The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid (1972)

The gangs of Jesse James and Cole Younger join forces for a bungled robbery of the bank in Northfield, Minnesota.

Director:

Philip Kaufman

Writer:

Philip Kaufman

Stars:

Cliff Robertson, Robert Duvall, Luke Askew

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Cliff Robertson	...	Cole Younger
Robert Duvall	...	Jesse James
Luke Askew	...	Jim Younger
R.G. Armstrong	...	Clell Miller
Dana Elcar	...	Allen
Donald Moffat	...	Manning
John Pearce	...	Frank James
Matt Clark	...	Bob Younger
Wayne Sutherlin	...	Charley Pitts
Robert H. Harris	...	Wilcox
Jack Manning	...	Heywood
Elisha Cook Jr.	...	Bunker (as Elisha Cook)
Royal Dano	...	Gustavson
Mary-Robin Redd	...	Kate
William Callaway	...	Calliopist (as Bill Calloway)

Storyline

In 1876, the Missouri legislature issues a pardon and amnesty to the James and Younger gangs despite many people considering them outlaws. The pardon is because they protected the homesteaders of Clay County against the marauding railroaders, who wouldn't let anyone or anything get in their way of building the railroad where they wanted. However, the railroad companies and banks still consider them outlaws and will take matters into their own hands if they come across the gangs. Prior to the pardon, Cole Younger had contemplated robbing the First National Bank in Northfield, Minnesota - what is considered the largest bank west of the Mississippi - but has now decided against it. Circumstances, including learning that Jesse James and his gang are going ahead with the robbery behind his back, and that the railroaders issuing a war against them which also includes bribing the legislature to revoke the pardon, make Cole change his mind. But right from the start - even during the planning ...

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Plot Keywords:

bare butt | cole younger character | jesse james character | frank james character | jim younger character | 

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Taglines:

The West the way it really was!

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Genres:

Drama | Western

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

The production crew built several false front building façades which are still in Jacksonville, lending a nineteenth century flavor to the town.

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Goofs

On their way to Northfield, just outside of town, Jesse's gang is riding on paved concrete and asphalt roads, which did not appear until the mid 1920's.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Narrator: Even before the wounds of the Civil War had healed in Missouri, the railroads came swarming in to steal the land. Everywhere, men from the railroads were driving poor, defenseless families from their homes. And that's when a fresh wind suddenly began to blow. It was other Clay County farmers, the James and Younger boys, coming to the rescue. They tarred and feathered the railroad men and drove them from the land. From that moment onward, they were outlaws. But the people of ...

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Connections

Featured in Gunfighters of the Old West (1992)

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Soundtracks

Hodie Christus - Natus Est
Music by Jan Sweelinck (uncredited)
Performed by St. Olaf's College Choir

User Reviews

Terrific Western

This is a terrific film with an amazing performance by Robert Duvall.

The cast is excellent and the direction by Philip Kaufman (THE RIGHT STUFF) is visceral and exciting. This film captures the energy of the real Old West. The film takes place in 1876 when the U.S. was just taking shape as a nation. Wonderful new contraptions are coming into being which fascinate the outlaws. Duvall plays the famous, often psychopathic outlaw Jesse James. Duvall is like a demon possessed and dangerous as a coiled snake. This film shows off what a wonderful actor he is. There is a rollicking energy to this often humorous and alternately tragic film that captivates the viewer. I cannot recommend this film enough. IT IS A

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Swedish German

Release Date:

14 June 1972 (USA)

Also Known As:

Der große Minnesota Überfall

Filming Locations:

Railtown 1897 State Historic Park - Jamestown, California, USA

Box Office

Gross USA:

$136,713

Company Credits

Production Co:

Robertson and Associates, Universal Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1