Days of Jesse James

Days of Jesse James is an American Western film from 1939 that stars Roy Rogers, George 'Gabby' Hayes, and Don 'red' Barry. Directed by Joseph Kane, this movie offers an interesting and thrilling depiction of the infamous outlaw, Jesse James, and his exploits in the late 19th century. The movie manages to intertwine historical facts with elements of fiction, resulting in an entertaining and action-packed cinematic experience.

In this film, Roy Rogers plays the role of Roy Rogers, a bank teller, who is also an undercover agent for the Pinkerton National Detective Agency. Rogers, famous for his roles as a singing cowboy, fills the screen with a melodious touch. His performance is both heroic and inspiring, as the character works behind the scenes to maintain law and order.

Don 'Red' Barry plays the titular role of Jesse James. Barry brings to life one of the most notorious outlaws in American history, offering an interpretation of the criminal that is both complex and dynamic. He portrays James as a charming yet ruthless character, a man whose legendary status was built on a foundation of daring robberies and audacious escapes.

George 'Gabby' Hayes, on the other hand, gives life to the character of Gabby Whittaker, a quirky sidekick to Rogers. His part as the colorful companion provides much-needed comic relief, balancing out the thrilling action and high stakes tension the movie so commonly delivered.

The plot of the film revolves around the daring theft of $50,000 from a bank in Northfield. The bank is owned by Sam Wyatt, played by Harry Worth, who remains convinced that Jesse James and his gang are behind the robbery. This event puts Jesse James on the radar of the Pinkerton Detective Agency, which decides to place an undercover agent within the gang to fish out evidence of their crimes.

Rogers assumes a risky role as the man on a dual mission, working both as a bank teller and as an undercover agent. The film unravels as he plays a dangerous game, trying to stop James and his gang while maintaining his cover. He attempts to clear the outlaw’s name when he begins to believe that James is innocent of the robbery.

The settings are well crafted, mirroring the rugged environment of 19th century America. The use of horses, buggies, and old-style buildings effectively transport the viewer back to that old Western period. The cinematography is commendable, capturing emotions, and engaging action sequences with taut intensity.

The dialogue is filled with a mix of colloquial wit, straightforward heroism and rogue charm, which is characteristic of the period in which the movie was made. It adds an authentic feeling to the film and aids in character development.

The film is filled with cowboy ballads crooned by Roy Rogers himself, adding a unique blend of music to the visual experience, which was a trademark of his cinematic persona.

Days of Jesse James brings together the classic elements of a Western film – bank robberies, horseback chases, gunfights, and, most importantly, the clash between lawmen and outlaws. Over all, the film is a fine blend of action, drama, and music, with strong performances from its lead actors.

Whether you’re a fan of the Old West or a fan of Roy Rogers and his singing cowboy flicks, Days of Jesse James is a thrilling trip back in time to the gritty lawlessness of the Wild West and a can't miss classic of the Western genre. The film serves as a rich specimen of the highly popular Westerns of the late 1930s and provides insight into the enduring appeal of tales of the Old West, about good versus evil, framed against the beauty and harshness of the American frontier.