This first episode, running 24 minutes long, is a fun and enjoyable watch, due to a good storyline and Gail Davis’ performance as Annie Oakley. She’s a happy person who cares for her kid brother, Tagg (Jimmy Hawkins), and she can shoot a hole through a playing card or ride a horse while standing up.

In the opening sequence, three riders mask up with the goal of robbing a payroll from a train. A train conductor is killed during the robbery, as well as a passenger. Enter Martin Ellison, a supervisor of the railroad, who is also known as a “brass collar,” meaning a “big shot.” He confronts Dan Heywood, the road master, who knew Martin’s father, and tells him that three stolen payrolls inside of two months won’t do. Haywood is six months away from retirement with a pension, but Martin threatens to fire him before he can collect.

Annie’s partner, deputy sheriff Lofty Craig (Brad Johnson), stands up to Ellison, who happened to be a boxing champion at his school. Lofty gets the worst of it, partly due to Tagg shooting some alkalide into Lofty’s eyes, afraid that otherwise Ellison would beat him up. Ellison moves forward with his plan to ride on the train with Heywood to prevent another robbery.

In an ironic twist, Heywood is shot while protecting Ellison, although he survives. Ellison has a change of heart following Dan’s heroic sacrifice, and says he’ll take care of Dan, making sure he will get his pension. “That’s not going by the book, is it?” smiles Annie, knowing Ellison has changed. “If Dan hadn’t pushed me aside, I’d be wearing a brass halo,” Ellison says.

In an exciting climax, Annie rides close to the train and finally manages to get on the train to have it out with the thieves. The film includes a funny ending with Lofty and Ellison having a second round of boxing for fun.

This wholesome exciting adventure merits our Dove seal for All Ages.

The Dove Take

This well-written story will engage your entire family with the adventures of the lady fast-gun and cowgirl, Annie Oakley!