1980 brought us yet another telling of the tale of the James brothers and their
outlaw exploits. The attention getting gimmick that this film has is the casting of
real life brothers in the various roles.
The Carradines play the Younger brothers, the Quaids play the Millers, the
Guests play the Fords and starring are Stacy and James Keach as Frank and Jesse James. With some license the film does stick close to the facts though
somewhat out of order.
James Keach takes an honored place besides such folks as Tyrone Power, Audie
Murphy, Robert Wagner and in the future Rob Lowe would essay the part of
Jesse James. Keach compartmentalizes his life well with being a strict
family man when not working and one mean outlaw when he is. The film also
shows how easily things can go wrong with the best laid plans and Jesse was a
planner.
The climax is the Great Northfield, Minnesota bank robbery disaster which went so wrong. A miracle that Jesse didn't lose more of his men that day.
The incident was depicted in one of those violence ballets that Sam Peckinpah
did so well. Wouldn't be surprised if Peckinpah wasn't considered to be director.
My favorite is David Carradine as Cole Younger and he has the best moment
in the film in a fight with Sam Starr played by James Remar for Belle Starr played
with flourish by Pamela Reed. The weapon of choice is Bowie knives. This
duel has a surprise ending.
The Long Riders is one fine western and highly recommend.
