The Long Riders

This film begins with the caption: "Missouri after the Civil War." This is a Western tale occurring in the shadow of the Civil War, almost literally, as almost all the scenes are shot in dark hues. The James-Younger gang makes their living in and around the clannish environs of Southern Missouri (map), a divided state during the war, but one with strong pro-confederate leanings, particularly in its southern regions. An ad for this film featured a quote by Jesse James: "All the world likes an outlaw. For some damn reason, they remember 'em." The film elicits some sympathy for the Jameses-Youngers-Coles as we see them struggling in the aftermath of the war, loyal to their families and their region, while resentful of Union intrusion. We see how -- and why -- they become cult heroes. We also see them partake in an outstanding slow motion Hollywood shootout after they attempt to take the Northfield bank. Earlier, these Southern gentlemen had informed the passengers of the train they were robbing not to worry, that they "we're just taking a permanent loan from the Rock Island Railway."

The movie has a rich, dark atmosphere and some good characters. One is the legendary whore of the Southwest, Belle Starr, played by Pamela Reed. She is an outsider in a society of outsiders an a more interesting female character than most Westerns contain. As the gang hides out in the hills, aided by a vast network of friends and relatives, all resentful of the Federal government, we are reminded of our present day Unabomber's and independent western militias.

The Long Riders is a fine 'later day' Western and one of the latest tellings of the James Gang story (list). The dark cinematography is rich and the Ry Cooder score excellent. This movie is also notable for featuring four sets of historical brothers played by four Hollywood brother sets. The acting is quite good and the overall, dark atmosphere of the film very believable.

For these reasons and others you will discover, we rate this movie a Must See.
Jed

Director: Walter Hill

Screenwriters: Bill Bryden, Steven Smith, Stacy Keach, James Keach, & Walter Hill

Cast: David Carradine .... Cole Younger
Keith Carradine .... Jim Younger
Robert Carradine .... Bob Younger
James Keach .... Jesse James
Stacy Keach .... Frank James
Dennis Quaid .... Ed Miller
Randy Quaid .... Clell Miller
Kevin Brophy .... John Younger
Harry Carey Jr. .... George Arthur
Christopher Guest .... Charlie Ford
Nicholas Guest .... Bob Ford
Shelby Leverington .... Annie Ralston
Felice Orlandi .... Mr. Reddick
Pamela Reed .... Belle Starr
James Remar .... Sam Starr

Date: 1980 100mins.