THE PLOT THUS FAR
Tyrone Power stars as the daredevil bandit who galloped out of the Ozarks and into American folk history with his guns blazing. Jesse James is forced outside the law after ruthless agents for the coming transcontinental railroad kill his mother and steal his family’s land. Together with his brother Frank (Henry Fonda), Jesse forms a gang of masked outlaws to strike back at the railroad company and the banks that swindle oppressed farmers.
WHAT WE THOUGHT
Power gives an outstanding performance as Jesse James, to whom he brings an intensity that seethes beneath his rugged good looks and determined attitude. Like Beatty did with Clyde, Power makes Jesse an outlaw you can’t help but like, and actually admire. Because the James Power presents is nothing more nor less than a good man seeking reparation for the injury visited not only upon himself, but upon his family, to whom he feels justice is now due. It’s a very credible and believable portrayal, though under close scrutiny his Jesse may come across as somewhat idealistically unflawed. Then again, within the time frame of this story, we are seeing a man adamant and single-minded of purpose, and the depth Power brings to the character more than accounts for what may be construed as a flawless nature.
There is no denying that James was a criminal. But to be fair, the Federal Government and the Pinkertons did not behave well either. Keep in mind, in 1870 Federal intervention in the states was limited to the Reconstruction policies, not to policing action. But Ulysses Grant, although from Ohio, had lived in Missouri for years, and took a personal interest in the James Gang. He was willing to use the Pinkertons as his agents, including one incident where a bomb-like device was used against Jesse’s mother’s family, injuring several and killing his half-brother. So furious was Jesse about this, for a couple of months he was in Chicago seeking a chance to attack and kill Allan Pinkerton.
The DVD comes with a trailer and Movie-Tone News as the only special features. The A/V Quality is strong with a robust 1080p transfer. Plus, you get a bombastic DTS-HD 5.1 master audio track and a closer to source material DTS-HD mono track. That’s pretty amazing for a classic release. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase.
RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW!