In a "Jesse James" (1939) recap, cowardly John Carradine (as Bob Ford) shoots handsome Tyrone Power (un-credited as Jesse James) in the back. In this sequel, the outlaw hero's tobacco-spitting brother Henry Fonda (as Frank James) is understandably miffed. Basically a peace-loving man, Mr. Fonda expects the captured killer to be executed. But, when Mr. Carradine and his brother are unexpectedly pardoned, Fonda must take the law into his own hands. Fatherly Fonda leaves his quiet farm in the care of adopted teenage partner Jackie Cooper (as Clem) and slavish Ernest Whitman (as "Pinky" Washington)...
Unable to keep Mr. Cooper down on the farm, Fonda reluctantly allows him to tag along. Assuming the alter egos "Ben Woodson" and "Tom Grayson", the dynamic duo spread a story about witnessing the death of Frank James, believing this will lure the Ford brothers out of hiding. In her first movie, pretty "Denver Star" reporter Gene Tierney (as Eleanor Stone) gets the word out. This successful sequel features great colorful photography by George Barnes. It's very nicely directed by Fritz Lang. The subservient, superstitious and mentally challenged "darkies" (as they are called herein) may have missed the emancipation.
****** The Return of Frank James (8/10/40) Fritz Lang ~ Henry Fonda, Jackie Cooper, Gene Tierney, Henry Hull
Unable to keep Mr. Cooper down on the farm, Fonda reluctantly allows him to tag along. Assuming the alter egos "Ben Woodson" and "Tom Grayson", the dynamic duo spread a story about witnessing the death of Frank James, believing this will lure the Ford brothers out of hiding. In her first movie, pretty "Denver Star" reporter Gene Tierney (as Eleanor Stone) gets the word out. This successful sequel features great colorful photography by George Barnes. It's very nicely directed by Fritz Lang. The subservient, superstitious and mentally challenged "darkies" (as they are called herein) may have missed the emancipation.
****** The Return of Frank James (8/10/40) Fritz Lang ~ Henry Fonda, Jackie Cooper, Gene Tierney, Henry Hull