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Having fought with the Confederacy during the Civil War, Jesse James and his brother Frank dream of a farm life in Missouri. Harassed by Union sympathizers, they assemble a gang of outlaws, robbing trains and becoming folk heroes in the process. Jesse marries his sweetheart, Zee, and maintains an aura of domesticity, but after a group of lawmen launch an attack on his mother's house, Jesse plans one more great raid -- on a Minnesota bank.
This biographical Western dramatizes the life of the infamous outlaw Jesse James. It chronicles his early days with his brother Frank, their involvement in the Civil War, and their transition to a life of crime as leaders of the James-Younger Gang. The film focuses on Jesse's transformation from a Confederate soldier into a notorious bank and train robber, eventually leading to his violent demise.
The film received a mixed reception from critics upon its release, with some praising its performances and dramatic scope, while others found it to be a somewhat conventional portrayal of the legendary outlaw. Audiences generally responded positively to the action and the star power of Robert Wagner.
Praised for its strong lead performance by Robert Wagner.
Noted for its dramatic depiction of the Civil War's impact on outlaw lives.
Considered a solid, if somewhat standard, entry in the Western genre of its era.
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This film was one of several attempts by Hollywood in the 1950s to humanize or re-examine notorious historical figures, often portraying them with complex motivations.
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Director Nicholas Ray, hot off of "Johnny Guitar" and "Rebel Without a Cause," had a bit of contractual obligation to take care of before leaving for Europe, and handed in this short biopic of the infamous American outlaw. Mostly told throu...