfield War explore similar territory, Annie Oakley stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 15, 1935
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Budget: $354,000
- Revenue: $620,000
