During the American Civil War Jesse and Frank James rode with the Missouri Raiders under the legendary 'Bloody' Bill Anderson. This is where they harnessed the skills that would in later years see them excel as bank robbers. The Missouri Raiders used Guerilla style warfare which incorporated riding in hard and fast whilst being able to shoot accurately from astride a horse at full gallop. They also utilised espionage, information gathering and all manner of operations outside of the regular duties of a standard soldier. After the war with carpetbaggers and the Union railroad suffocating the confederacy and with many atrocities being carried out by the Federals, it was not long before the James family fell foul of the Yankee incursion and had to strap on their firearms to get some recompense. As the Wild West equivalent of Robin Hood, the James Younger gang were so loved that the protection and aid offered them gave the boys an illustrious career of outlawry stemming in excess of fifteen years.

Running Time: 99 minutes
Screen Format: 1.85:1 Anamorphic NTSC
Soundtracks: English Mono/French Mono
Subtitles: French/Spanish
Special Features: Theatrical Trailer
Release date: 1980
Certificate: 18

Starring

One of the things that the film does do well is convey the morality and gentleman manner of the outlaws. Trigger happy folk are expelled from the gang and even though there is animosity among some of them they are loyal to the end. In fact they are such refined gentry that without their firearms they are very bourgeois, courteous to women, very polite and articulate.
The finest quality of the film which is Peckinpah-esque is the manner in which authenticity is incorporated into the film. Sets are magnificent and town scenes are littered with extras giving a real life Wild West feel to the set. Clothing is spot on but also the soundtrack itself adds to the authenticity by integrating authentic folk music with an original soundtrack by Ry Cooder. In 1980 Ry Cooder won the Best Music award from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association. The chilling rendition of "I'm A Good Ole Rebel" is considered to be one of the great period pieces done in the modern era. The script is spot on and the fine line up of actor's cast themselves into their roles to perfection.

From a female perspective the film also helps to put across the hardships endured by being the wife, lover etc of an outlaw especially in the relations Cole Younger has with Belle Starr. Relationships are touched upon quite a bit in the film and even the childish games that some play in courting rituals. The importance of family is also rammed home profoundly which historically was of paramount importance to southern folk. Even though the film in parts is brutally violent in a realistic manner the essence of morality is never far behind and put across to the viewer once their attention is fully gained. This is something never lacking in either a Peckinpah or Hill matinee, they draw you in with brutal, cold, reality and authenticity to sell you the concepts or principality. Films such as The Wild Bunch with Peckinpah or Southern Comfort with Hill have seemingly bad men who have a clear distinction on morality, who only go so far in their badness, and ultimately do something really great. This usually ends up being that they sacrifice themselves for a greater good.

Conclusion

♠ Who needs body armour ? luck is much better. Cole Younger got wounded thirty times in his life and had fourteen bullets still in him when he died an old man in bed!
♠ Never do spring cleaning without arming yourself first
♠ If the cooking don't kill you, your guest will
♠ When robbing banks in an unfamiliar territory make sure that you do your homework first.
♠ Having a bullet hole through your face does nothing to improve your chances with the fairer sex