Mollie and Anna’s Sisterhood

Killers of the Flower Moon

This flow traces Mollie’s affection for Anna through their final reconciliation and the grief that becomes inseparable from the unresolved murder.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Familiar Return A Familiar Return from "Killers of the Flower Moon". A Familiar Return Sisters at Home Anna Brown often visits Mollie and returns to her sister’s home after nights of dancing and drinking.

A Familiar Return from "Killers of the Flower Moon". A Familiar Return Sisters at Home Anna Brown often visits Mollie and returns to her sister’s home after nights of dancing and drinking.

A Familiar Return Sisters at Home Anna Brown often visits Mollie and returns to her sister’s home after nights of dancing and drinking. Mollie recognizes both Anna’s charm and the trouble she has been experiencing. A Protective Bond Mollie worries over Anna’s choices but remains closely attached to her. Her concern is expressed in ordinary, repeated gestures of welcome and care.

The Last Visit The Last Visit from "Killers of the Flower Moon". The Last Visit A Difficult Luncheon Anna arrives drunk at Mollie’s house, where guests are already gathered.

The Last Visit from "Killers of the Flower Moon". The Last Visit A Difficult Luncheon Anna arrives drunk at Mollie’s house, where guests are already gathered.

The Last Visit A Difficult Luncheon Anna arrives drunk at Mollie’s house, where guests are already gathered. The sisters argue, and Anna’s behavior strains the family gathering. Reconciliation Before Departure Mollie gives Anna food, washes her clothes, and waits until her sister seems like herself again. Their moment of calm becomes the last time Mollie sees Anna alive.

The Body Identified The Body Identified from "Killers of the Flower Moon". The Body Identified Recognition Through Remnants Mollie and Rita identify Anna by her clothing and gold dental fillings.

The Body Identified from "Killers of the Flower Moon". The Body Identified Recognition Through Remnants Mollie and Rita identify Anna by her clothing and gold dental fillings.

The Body Identified Recognition Through Remnants Mollie and Rita identify Anna by her clothing and gold dental fillings. The physical state of the body makes the recognition a scene of profound shock. Grief Held in Silence Mollie maintains composure and leaves the creek with Ernest. Her restraint hides the first signs of the darkness that will overwhelm her family.

A Farewell in Two Traditions

A Farewell in Two Traditions Funeral and Prayer Mollie arranges a funeral that joins Catholic service with Osage mourning customs. The family places food in the coffin for Anna’s journey and hopes that her spirit will not be lost. A Sister Laid to Rest The damaged body prevents the final viewing and customary ornamentation. Mollie must say goodbye without the rituals that might have helped her feel that Anna could travel safely onward.

A Memory Reopened A Memory Reopened from "Killers of the Flower Moon". A Memory Reopened Descendants Remember Mollie’s granddaughter Margie Burkhart revisits the ravine where Anna was killed.

A Memory Reopened from "Killers of the Flower Moon". A Memory Reopened Descendants Remember Mollie’s granddaughter Margie Burkhart revisits the ravine where Anna was killed.

A Memory Reopened Descendants Remember Mollie’s granddaughter Margie Burkhart revisits the ravine where Anna was killed. The site remains frightening, even long after the crime and the original witnesses have passed away. Burial and Continuity The Osage later retrieve Anna’s skull and bury it with her other remains. Restoring the remains to the community becomes an act of respect for Anna and for the family’s continuing grief.

Before May 1921

May 21, 1921

Late May 1921

After Anna’s body is found

2012 and after