Watch Annie Oakley, Told by Keith Carradine with Music by Los Lobos

Annie Oakley is a biographical film from 1985 which tells the story of the legendary sharpshooter Annie Oakley, portrayed by Gail Davis. The film is narrated by Keith Carradine, who also provides an original score for the film alongside the rock band Los Lobos. The story of Annie Oakley is a classic American tale of rags to riches, perseverance, and a strong will to succeed. Born in poverty in rural Ohio, Annie began shooting game at a young age to help feed her family. Her remarkable skill with a rifle quickly became apparent, and she soon began performing in local shooting exhibitions and contests.

The film follows Annie's rise to fame as a skilled marksman and entertainer, from her early days with Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show to her triumphs at international shooting contests. Along the way, we see the challenges she faces as a woman in a male-dominated field, as well as her struggles with love and personal loss.

Carradine's narration provides a thoughtful and insightful perspective on Annie's story, as well as the historical context in which she lived. His original score, which blends elements of folk, rock, and blues, is a fitting accompaniment to the film's themes of perseverance, grit, and resilience.

The film's standout performance comes from Gail Davis as Annie Oakley. Davis imbues her character with a fierce determination and a stubborn independence, capturing the spirit of a woman who refused to be defined by the limitations of her gender or her social status. Her sharpshooting scenes are a highlight of the film, showcasing her remarkable skill with a rifle and the showmanship that made her a star.

The supporting cast is strong as well, with appearances from familiar faces like Harvey Korman and Dick Christie. However, it's Davis's show all the way, and she rises to the challenge with grace and aplomb.

One element of the film that stands out is its attention to historical accuracy. From Annie's costumes to the Wild West Show sets, the film recreates the look and feel of the late 19th century with impressive detail. This attention to detail extends to the shooting scenes as well, which are choreographed to show the precise mechanics of marksmanship.

Overall, Annie Oakley is a solid biographical film that tells the story of a remarkable woman with grace, intelligence, and a touch of style. Between Carradine's narration and Los Lobos's original score, the film is a must-watch for fans of Americana music as well as history buffs. And of course, for fans of classic Westerns, Annie Oakley is a shining example of the genre done right.

In conclusion, Annie Oakley is an iconic tale of a woman who rose from poverty to international fame as a sharpshooter and entertainer. With excellent narration from Keith Carradine and an original score by Los Lobos, the film captures the essence of Annie's story in a thoughtful, engaging way. Led by a standout performance from Gail Davis, this biographical film is a must-watch for fans of Westerns, music, and American history.

Annie Oakley, Told by Keith Carradine with Music by Los Lobos is a 2015 western with a runtime of 23 hours.