Annie Oakley

Annie Oakley

Year: 1935

Runtime: 90 mins

Language: English

Director: George Stevens

DramaWestern

The film introduces historic figures such as Col. Cody, Sitting Bull and other legendary gunslingers of the plains as they perform in the spectacular Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show that captivated audiences across two continents. Amid the dazzling spectacle, the shy Annie Oakley finds herself drawn to her talented sharpshooting rival, sparking a passionate romance set against the backdrop of the legendary show.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Annie Oakley (1935)

Trace every key event in Annie Oakley (1935) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Annie delivers quail to Cincinnati banquet

In the backwoods of Ohio, Annie Oakley shoots six dozen quail and delivers them to a local general store owner who has them sent to the MacIvor Hotel in Cincinnati. The quail are used to prepare the banquet in honor of Toby Walker, famed as the greatest shot in the world. The precision of her headshots underscores Annie's extraordinary skill for the crowd.

late 19th century MacIvor Hotel, Cincinnati
2

Banquet night and a shooting challenge

At the banquet, Jeff Hogarth signs Toby Walker to Buffalo Bill's Wild West show. James MacIvor challenges Toby to a shooting contest the next morning to prove his prowess. Annie's unexpected presence at the contest catches everyone by surprise.

banquet night MacIvor Hotel, Cincinnati
3

Annie competes in the next-morning shoot-off

The next morning, Annie appears to compete against Toby; the match ends in a draw and moves to sudden death. Both shooters press their talents, delivering a tense display of marksmanship. The crowd revels in the spectacle as Annie holds her own against the celebrated Toby.

the next morning MacIvor Hotel shooting range, Cincinnati
4

Sudden death and Annie's deliberate miss

During the sudden-death round, Annie deliberately misses her shot after a quiet comment from her mother, signaling a strategic concession. Toby continues shooting with grace, unaware of the ruse. Hogarth realizes what happened, even as the crowd remains oblivious.

during sudden-death MacIvor Hotel shooting range, Cincinnati
5

Hogarth's realization and Toby's gracious win

Walker is gracious in victory, though he remains unaware of Annie's deliberate miss. Hogarth privately nods, understanding the true outcome of the contest. The episode foreshadows Annie's future role in the Wild West show.

immediately after the match MacIvor Hotel, Cincinnati
6

Annie reimburses bettors; invitation to Wild West

Back home, Annie promises to reimburse all those who bet on her. Jeff reveals he never actually bet the money and had only collected it for her. He then invites Annie to join Buffalo Bill's Wild West show, opening a new chapter in her career.

after contest Ohio home
7

Annie accepts the Wild West invitation and meets Buffalo Bill

Crushing on Toby, Annie accepts the invitation and is introduced to Buffalo Bill and the show’s company. Her inclusion signals a bold move onto the road and into the spotlight. The beginning of a new life on tour follows quickly.

shortly after invitation Wild West show
8

Toby teaches Annie showmanship

Toby overhears Buffalo Bill suggesting Annie might lack showmanship and takes her aside to teach her new shooting tricks. He helps her develop a more dynamic stage presence. Their bond strengthens as they practice together.

before first show training grounds
9

First show; Sitting Bull in the audience

At the first show, Sitting Bull sits among the crowd, observing the acts. Ned Buntline tries to recruit him, but Sitting Bull is bored until he sees Annie shoot five targets thrown into the air. Impressed, he reconsiders his stance toward the show.

first show show arena
10

Sitting Bull joins the show

Sitting Bull is won over by Annie's performance and joins Buffalo Bill's Wild West show. His presence brings a new dynamic to the troupe and deepens the bond with the Oakleys. The show expands its appeal with a legendary ally.

after first show show arena
11

Romance grows; friendship with Sitting Bull

A romance blossoms between Annie and Toby as their professional partnership deepens. They also become good friends with Sitting Bull, forming a close-knit trio within the touring company. The trio's chemistry adds warmth to the touring spectacle.

early show run backstage
12

Toby saves Sitting Bull; near-miss to the eyes

One day, a man with a grudge tries to shoot Sitting Bull; Toby grabs the man’s gun just as it fires, saving Sitting Bull's life at the cost of exposed eyes from the close range shot. The act underscores Toby's courage and the dangers of their profession. The incident leaves a lasting impression on the team.

during a performance show grounds
13

Toby's injury; Annie shot in the hand; dismissal

As Annie's fortunes rise, Toby's personal decline deepens. He hides his injury while the show continues, but an accidental shot from Toby hits Annie in the hand, leading to his dismissal from the troupe. Heartbreak follows as their partnership falters and the thrill of fame clashes with consequences.

after the incident tour
14

Rumor of bad luck; heartbreak and separation

A woman accompanying Toby insinuates that Annie has brought bad luck to him, and Annie overhears the charge. Although Toby tries to stop the woman, Annie accepts the accusation and retreats in sorrow. Jeff and Wild Bill attempt to keep Toby away, hoping to spare him further trouble.

aftermath on tour
15

European tour ends; NYC reunion

After a triumphant European tour, the show travels to New York City, where Sitting Bull spots Toby and reunites him with Annie. Their reunion signals a renewed partnership and a hopeful note for the future of their lives on the road.

after Europe tour Europe; New York City

Last Updated: October 07, 2025 at 08:14

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