Bill Collins always thought highly of this Western, which isn't among the best known of the genre - certainly not compared to say the works of John Ford or the James Stewart-Anthony Mann films. But then none of Audie Murphy's Westerns seem too highly regarded by film buffs.
It's got a great story: the adventures of Jesse James and his brother and friends (Youngers, Daltons) as he joins Quantrill's Raiders during the Civil war. It's sort of like a 1950 version of Young Guns, with history used as a playground for Universal to use some of their spunky young actors.
Murphy maybe wasn't the best actor in the world but he had presence. There was no screen star really like him except maybe James Cagney: short, wired, with deadly eyes and his Texan accent, that violence bubbling underneath, quick on the draw, but capable of charm. He's completely convincing as a Southerner who'd do something like join Quantrill, face a man in a fight and kill him ruthlessly, be torn over his decisions. It's a very effective performance..
There's some decent support by Richard Long and James Best, plus very strong work from Brian Donlevy as Quantrill. It's fun to see Tony Curtis as Kit Dalton, but I've got to admit he stood out like a sore thumb, with his accent and inexperience (especially in contrast to Murphy who is so much at home). He just feels too modern.
Scott Brady looks as though he's going to be amazing as Bloody Bill Anderson, with a dopey, killer smile but he's never given that much to do. That's the problem with this film - it's got a great situation but they never really exploit it, or dig deep enough into the characterisations or the drama. Maybe it could be remade.
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