"The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid" takes place in 1876 and depicts the last attempt of a bank hold up by the notorious Jesse James/ Cole Younger gangs.
The Missouri legislature passes an amnesty for the gangs in recognition for their services against the railroads who were taking land away from farmers. The two gangs had been planning to rob the Northfield Minnesota bank but Cole Younger (Cliff Robertson) decides against it. Jesse James (Robert Duvall) and his gang proceed with their original plan. Cole at first tries to stop them and goes after them. During the pursuit, Cole learns that railroad interests have had the amnesty repealed. Chief Pinkerton detective (Herbert Nelson) continues the chase of the outlaws.
On their way to Northfield, the two gangs stop at the farm of an old granny (Madeleine Taylor Holmes) and help her keep her ranch. Moving on, the gang arrives in Northfield. Cole throws in with crooked bankers Wilcox (Robert H. Harris) and Bunker (Elisha Cook Jr. In order to lure the local citizens into depositing their money in the bank with the aim of taking it for themselves.
The gang is entertained by local brothel madam Kate and her "ladies" while the await the robbery attempt. Cole springs the trap on the bankers. However local townsmen led by Allen (Dana Elcar) and Manning (Donald Moffat) take up arms and foil the robbery. They pursue the remnants of the gang to granny's farm when...............................................................................
How true this story to the actual event is debatable, however the set pieces are realistic enough to depict 1876 Minnesota. The actors costumes are authentic as far as I can tell. Robertson as Cole Younger, is a forceful leader. Duvall plays Jesse James as a cold blooded killer and not the Robin Hood of the old west as he was often depicted. Also in the cast are Royal Dano (totally wasted) as the slightly mad Gustavson, Luke Askew as Jim Younger, R. G. Armstrong as Clell Miller and John Pearce as a clearly subordinate Frank James.
The Missouri legislature passes an amnesty for the gangs in recognition for their services against the railroads who were taking land away from farmers. The two gangs had been planning to rob the Northfield Minnesota bank but Cole Younger (Cliff Robertson) decides against it. Jesse James (Robert Duvall) and his gang proceed with their original plan. Cole at first tries to stop them and goes after them. During the pursuit, Cole learns that railroad interests have had the amnesty repealed. Chief Pinkerton detective (Herbert Nelson) continues the chase of the outlaws.
On their way to Northfield, the two gangs stop at the farm of an old granny (Madeleine Taylor Holmes) and help her keep her ranch. Moving on, the gang arrives in Northfield. Cole throws in with crooked bankers Wilcox (Robert H. Harris) and Bunker (Elisha Cook Jr. In order to lure the local citizens into depositing their money in the bank with the aim of taking it for themselves.
The gang is entertained by local brothel madam Kate and her "ladies" while the await the robbery attempt. Cole springs the trap on the bankers. However local townsmen led by Allen (Dana Elcar) and Manning (Donald Moffat) take up arms and foil the robbery. They pursue the remnants of the gang to granny's farm when...............................................................................
How true this story to the actual event is debatable, however the set pieces are realistic enough to depict 1876 Minnesota. The actors costumes are authentic as far as I can tell. Robertson as Cole Younger, is a forceful leader. Duvall plays Jesse James as a cold blooded killer and not the Robin Hood of the old west as he was often depicted. Also in the cast are Royal Dano (totally wasted) as the slightly mad Gustavson, Luke Askew as Jim Younger, R. G. Armstrong as Clell Miller and John Pearce as a clearly subordinate Frank James.