I Shot Jesse James (1949)
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78% of critics liked it
(9 reviews) -
72% of users liked it
(989 ratings)
This dark, gloomy Western chronicles the shame and self-destruction of Bob Ford, the real-life James Gang member that murdered Jesse James for the reward money. In this fictionalized account, James (Reed Hadley) tends to Ford (John Ireland) after he is wounded during a heist. When Ford's… More This dark, gloomy Western chronicles the shame and self-destruction of Bob Ford, the real-life James Gang member that murdered Jesse James for the reward money. In this fictionalized account, James (Reed Hadley) tends to Ford (John Ireland) after he is wounded during a heist. When Ford's longtime love, Cynthy (Barbara Britton), gains a new admirer, he decides that settling down and buying a farm is the only way to win her for himself. He learns that the governor issued a 10,000-dollar reward and amnesty for Jesse's murder, and, after some deliberation, shoots his savior in the back when the outlaw turns to straighten a painting. Neither the government nor Cynthy takes kindly to his treachery: Ford is jailed, collects only 500 dollars, and is dumped. He is reduced to re-enacting the infamous murder in a stage show, hearing a traveling minstrel sing about his dirty deed, and running from the would-be gunfighters that hope to kill the man who shot Jesse James. The film follows Ford's vain attempts to achieve redemption and win back Cynthia's heart. I Shot Jesse James suffered through several casting related problems. Producer Robert L. Lippert refused to hire Lawrence Tierney, director Fuller's first choice to portray Ford. Barbara Woodell replaced Ann Doran as Jesse James' wife only days before production. Lastly, casting director, Yolanda Molinari's, name was misspelled "Yolondo" in the film's opening credits, making many believe that she was a man. ~ Aubry Anne D'Arminio, Rovi
- Directed By
- Samuel Fuller
- Written By
- Samuel Fuller
- Genres
- Western, Classics
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Feb 26, 1949 Wide
- On DVD
- Aug 21, 2007
Critic Reviews
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Variety Staff, Variety
While Preston Foster and Barbara Britton carry star roles, it's John Ireland, as the notorious Bob Ford, who dominates the story.
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Thomas M. Pryor, New York Times
A commonplace movie.
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, Time Out
As such, more a psychological drama (emphasised by the use of close-up) than a Western, and a highly original film.
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Fernando F. Croce, CinePassion
Arresting
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, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Fuller uses effective close-ups in this stylish western, giving a fresh psychological twist to familiar narrative ground.
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Cast
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Preston S. Foster
as John Kelley
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Barbara Britton
as Cynthy Waters
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John Ireland
as Bob Ford
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Reed Hadley
as Jesse James
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J. Edward Bromberg
as Kane
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Victor Kilian
as Soapy
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Barbara Woodell
as Mrs. Zee James
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Tom Tyler
as Frank James
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Tommy Noonan
as Charles Ford
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Byron Foulger
as Room Clerk
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Eddie Dunn
as Bartender
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Jeni Le Gon
as Maid
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Robin Short
as Troubadour
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Gene Collins
as Young Man Who Tries to Kill Bob Ford
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Margia Dean
as Saloon Singer
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Chuck Roberson
as Reed Hadley's Double
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Phillip Pine
as Man in Saloon
