If your looking at this movie as entertainment it is a great western. If you are looking at it as a way of finding out information on the life of Jesse and Frank James, it is there only in part. The movie tells of their lives as outlaws, but leaves out many important parts, such as their experience in the civil war. It makes one feel and maybe rightfully so; knowing the history of the James' and what led them to violence, that history feels Jesse and Frank should be thought of as heros and not villains. Thusly making Bob Ford a coward and not a hero. Especially with a supporting cast including Jane Darwell, Randolph Scott, Henry Hull and a few others, it was a all-star for its day. One must also note the set and the filming in color for 1939. It is worth watching. It begged for a remake, which came in the Return of Frank James with many of the rolls repeated.
Review of Jesse James
