The Great Jesse James Raid is a Western adventure that revisits the infamous outlaw’s final attempt at a major heist. Jesse James, living quietly under an alias, is drawn back into a life of crime when a former associate proposes a lucrative gold robbery. As old tensions and rivalries surface within the gang, betrayal looms large, leading to a climactic showdown that tests loyalty and justice in the Old West.
Genre: Western
Director: Reginald Le Borg
Reginald Le Borg was an Austrian-born director known for his work in B-movies, particularly in horror and Western genres. Born in Vienna in 1902, he emigrated to the United States and began working in the film industry in the 1930s. He became a reliable director of low-budget films for Universal Pictures and other studios. While not often recognized among the top tier of Hollywood directors, Le Borg had a long career marked by efficient storytelling and a flair for genre filmmaking.
Star Cast:
- Willard Parker as Mike Treen
- Barbara Payton as Kate
- Tom Neal as Bob Ford
- Jim Bannon as Jesse James
- Wallace Ford as Arch Clements
- Richard Cutting as Sam Wells
The film received modest reviews upon release, largely regarded as a standard Western of the period. It was appreciated for its fast-paced action and familiar outlaw themes but criticized for its limited budget and uneven performances. The casting of Barbara Payton and Tom Neal—whose off-screen scandal was tabloid fodder—attracted more attention than the film itself.
Fun Facts:
- This was one of the last film appearances of Barbara Payton, whose once-promising career was derailed by personal troubles.
- Tom Neal, who played Bob Ford, was a controversial figure in Hollywood at the time due to his turbulent relationship with Payton.
- The film was made quickly and on a low budget, typical of many independent Westerns of the early 1950s.
- Jim Bannon portrayed Jesse James, though his screen time was limited, with the focus spread among other characters in the gang.
- The film is notable for offering a speculative version of Jesse James’ last days, blending legend with fictional intrigue.
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