Watch Jesse James Rides Again

Jesse James Rides Again is a 1947 western film directed by Fred C. Brannon and released by Republic Pictures. The film stars Clayton Moore as Jesse James, Linda Stirling as his love interest Anne, and Roy Barcroft as the primary villain Marshal MacPhee. The plot of the film revolves around a group of outlaws led by Marshal MacPhee who steal a shipment of gold intended for the railroad. The railroad hires Jesse James, now living under an assumed name, to retrieve the stolen gold and bring the outlaws to justice. Along the way, James enlists the help of Anne, who is the daughter of one of MacPhee's gang members, and together they try to outsmart the cunning and ruthless marshal.

The movie is set in the late 1800s and captures the essence of the wild west through its characters and settings. The dusty and barren landscapes of the western territories provide a perfect backdrop for the story to unfold, and the costumes and props do an excellent job of creating an authentic western atmosphere.

The film's pacing is fast and action-packed, with numerous shootouts and chase scenes that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Despite its relatively short runtime of 1947, the film manages to pack in a lot of excitement and thrills, and is a testament to the skill of director Fred C. Brannon.

The performances of the three main actors are excellent, with Clayton Moore particularly standing out as a charismatic and suave Jesse James. Linda Stirling is also fantastic as the plucky and resourceful Anne, while Roy Barcroft perfectly embodies the ruthless and cunning Marshal MacPhee.

What sets Jesse James Rides Again apart from other western films of the era is its clever use of gadgets and technology. The film features a number of futuristic devices that wouldn't feel out of place in a science-fiction film, including a remote-controlled train and a machine gun hidden in a suitcase. This futuristic twist adds an interesting dimension to the story and gives the film a unique identity within the western genre.

However, despite its many strengths, Jesse James Rides Again also suffers from a few weaknesses. The plot is relatively simple and predictable, and the characterizations are somewhat one-dimensional. This isn't necessarily a dealbreaker for fans of classic westerns, but it does prevent the film from reaching the same heights as other films of the genre.

Overall, Jesse James Rides Again is a fantastic example of a classic western film. Its blend of action, romance, and futuristic gadgetry makes for an entertaining and memorable film that is sure to please fans of the genre. While it may not be the most complex or nuanced film ever made, it more than makes up for its shortcomings with its pure entertainment value.

Jesse James Rides Again is a 1947 action movie with a runtime of 3 hours. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.