Annie Oakley: Crack Shot In Petticoats (DVD, 2006, A&E Store Exclusive)

This is a really good, historically accurate DVD of the life of Annie Oakley who could outshoot most men in her day. High recommended to anyone with a deep interest in life in the early American West.

This was a VERY well done documentary about Annie Oakley by the Biography Channel. It is full of great photography including experimental Edison film clips that give us glimpses of the actual Annie in action. It does not appear to be biased by the autobiographer's personal opinions. The actual facts are all there debunking the myths and utter nonsense many people believe about Annie. She was a fascinating character from a fascinating period of American history. This film does a great job of telling her story. If you are interested in Annie Oakley, Buffalo Bill or American history I highly recommend this DVD.

Annie Oakley was the first female sharpshooter. This documentary will delight those interested in females firsts and women who break gender barriers.
Like many Biography episodes, the interviewees were biographers and the subject's relatives. This included photographs and footage of Ms. Oakley and her peers. There were no cheesy reenactments shown or needed.
Ms. Oakley was purposely feminine and wore modest clothes though she could have shot better if she had more leg freedom. Unfortunately, many anti-feminists deride non-traditional women as wanting to be men or wanting to bed every man in sight. Ms. Oakley's femininity and modesty was strategic and beneficial. However, it is a shame that women have and had to limit themselves like this.
The interviewees claim Oakley was not a feminist because she did not promote female suffrage or a change in clothing options. Yes, but her choices can be read as feminist. She encouraged women to learn to shoot. When WWI began, she offered to train women to shoot in battle. This occurred decades before much feminist action against the military took place. I wouldn't put her totally outside of the progressive camp.
Oakley reminds me of Josephine Baker in that going to Europe was important to them and Europeans had diverse reactions to the women.
As a resident of Blue America and a person who agrees with much of Rosie O'Donnell's activism, it was hard to view gun usage as being a good thing. I tried to place Oakley and her craft in its historic context. Still, those who oppose the proliferation of weapons may automatically have a distaste for this work.