The Long Riders, directed by Walter Hill, is a 1980 Western more entertaining (“wipes” and all) than truly good. It deals with Jesse James, played by James Keach, and his bank robbing outfit, toward whom the film is a tad too cordial. There are some fine details, however, such as an argument between two buckboard passengers about service in the Civil War while the passengers are being robbed.

The material involving the female characters (Amy Stryker‘s Beth, Pamela Reed‘s Belle) is paltry and unconvincing. But the movie’s action, though not without cliches, is exciting. I also give it a cheer for offering an original screenplay and for what is nowadays politically incorrect content. Remember I mentioned the Civil War?