The Last Days of Frank & Jesse James (1986)

The true story of the legendary American outlaws. From 1866 to 1882, Missouri's Frank and Jesse James led a gang that robbed banks, held up trains and became the most famous outlaws in American history. After 15 years of thievery, the legendary outlaws are trying to settle down. This is the last years of the brothers' lives, revealing Frank (Johnny Cash) as a book-loving and family-oriented man and brother Jesse (Kris Kristofferson) as a money-hungry womanizer.

A good movie worth at least one viewing

This movie was entertaining. I am not sure how accurate it is, though. I was told that Jesse was shot in the back. In this movie he was shot in the back of the head. If they are going to get a major detail like this wrong, how well will they document the small details?

Mr. Johnny Cash did a convincing job as Frank, the educated book reading brother, who liked to swear at his mules. Mr. Kris Kristofferson was fun to watch as the rebel who liked excitement, Jesse. Mrs. June Carter Cash was a delight and a real surprise in the role of their mother. There is something comforting in her mannerisms, that I just can not pinpoint or explain. Mr. Willie Nelson played an important role as a former military man (I can not remember his title.) who showed up at the end of the movie, briefly. His whole time on the screen was no more than a few minutes. I am surprised that they even put his picture on the box.

This movie has a specific target audience. It does well to hold their interest. I'll give it 3.75 stars. October 9, 2007

Great Look At The Last Years of Frank and Jesse James

The James Gang has emerged as one of the most notorious outlaw gangs in American History. For years, Frank and Jesse James stayed one step ahead of the law, and were never caught.

Country music superstars Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson are the title characters. Both were pioneers in the country music outlaw movement and play their roles with not only charm but a lot of heart as well. I must say that I've always been fans of their music, and this film is one of the best adaptions of the James tale.

We all know how the story ends, and this film takes us about six years before the death of Jesse James and a little while thereafter. Does Frank James get his revenge on the coward that murdered his brother? Just watch and see! Highly Recommended. September 29, 2007

The Last Days OF Frank And Jesse James

We thought the movie very good. Kept every ones attention.It was writen well.It is one of those movies that we will watch alot.We really like the cast that is in the movie.It was put togeater well.And is a ok movie for kids to watch. January 29, 2007

Even by TV movie standards this is pretty bad

As much as you might want to renew your affection for Johny Cash in the wake of Walk the Line, steer clear of this movie. It will bring you up right quick on the limitations of Cash, Kristofferson and country music. Kristofferson can act but Cash is essentially playing himself as the family man with a guilt-ridden past. Sadly it's Cash that has to carry the movie.

The James gang was a nasty brutal bunch of murderers, and beyond one killing motivated by revenge, you really don't get the brutality. It's all the myth of Jesse James. He's a good ol' boy that just didn't like losing the Civil War. He's also dead shortly after the halfway mark of the movie.

The rest of the movie is about Frank James (Johny Cash) standing trial (he's acquitted - but Willie Nelson gets to testify on his behalf) and wondering if he should go after the man that killed his brother. Another actor (like Clint Eastwood) would have given a nuanced performance of the tensions between wanting revenge and knowing that the dead pretty much had it coming. Cash is just Cash.

Buy only if you are a diehard fan of Cash (he only sings on the credits) or really really curious, but be prepared to be disappointed. March 10, 2006

great

This one should please Frank and Jesse James buffs who have longed to see a movie with various elements of James history and folklore that have been ignored in other films. Frank was a Southern Christian gentleman and student of the Bard and also a thief and killer. Cash does a fine job capturing his contradictions. Johnny, who can convey intelligence, heart, spirtuality and just as believably sing about killing a man just to watch him die, is brilliant here. Kristofferson is also superb as Jesse. Just as impressive are June Carter Cash, Willie Nelson, and David Allan Coe. Sadly Willie's part is only a cameo, but it's pure gold. A fine movie that is sure to entertain fans of the cast, folks who love a good Western, and Frank & Jesse James enthusiasts. May 9, 2005

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