This Technicolor sequel to 1939's
Jesse James does without the services of the earlier film's star
Tyrone Power, who after all was shot dead by that "dirty little coward" Bob Ford (
John Carradine). Repeating his portrayal of western outlaw Frank James,
Henry Fonda is promoted to top billing here. As depicted by scenarist
Sam Hellman, Frank has retired from his life of crime to become a peaceful farmer, though he has never given up his search for the treacherous Ford. The killer and his cohorts are eventually rounded up, but are pardoned due to political intervention. That's when Frank slaps on six-guns once more to seek his own form of justice. Featured in the cast is
Henry Hull as a top-of-his-lungs crusading newspaperman and
Jackie Cooper as a headstrong young sprout who pays the ultimate price for his bullheadedness. Making her screen debut is
Gene Tierney, in the role of an Eastern reporter who wants to tell Frank's true story to the world. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide