Crowned and Dangerous

Crowned and Dangerous

Year: 1997

Runtime: 96 mins

Language: English

Director: Christopher Leitch

TV MovieComedyCrimeMystery

After the murder of a beauty queen, an investigation reveals the suspects to be a former lover, a rival contestant, and a stage mother.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Crowned and Dangerous (1997)

Trace every key event in Crowned and Dangerous (1997) 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

Danielle begins pageant journey under her mother's eye

Danielle Stevens lives with her mother Kathy in Madison, California, and yearns for fame. Kathy curates her daughter's pageant path, fueling insecurity while living vicariously through Danielle's success. Danielle enters local beauty contests to fulfill the dream her mother has imposed.

early in story Madison, Northern California
2

Danielle meets Riley during rehearsal

During a rehearsal, Danielle encounters Riley Baxter, a wealthy and intelligent heir to the Baxter fortune. A spark forms between them, introducing a romance that complicates the pageant world. Riley's presence adds another layer to Danielle's pursuit of fame.

before Miss Madison Madison rehearsal studio
3

Miss Madison results and invitation

Miss Madison crowns Shauna Langley as the winner while Danielle finishes in second place. The result earns Danielle an invitation to the Queen of Strawberries Festival, raising the stakes for both rivals. Shauna's win sets up the rivalry with Danielle resonating through the town.

Miss Madison prelim night Miss Madison stage, Madison
4

Shauna's accidents begin; Danielle rises

A string of bizarre accidents befalls Shauna, including a leg injury that costs her the Miss Madison title. Danielle seizes the moment, gaining local celebrity status as the new frontrunner. Kathy tries to ride the wave of Danielle's attention, hoping to profit from her daughter's fame.

after Miss Madison Madison
5

Detectives start investigating the accidents

Detectives Wallace and Meyers examine the sequence of accidents surrounding Shauna. Their early work hints at foul play rather than mere misfortune. The investigation introduces a darker undercurrent to the pageant world and its close-knit circle.

shortly after accidents begin Madison
6

Danielle trained by a harsh pageant coach

Carla, the Miss Madison organizer, arranges for world-renowned trainer Bryan Donahue to coach Danielle. The brutal regimen amplifies Danielle's insecurities and makes her doubt her mother's coaching. The trainer's pressure strains their mother-daughter dynamic.

before the next pageant Bryan Donahue's training facility
7

Dinner with Riley and Patrice; money offered

Danielle's relationship with Riley deepens, and he invites her to dinner at his mansion with his step-mother Patrice. Patrice accuses Danielle of being a gold-digger and offers money to walk away from the pageant, but Danielle refuses. The tension foreshadows further manipulation and conflict.

before Miss All-Star California Riley's mansion
8

Shauna recovers and earns another chance

Shauna recovers from her injuries and is crowned Miss Bedford, earning another shot at Miss All-Star California. The rival's resilience rekindles the competition and puts Danielle on higher alert. The pageant circuit tightens as both women prepare for the major title.

post-accident Bedford
9

Shauna reveals pregnancy plan to Riley; news reaches Danielle

Shauna meets Riley at his office to tell him she is pregnant, and he offers to take care of the baby. He later shares the information with Danielle, heightening the emotional stakes of the rivalry. The possibility of a baby complicates loyalties and ambitions within the pageant world.

before Miss All-Star California Riley's office
10

Investigation deepens; suspects emerge

Investigators consider Kathy or Patrice as possible suspects, but Deputy Myers expresses doubt about the likely culprits. The case grows more opaque as evidence becomes entangled with personal relationships. The detectives face uncertainty about who is orchestrating the accidents.

during investigation Madison police
11

Kathy hints at pregnancy rumor; warehouse murder

To disqualify Shauna, Kathy suggests Danielle spread that she is pregnant. Shauna is later summoned to meet Riley after hours in a warehouse, wearing her crown; she is beaten, pushed, and murdered. An autopsy later confirms Shauna was not pregnant, deepening the mystery.

late night Warehouse; Riley's involvement implied
12

Danielle wins Miss All-Star California; Kathy arrested

Danielle conquers Miss All-Star California as the pageant unfolds, a triumph dampened by the arrest of Kathy at the victory moment. The arrest colors the win with suspicion and tragedy for the family. The immediate response points to a wider conspiracy within the pageant circle.

pageant night Miss All-Star California pageant
13

Murder motive emerges; Danielle framed her mother

Evidence initially points to Kathy as Shauna's killer, aiming to secure Danielle's win. As investigators probe, Danielle subtly reveals clues that expose her own guilt and reveal that she framed Kathy. The truth surfaces that Danielle was the mastermind behind the murder.

during investigation Madison police investigation
14

Parade arrest and life sentence

During a victory parade, Danielle is arrested amid public shock and mental strain from the losses and love triangle. She is convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. The once-ambitious star ends up paying the ultimate price for her actions.

after final pageant Parade in Madison

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 09:25

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