Christopher Jones as Jesse James
Good western that should have lasted longer than just one season. Christopher Jones gives a great performance as Jesse. Allen Case is brother Frank James. The series was produced by Don “Dirty Harry” Siegel. One minor complaint…the theme song. It’s putrid.
Opening episode: “Three Men From Now” w/Jack Elam. – One dark and stormy night Jesse and Frank get an unwelcome visit from Deacon Smith (Jack Elam) and his gang. Deacon says he has a plan to rob the bank in St.Joseph and he’ll cut the James boys in. Jesse tells him to stay out of the bank and in fact stay out of town. Deacon says some other time and leaves.
The next day he robs the bank and kills the sheriff. Jesse vows to get him. Frank advises him against it. He says he owes the sheriff a debt. He saved him from hanging just a few days before the Civil War ended. He rides a train instead of robbing it to Platte.
He pays one of Deacon’s pals some bucks to find out where he is. Jesse tracked the man down to a barber shop while he’s getting a shave. He says he doesn’t know where he is but he should go see Jeremy Haynes. He’s the kid who was in Deacon’s gang. Before Jesse leaves the barber shop the man shoots him. Jesse takes care of him.
At the hotel the Doc comes in and tells Jesse the whole town knows he’s there and he better leave. The wound isn’t that serious and Jesse goes to call on Jeremy.
Jeremy knows he’s coming. His father tells him to put away his gun. Jeremy is stubborn. His mother (Virginia Gregg) is not too thrilled with him either. After some brave talk from Jeremy, Jesse surprises them all by coming in the back way. He tells Jeremy to take a message to Deacon to meet him at the hotel.
Deacon tells Jeremy to let Jesse know he’ll meet him at the church. Frank shows up at the hotel to watch Jesse’s back. Time for a showdown.
Christopher Jones became a cult favorite after his portrayal of Max Frost in 1968′s “Wild In The Streets.”
Allen Case was Clyde McCord in “The Deputy” (1959-61).
