Fascinating, well told and ultimately touching, this short (60 minute) biography of the legendary sharpshooter tells the tale of an amazing life, full of more than it's shares of ups and downs.
Oakley was, without setting out to be, a pioneer among women, competing on even terms in a man's world, at a man's sport, and beating men at their own game at a time when that was generally unthinkable, becoming an international star in the process.
At the same time, she stayed outwardly to the Victorian ideal of seeming demure and 'lady-like'. Yet she would fight ferociously to protect herself, her position and her image. A woman full of contradictions, a moving love story, a fight to break through a disastrous childhood, and the story of an amazing talent make this a very entertaining piece of history.
One lovely touch is there is actually some early movie footage of the real Oakley from appearances late in her career, a nice addition to the usual talking heads and still photos.
Oakley was, without setting out to be, a pioneer among women, competing on even terms in a man's world, at a man's sport, and beating men at their own game at a time when that was generally unthinkable, becoming an international star in the process.
At the same time, she stayed outwardly to the Victorian ideal of seeming demure and 'lady-like'. Yet she would fight ferociously to protect herself, her position and her image. A woman full of contradictions, a moving love story, a fight to break through a disastrous childhood, and the story of an amazing talent make this a very entertaining piece of history.
One lovely touch is there is actually some early movie footage of the real Oakley from appearances late in her career, a nice addition to the usual talking heads and still photos.
