NewYorkjoe Wrote:Personally, I think both versions followed the book very well. With regard to the main characters' dialog, there was very little difference (particularly the horse-trading exchange). However, the ending in the latest version follows the book, while the 1969 version did not. In particular, I liked the last scene in Memphis, when one-armed (as in the book) Hattie meets Cole Younger and Frank James only to be told that Rooster died 3 days previously and is buried in Jonesboro, AR, their previous stop. Of personal interest, my mother's family is centered around Jonesboro, AR and my aunt always maintained that when he retired from the Wild West Show, Frank James settled in Jonesboro and married into the family. So, I'm distantly related (by marriage) to Frank and Jesse.

I also happened to see an old film on Encore with Robert Wagner and Jeffery Hunter as Jesse and Frank James. For a '50s-era film, it followed the story of the James brothers and Jesse's death rather well. The major difference was that the Pinkerton name (the detective agency that hounded the James', killed their retarded cousin, and blew off their mother's arm) was called the "Remington" Detective Agency. The Pinkertons were famous for their logo, an unblinking eye with the legend: "We Never Sleep." This is where the term "private eye" originated. The Pinkertons were ruthless and perfectly willing to stretch the laws and even operate outside the law if necessary. Pinkerton was head of the Secret Service during the War of Northern Aggression (did a bang-up job protecting the president!).

NYj

NewYorkjoe Wrote:I also happened to see an old film on Encore with Robert Wagner and Jeffery Hunter as Jesse and Frank James. For a '50s-era film, it followed the story of the James brothers and Jesse's death rather well. NYj

The Man of Fhinntmanchca Wrote:I understand the James' were outlaws, but killed their retarded cousin and shot thier mother's arm off??? My previously complimentary view of the Pinkerton Detective Agency has been darkened considerably. Why dont they rape a female relative of the James' while they were at it?

t4terrific Wrote:Many bystanders have been killed, or injured, during raids. It happens every day. Not all casualties are intentional. That doesn't mean it's right, just common and not as sadistic as it sounds.

NewYorkjoe Wrote:Personally, I think both versions followed the book very well. With regard to the main characters' dialog, there was very little difference (particularly the horse-trading exchange). However, the ending in the latest version follows the book, while the 1969 version did not. In particular, I liked the last scene in Memphis, when one-armed (as in the book) Hattie meets Cole Younger and Frank James only to be told that Rooster died 3 days previously and is buried in Jonesboro, AR, their previous stop. Of personal interest, my mother's family is centered around Jonesboro, AR and my aunt always maintained that when he retired from the Wild West Show, Frank James settled in Jonesboro and married into the family. So, I'm distantly related (by marriage) to Frank and Jesse.
NYj

GeraldRice Wrote:Oh! Spoilers Joe!

t4terrific Wrote:I've never seen that one. It's called "The True Story of Jessie James". I've added it to my Netflix Queue.