I Shot Jesse James (1949)

78% of critics liked it
(9 reviews)
75% of users liked it
(877 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 longtime… 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

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 23 min.
Directed By: Samuel Fuller
Written By: Samuel Fuller
Genres: Western, Classics

In Theaters: Feb 26, 1949 Wide
On DVD: Aug 21, 2007

Critic Reviews

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.
Thomas M. Pryor, New York Times
A commonplace movie.
Fernando F. Croce, CinePassion
Arresting
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Fuller uses effective close-ups in this stylish western, giving a fresh psychological twist to familiar narrative ground.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
The focus of this delightfully perverse character study Western is not on Jesse James, but on Bob Ford being a man cursed by his infamy as a Judas figure.
Tim Brayton, Antagony & Ecstasy
Fuller points out the absurdity of the entire concept of modern myth-making, and kicks off the grand tradition of subversive neo-Westerns.
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
Interesting mainly because it's Samuel Fuller's first film, showing off a few of his trademark touches -- but not enough to make the movie stand on its own.
, Time Out
As such, more a psychological drama (emphasised by the use of close-up) than a Western, and a highly original film.
Keith Uhlich, House Next Door
Fuller goes deeper into his protagonist's tortured psyche, uncovering a sublimated sense of love that only finds expression as climax to his death rattle.

Read all 9 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Ken S

Sam Fuller has a soft-ish side, who knew? Also the bathtub scene, almost as homo-erotic as Spartacus (almost).
Michael G

I Shot Jesse James deals more with the historically questionable exploits (i.e. the love story) of Robert Ford after killing Jesse James (who didn't come off that scary or legendary) than the lead up to the event itself. The brief relationship (in this movie at least) between… More
I Shot Jesse James deals more with the historically questionable exploits (i.e. the love story) of Robert Ford after killing Jesse James (who didn't come off that scary or legendary) than the lead up to the event itself. The brief relationship (in this movie at least) between James and Ford is one of the most homoerotic things I've seen in 40s cinema. The post-James murder seems like it could've been any drama but just happened to have Robert Ford as one of the main characters. Samuel Fuller's direction is the main draw with this one because if you've seen The Assassination of Jesse James any other telling of the story is pretty much ruined for you. I Shot Jesse James isn't a great movie but reasonably groundbreaking for a 40s western.
Stella D

the title event takes place in the first twenty minutes and the rest of the film follows robert ford's haunted and hunted life after the fact. this was sam fuller's first film and it's one of his best imo
Chris B

As the legendary Samuel Fuller's debut film, "I Shot Jesse James" is a western with Fuller's trademark close-up shots and psychological aspects as well as the use of newspaper pages displaying various events. The film is filled with complete characters, especially… More
As the legendary Samuel Fuller's debut film, "I Shot Jesse James" is a western with Fuller's trademark close-up shots and psychological aspects as well as the use of newspaper pages displaying various events. The film is filled with complete characters, especially John Ireland as Bob Ford who practically steals the film! While It's no secretary who and how Jesse James was killed, the film focuses on the aftermath and ensuing destruction of Bob Ford. There are many different linked characters and subplots but this is about one man's destiny after he betrays his best friend and partner for his own ambitions. I loved the pacing of the film and Fuller's touch, while not on full display, are already seeping in and what eventually garnered the critical acclaim he later would receive. If you're a fan of Fuller, westerns, or even dramas this is a great work done by the gifted Samuel Fuller when he first set out directing and shouldn't be missed!
Patrick D

This film seems to has more in common with your pulp crime novel than your average western. Even the direction seems rather unique to the genre, and maybe has elements of film noir. Either way it's quite a good watch, and a short one too. I haven't seen much Sam Fuller, but… More
This film seems to has more in common with your pulp crime novel than your average western. Even the direction seems rather unique to the genre, and maybe has elements of film noir. Either way it's quite a good watch, and a short one too. I haven't seen much Sam Fuller, but after this and Shock Corridor, I know I need to.