I Shot Jesse James

This movie will naturally be compared to the later take on the subject (The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford) and in contrast, this movie from 1949 portrays Robert Ford as a victim of circumstances. For the most part, I did enjoy seeing a different take on the subject, but it is a bit too melodramatic in a way usual for its era to emotionally affect me. It's still a good piece, with the usual western bravado replaced by contemplation on guilt.

I was expecting something more muscular here but instead this is a good psychological drama of a western. John Ireland does fine work as the tormented Robert Ford, not necessarily regretting what he did (in this version he does it for a woman) but having to deal with the daily humiliation that comes with it. It does however lack much of the verve that Fuller was capable of later in his career.

It sure is a throwaway B-movie. You can already start to see Samuel Fuller's affinity for studying the living breathing American mythos though.

Unusual western probably has more value as a fascinating curio, as first-timer Fuller experiments with aspects of his craft, than as an entertainment in its own right - though the moral considerations of Ford's actions, as well as a peek into the future of the cult of celebrity and celebrity worship (as Ford experiences both sides of the coin) give much to ponder. The lack of a cohesive style (and wobbly performances) don't ultimately reap better rewards, but it's still fascinating.

Bob Ford's character arc is interesting but the dull acting and meandering storytelling make this watchable at best. There are a couple of really nice scenes, but otherwise pretty forgettable.

Didn't really get into this one, but I appreciate it, I like John Ireland and it's got some cool touches - namely, a match that gets flicked across a room and the wonderfully ironic finale.

Overlooked and underrated. Fuller's first and - in some respects - one of his best.

Much of this early Sam Fuller film is given to scenes such as the one where Robert Ford encounters Jesse James in the bathtub, his back exposed to him, and James says something like, "Well, go on ahead, do it.... scrub my back!" Or the scene where a balladeer strums a song about the coward Robert Ford without knowing he's standing right next to him. Dopey stuff like that is the rule here. The ending is pretty good though, and gives a taste of what's to come from Fuller.

Fortunately it's still early in his career, so the touches of Sam Fuller hokum are relatively sparse. But they're still there.

Star Rating: ★★★

Sam Fuller's debut is uneven but boasts two or three extraordinary moments along with those that drag. Very good cast with John Ireland particularly good as the tormented Bob Ford. The assassination scene is notable.

I wasn't expecting a love triangle from a film with this kind of sensationalist title, but I gradually warmed up to it. If there are flaws in the film it's that it still feels somewhat antiquated (narrative, acting!, dialogue) -but the situations are still all Fuller, and all fantastic. There's much to recommend, including a Jesse that looks like a James and less like a Pitt.

For the first 15 or 20 minutes I wasn't really digging it. After the assassination though, the movie picks up quite a bit. A lot of the acting is pretty dated, but John Ireland is terrific as the tormented Robert Ford. Fuller shows some early talent in a few stand-out scenes (the bar fight near the end is great), and even if the entire thing isn't overly remarkable, it's a brisk and easy watch.

to snuff one friend to gain the hand of marriage of another, and the torment he has to deal with in the aftermath. story becomes a bit unfocused after a while and there's nothing particularly remarkable about it but it's still not bad.

The first feature film Samuel Fuller directed! And who else could shoot such a competent western in just 10 days?! I Shot Jesse James (1949) is a depressing tale of Bob Ford and how killing an ruthless outlaw in crazy country only brought tragedy to his own already sorry life. It was wonderful to behold.

There are things here I really like; Britton is excellent as the woman who gradually realises that she's terrified of this violent, unpredictable wannabe hero, the willingness to tackle the Jesse James myth is well-intentioned even if it doesn't go very far (partly thanks to the actor playing JJ being a non-entity), the ballad scene and the very end are brilliant... overall, it's a good effort, but a little too neat.

The first film directed by Samuel Fuller and it already bears some marks of his celebrated aesthetic, most jarringly with a point of view shot of someone taking a punch to the face. The film is feisty and cerebral, even if it's hampered somewhat by some staginess that betrays its era. Especially interesting are the thoughtful digressions on the ways in which celebrity mingles with notoriety. It's not a great film, but there's clearly talent shaping that action on the screen.