The Great Missouri Raid

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The Great Missouri Raid is a 1951 American Western directed by Gordon Douglas. The story, written by Frank Gruber, stars Wendell Corey, Macdonald Carey, Ward Bond, with Ellen Drew, Bruce Bennett, Bill Williams, and Anne Revere in supporting roles.

Set in Missouri during the last days of the Civil War, the film follows Frank and Jesse James as they clash with Union soldiers, killing one before escaping. After the war ends and amnesty is declared, they are betrayed by Union Major Trowbridge, whose brother they had killed. With the Younger brothers, the Jameses turn to robbing banks, while Trowbridge starts a detective agency to hunt them down.

Some railroad scenes were filmed on the Sierra Railroad in Tuolumne County, California. The movie runs 84 minutes and was released by Paramount Pictures, premiering in several cities from January 16 to 20, 1951. The New York Times praised the Technicolor production and the lively action, noting the film’s sympathetic take on the famous outlaws.