Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Plot summary

Annie Get Your Gun (re-release) (2004) Plot Summary & Timeline

Annie Get Your Gun (re-release) (2004) movie poster

Annie Get Your Gun (re-release) is a 2004 biography and comedy film directed by George Sidney and Busby Berkeley, running 1 hour 47 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 437 words (about 2 minutes to read) and covers 13 key events in order, 4 characters, where and when it is set and 2 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for Annie Get Your Gun (re-release).

to read the plot summary
2 min
key events in the timeline
13
characters profiled
4
themes explained
2
Loading streaming availability…
Annie Get Your Gun (re-release) (2004) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 47m
Original language
English
No spoilers

What Is Annie Get Your Gun (re-release) About?

The premise of Annie Get Your Gun (re-release) in 268 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In a bustling Ohio town where the spirit of the frontier meets the sparkle of the stage, a remarkable sharpshooter discovers that her uncanny aim can take her far beyond the ordinary saloons and fairs of her youth. The film opens on a world where the clatter of pistols and the roar of applause intertwine, setting a tone that mixes energetic musical numbers with the swagger of a traveling circus. Its vibrant colors, lively choreography, and witty banter create an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and freshly entertaining, inviting the audience to step into a spectacle that celebrates skill, showmanship, and the promise of stardom.

At the heart of this dazzling tableau is Annie Oakley, a modest yet fiercely talented markswoman whose reputation for hitting impossible targets quickly captures the attention of a legendary Wild West troupe. Alongside her stands the charismatic and equally skilled Frank Butler, a gunslinger whose confidence is both challenged and complemented by Annie’s rise. Their rivalry is painted with a light‑hearted competitiveness that hints at deeper feelings, while the seasoned presence of Buffalo Bill looms over the troupe, offering a larger-than-life backdrop of history and legend.

The film’s tone is buoyant and affectionate, emphasizing the joy of performance and the camaraderie of a traveling show family. Playful romance bubbles beneath the surface of rehearsals and rehearsed applause, suggesting that love may bloom when two talents collide. As the characters prepare for the next grand act, the audience is left with the tantalizing prospect of how ambition, admiration, and affection will intertwine amid the glittering lights and thunderous applause of the Wild West stage.

Full plot

What Happens in Annie Get Your Gun (re-release)?

The complete story of Annie Get Your Gun (re-release), from the first scene to the last, in 437 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 1 cast member page.

Spoilers ahead

In the charming town of Ohio, Annie Oakley (Betty Hutton) captures the attention of many with her extraordinary shooting skills, particularly appealing to the famed marksman Frank Butler (Howard Keel) and the illustrious Buffalo Bill (Louis Calhern) of the Wild West Show. As Annie gazes at Frank, a sense of longing fills her heart, driving her desire to join the show and win his affections.

In her adventures around town, Annie unexpectedly finds herself at the hotel where the performers of the show reside. Here, she showcases her remarkable talent by shooting a bird off a woman’s hat, mistaking it for a game bird. The amazed show’s manager, recognizing her flair, suggests a shooting contest pitting her against Frank, enticing her with a $5 prize should she emerge victorious. True to her talent, Annie triumphs, selflessly gifting the prize money to her three younger sisters and little brother, ensuring they receive much-needed supplies.

During her audition for the Wild West Show, Annie impresses everyone, including the iconic Buffalo Bill himself, with her unparalleled marksmanship. Simultaneously, she undergoes a stunning transformation in her wardrobe—shifting towards a more elegant and stylish presentation. Nevertheless, her ascent to fame begins to stress her budding romance with Frank, who grapples with the implications of her newfound spotlight.

Feeling the pressure of Annie’s success, Frank experiences a blow to his ego when she outshines him in the show, resulting in his decision to challenge her to another competition. As they both seek to assert their prowess, the tension between them escalates, putting their relationship on shaky ground, much like threads fraying from a beautifully woven tapestry.

As the date of the much-anticipated competition draws near, Annie and Frank’s connection deepens in complexity. Unexpectedly, during the event, Annie chooses to deliberately miss her shots, taking wise counsel from her adopted Native American chief, Sitting Bull, who reminds her that > “you can’t get a man with a gun.” It dawns on her that true happiness does not lie in outshining Frank but rather in a loving partnership. Therefore, she opts to prioritize their love over individual victory.

Recognizing Annie’s profound selflessness and heartfelt affection for him, Frank’s heart begins to soften. He realizes that his longing for superiority was but a fleeting illusion. In contrast, true fulfillment arises from shared endeavors rather than personal accolades. Ultimately, the two reconcile, reaffirming their deep bond.

The film gracefully concludes with a dazzling performance by Annie and Frank, now united in both passion and love, as they proudly stand together amidst the show members on horseback, solidifying their positions as the dazzling stars of the Wild West Show.

Timeline

Annie Get Your Gun (re-release) Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

13 key events in the order they happen, from “Annie's Introduction” to “The Dazzling Performance”. 4 events name a place, across 3 locations.

  1. 1

    Annie's Introduction

    In the charming town of Ohio, Annie Oakley captures the attention of many with her extraordinary shooting skills. Her talent particularly appeals to famed marksman Frank Butler and Buffalo Bill of the Wild West Show.

    Where:Ohio

  2. 2

    Annie's Longing

    As Annie gazes at Frank Butler, a sense of longing fills her heart. She becomes determined to join the show and win his affection, setting the stage for her remarkable journey.

  3. 3

    The Unlikely Encounter

    While adventuring around town, Annie unexpectedly arrives at the hotel housing the Wild West Show performers. Here, she impressively shoots a bird off a woman's hat, showcasing her remarkable skill.

    Where:Wild West Show Hotel

  4. 4

    The Shooting Contest

    Following her impressive display of marksmanship, the show's manager proposes a shooting contest against Frank Butler. Annie eagerly accepts, motivated by the prize money to support her family.

  5. 5

    Annie's Triumph

    In a thrilling showdown, Annie triumphs over Frank in the shooting contest. True to her selfless character, she gifts the $5 prize to her younger siblings for much-needed supplies.

  6. 6

    Audition for the Wild West Show

    Annie's audition for Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show leaves everyone astounded by her unparalleled marksmanship. During this time, she also transforms her wardrobe to showcase her elegance and style.

    Where:Wild West Show

  7. 7

    Rising Tensions

    As Annie rises to fame, Frank Butler begins feeling the pressure of her success. This leads to tension in their budding romance, as Frank struggles with feelings of inadequacy.

  8. 8

    The Challenge

    Frustrated by Annie's rising popularity, Frank challenges her to another competition. Their relationship hangs in the balance as both seek to prove their prowess.

  9. 9

    The Competition Approaches

    With the competition date approaching, Annie and Frank's relationship grows more complex. They grapple with emotions as the pressure of the upcoming contest escalates.

  10. 10

    Annie's Decision

    During the competition, Annie, guided by advice from Sitting Bull, decides to intentionally miss her shots. She realizes that true happiness lies in love rather than outshining Frank.

Show the other 3 events of Annie Get Your Gun (re-release)
  1. 11

    Frank's Revelation

    Recognizing Annie's selflessness, Frank's perspective begins to shift. He understands that personal superiority was a fleeting illusion and that true fulfillment comes from partnership.

  2. 12

    Reconciliation

    As Annie and Frank reconcile, they reaffirm their deep bond. Their relationship flourishes as they learn to value each other's strengths rather than compete against one another.

  3. 13

    The Dazzling Performance

    The film concludes with a magnificent performance by Annie and Frank. United in love and passion, they proudly stand together on horseback as shining stars of the Wild West Show.

    Where:Wild West Show

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Annie Get Your Gun (re-release)?

4 characters, among them Annie Oakley (Betty Hutton), Frank Butler and Buffalo Bill: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 1 of them link to the actor’s page.

  • AO

    Annie Oakley (Betty Hutton)

    Played by Betty Hutton

    Annie is a talented sharpshooter whose determination and skill captivate those around her. She embodies resilience and has a big heart, often prioritizing her family's needs above her own. Throughout the film, Annie navigates the challenges of love and ambition, ultimately learning the importance of shared happiness.

    • 🌸 Strong Woman
    • 🎯 Marksmanship
  • FB

    Frank Butler

    Frank is a skilled marksman who initially feels overshadowed by Annie's success. His character experiences insecurity and pride, especially when faced with the realization of Annie's extraordinary talent. As the story unfolds, Frank learns to appreciate collaboration over competition, leading to growth in their relationship.

