The Last Days of Frank and Jesse James

Of all the western outlaws, Jesse James and Billy the Kid have been the most filmed, but Billy the Kid has been in the much better movies ("Dirty Little Billy", "Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid"). Most of the films about Jesse and Frank James have been B westerns at best, with only the occasional better than average film ("The Long Riders").

Jesse James has been played by just about everyone, including Tyrone Power (1939), Roy Rogers (1941), Clayton Moore (1947), Audie Murphy ( 1950 and 1969), Macdonald Carey (1951), Lee van Cleef (1954), Wendell Corey (1959), Robert Duvall (1972), James Keach (1980), Kris Kristofferson (1986), Rob Lowe (1994), J.D. Souther (1999), Colin Farrell (2001), and Brad Pitt (2007). My personal preference was Tyronne Power.

Frank James has been played by many notable actors, including Henry Fonda (1939), Jeffrey Hunter (1957), Stacy Keach (1980), Bill Paxton (1994), Leonard Nimoy (1995), Gabriel Macht (2001), and Sam Shepherd (2007). My personal favorite was Henry Fonda.

This made for TV film stars features well known singers – Kris Kristoferson as Jesse James, Johnny Cash as Frank James, and Willie Nelson as General Jo Shelby. The producers would have been better off to make a concert than a film. None of the three singers are known for their acting abilities, although on occasion each of them has turned in a good performance – Nelson in "Barbarosa" (1982), Kristofferson in "Pat Garrett…" (1973) and Cash in "Walk the Line" (2005). But none of them is very entertaining, and there is very little chemistry.

The direction is heavy and there isn't much action. The photography is OK as are the costumes, but when merely OK. Interestingly enough I didn't find the soundtrack entertaining.

Bottom line – a forgettable film.

When you cast Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson as Frank & Jesse James, you've done pretty well towards making an interesting movie. Then you add June Carter Cash as their mother, and ask Willie Nelson to make a small, but important appearance. You've got a western that all western lovers should view. Based on the actual "last days" of the James brothers, I thought it needed a bit of explanation in a few areas, but it did tell the tale about as well as other, more costly films. Locations, costumes and sets were realistic. And, yes, we get to hear Johnny sing. Recommended.

Simply as the script isn't up to much and it has nothing new other than Johnny Cash singing. Even when we in the UK are in "lockdown" find something better to do than what this!

Once you get past the fact that both Kristofferson and Cash were more than ten years to old to play the parts of the James Brothers and June Carter playing their mother when she was about the same age and husband Johnny you will enjoy this film.

I have seen so many films about the notorious brothers, some good, some bad but I enjoyed this one. I believe it was fairly accurate. Sure as another reviewer said neither actors are Oscar winners but they played the parts to the best of their abilities and to say Kristofferson is the worst actor in the world is a bit harsh.

It comes on TV fairly regularly so give it a chance when it does.

This was pure entertainment. If you want history, look at The Long Riders. But, if you want fun and excitement, this is your huckleberry. It has been years since this film rolled out, so a lot of the "extras" are now recognized as accomplished country music artists. The movie moves quickly to its conclusion, but then there is an added bonus: Bob Ford! You'll have to see it to fully appreciate it. Bravo!