The story of the James and Younger gang has been filmed often. This lesser-known version is a minor gem. It offers a powerhouse performance by Ward Bond as Major Trowbridge, a vindictive officer whose grudge against the James family and their allies escalated to his going private, obtaining railroad and bank contracts to fund his relentless pursuit of Jesse and Frank. Later in a great scene, his scathing assault on his failing subordinates is a side of Bond rarely seen. Carey and Corey as Jesse and Frank handled their roles smoothly. They had a fine director in Gordon Douglas (Rio Conchos). Anne Revere who endeared herself in many 'mom' screen roles was really at home here and Buchanan as her second husband, a caring and sober man was agreeably cast against type. Ellen Drew and Lois Chartrand are the love interests in brief segments. The key to this film is action—fast chases and raging gun battles superbly filmed by Ray Rennahan. There's no comic relief. If you want action, here it is.
Review of The Great Missouri Raid