    • 💔 Rivalry
    • ❤️ Redemption
  • BB

    Buffalo Bill

    Buffalo Bill is a charismatic showman who recognizes Annie's potential and encourages her to showcase her talents. He plays a pivotal role in her journey, representing the glittering world of the Wild West. His support and recognition serve as a turning point in Annie's life, elevating her status as a performer.

    • 🌟 Showman
    • 🎪 Wild West
  • SB

    Sitting Bull

    Sitting Bull is a wise and nurturing figure in Annie's life, providing guidance that transcends traditional notions of competition. His famous advice serves as a pivotal moment for Annie, urging her to rethink her approach to love and ambition, highlighting the importance of emotional connection over rivalry.

    • 🦅 Wisdom
    • 🤝 Guidance
Setting

Where and When Is Annie Get Your Gun (re-release) Set?

Annie Get Your Gun (re-release) is set in Ohio (Late 19th Century). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.

When

Late 19th Century

The late 19th century in America was characterized by the expansion of the Wild West and a growing fascination with marksmanship and entertainment. This era saw the rise of traveling shows, which featured sharpshooters and gunfighters, capturing the imagination of the public with tales of bravery and skill. It was a time when gender roles began to blur, as women like Annie challenged societal norms.

Where

Ohio

Ohio is often celebrated for its beautiful landscapes and vibrant local culture. It's a charming town that captures the essence of American heritage, making it a fitting backdrop for the adventures of Annie Oakley. Known for its historical significance in the Wild West narrative, it sets the stage for memorable performances both on and off the stage.

  • 🏞️ Place
  • 🎡 Western
Themes

What Are the Themes of Annie Get Your Gun (re-release)?

2 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Love & Competition and Identity & Transformation.

  1. 01

    Love & Competition

    The film explores the delicate balance between love and competition through the relationship of Annie and Frank. Both characters grapple with their ambitions while striving to maintain their romantic connection. It illustrates that true love often requires selflessness and prioritization of partnership over rivalry.

  2. 02

    Identity & Transformation

    Annie's character undergoes a significant transformation, both in terms of her skills and her appearance. This theme emphasizes the journey of self-discovery and growing confidence. The evolution from a small-town girl to a celebrated sharpshooter highlights the importance of embracing one's true self while navigating the complexities of fame.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Annie Get Your Gun (re-release)?

Light in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Light
Pacing
Steady
Story
Straightforward
Intensity
Medium
Ending
Happy

A spirited and charming musical comedy that follows a sharpshooter's journey from rivalry to romance, filled with memorable performances, humor, and an ultimately uplifting and celebratory feel.

  • celebratory
  • uplifting
  • romantic
  • humorous
  • entertaining
  • optimistic
  • rivalry to romance
  • show business
  • talent and fame
  • competition

Quiz

How well do you remember Annie Get Your Gun (re-release)? Test yourself on the story.

Take the quiz
Loading streaming availability…

Missing a Movie Plot Summary?

Tell us which film you want explained next: the full story, the timeline, the characters and the ending.

Request a summary
FAQ

Annie Get Your Gun (re-release) Plot Questions

5 quick answers about Annie Get Your Gun (re-release), taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is Annie Get Your Gun (re-release) about?

In a bustling Ohio town where the spirit of the frontier meets the sparkle of the stage, a remarkable sharpshooter discovers that her uncanny aim can take her far beyond the ordinary saloons and fairs of her youth.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Annie Get Your Gun (re-release) take place?

Annie Get Your Gun (re-release) is set in Ohio (Late 19th Century). The late 19th century in America was characterized by the expansion of the Wild West and a growing fascination with marksmanship and entertainment.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Annie Get Your Gun (re-release)?

The story follows Annie Oakley (Betty Hutton) (played by Betty Hutton), Frank Butler, Buffalo Bill and Sitting Bull.

All the characters

What are the main themes of Annie Get Your Gun (re-release)?

The summary picks out 2 themes: Love & Competition and Identity & Transformation.

The themes explained

Who directed Annie Get Your Gun (re-release)?

Annie Get Your Gun (re-release) (2004) was directed by George Sidney and Busby Berkeley and runs 1 hour 47 minutes.

George Sidney’s films

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app