Hopelessly dated but endearingly hokey, Annie Oakley hits the entertainment bulls-eye with her straight shootin', hard-ridin' heroics. Parents (or grandparents) may fondly remember this 1954-57 Gene Autry-produced TV series built around a positive female role model. This set compiles all 81 episodes centered on pigtailed Annie (Gail Davis), a fetching heroine who espouses the virtues of hard work (when a young boy allows that he wishes he could ride like her, Annie responds, “Ride for eight years, eight hours a day”). Western fans will also thrill to early appearances by such beloved character actors as Slim Pickens, Denver Pyle, Alan Hale, Jr., and “Davy Crockett” himself, Fess Parker. Although populated by outlaws, evil ranchers, and scheming cattlemen, the Western action here is kid-friendly. Brad Johnson, as Deputy Sheriff Lofty Craig, handles the fisticuffs, while Annie handles the firearms, constantly shooting guns out of the hands of bad guys. This might be a hard sell for the young ‘uns, but nostalgic Baby Boomers and Western buffs might want to give it a shot. Extras include a featurette on forever-after typecast Davis, the series' original pilot, archival photos, and an episode guide. A strong optional purchase. (D. Liebenson)
Annie Oakley: The Complete Series
VCI, 11 discs, 2,160 min., not rated, DVD: $99.99 Volume 30, Issue 1
Annie Oakley: The Complete Series
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