The True Story of Jesse James(1957)
“The real story… really told for the first time!”
Overview
Having fought with the Confederacy during the Civil War, Jesse James and his brother Frank dream of a farm life in Missouri. Harassed by Union sympathizers, they assemble a gang of outlaws, robbing trains and becoming folk heroes in the process. Jesse marries his sweetheart, Zee, and maintains an aura of domesticity, but after a group of lawmen launch an attack on his mother's house, Jesse plans one more great raid -- on a Minnesota bank.
Director
Nicholas Ray
Studio
20th Century Fox
Cast
Robert Wagner
as Jesse James
Jeffrey Hunter
as Frank James
Hope Lange
as Zee James
Agnes Moorehead
as Mrs. Samuel
Alan Hale Jr.
as Cole Younger
Alan Baxter
as Barney Remington
John Carradine
as Rev. Jethro Bailey
Rachel Stephens
as Anne James
Barney Phillips
as Dr. Samuel
Biff Elliot
as Jim Younger
Frank Overton
as Maj. Rufus Cobb
Barry Atwater
as Attorney Walker
Where to Watch
Availability may vary by region. Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Movie Facts
Release Year
1957
Runtime
1h 32m
Language
English
Rating
6.3 / 10
Production Companies
20th Century Fox
You Might Also Like
Western / Action
The Long Riders
1980
Drama / Western
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
2007
Western
Barquero
1970
Western / Drama
The Missouri Breaks
1976
Comedy / Western
From Noon Till Three
1976
Western / Action
Terror on the Prairie
2022
Action / Western
Day of Reckoning
2025
Western
Lawman
1971
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch The True Story of Jesse James?▼
Check the "Where to Watch" section above for current streaming platforms, rental options, and purchase links for The True Story of Jesse James (1957).
What is The True Story of Jesse James about?▼
Having fought with the Confederacy during the Civil War, Jesse James and his brother Frank dream of a farm life in Missouri. Harassed by Union sympathizers, they assemble a gang of outlaws, robbing trains and becoming folk heroes in the process. Jesse marries his sweetheart, Zee, and maintains an aura of domesticity, but after a group of lawmen launch an attack on his mother's house, Jesse plans one more great raid -- on a Minnesota bank.
Who directed The True Story of Jesse James?▼
The True Story of Jesse James was directed by Nicholas Ray and released in 1957. It is a western film.
How long is The True Story of Jesse James?▼
The True Story of Jesse James has a runtime of 1 hours and 32 minutes (92 minutes total).
Who stars in The True Story of Jesse James?▼
The cast of The True Story of Jesse James includes Robert Wagner as Jesse James, Jeffrey Hunter as Frank James, Hope Lange as Zee James, Agnes Moorehead as Mrs. Samuel, Alan Hale Jr. as Cole Younger and more.
Explore More by Genre
Need a recommendation?
Tell us your mood and we'll pick the perfect movie for you.