I Shot Jesse James (1949)

In the clandestine shadows of St. Joseph, Missouri, the infamous outlaw Jesse James, under the pseudonym Tom Howard, attempts to lead a quiet life. His wife, Zee, pleads with him to sever ties with the Ford brothers, fearing the price on their heads. Bob Ford, one of these brothers, is lured back into the fray by the news that his childhood love, Cynthy Waters, is in town. Now a budding actress, Cynthy struggles to leave her homeland and grapples with her growing affection for a new man in her life, John Kelley. Cynthy implores Bob to change his ways, to escape the outlaw life that binds him. Despite her efforts to secure Bob's pardon, the best she can negotiate is a twenty-year prison sentence. However, a new opportunity presents itself when the Governor announces a reward of $10,000 and amnesty for anyone who can bring in Jesse James, dead or alive. In a twist of fate and desperation, on the fateful day of April 3, 1882, Bob Ford takes the chance. He shoots Jesse James in the back, betraying his best friend and securing his amnesty. But the reward is reduced to a measly $500, and he loses Cynthy's love and respect. With his reputation tarnished and labeled a traitor, Bob seeks fortune in the silver boom of Creede, Colorado. Here, he crosses paths with his past, encountering both Kelley and Cynthy. Bob strikes it rich and hopes to win back Cynthy's affections, but she admits she does not love him. Instead, she feels responsible for the crime he committed. As tensions mount, Frank James, Jesse's brother, arrives in town seeking revenge. Kelley, now Creede's town Marshal, manages to disarm Frank and lock him in jail. However, when Frank is acquitted, he reveals Kelley's relationship with Cynthy to Bob. This revelation is a blow more devastating than any bullet, setting in motion a chain of events that will forever change their lives. "I Shot Jesse James" is a tale of love, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of redemption in the wild west, where every decision comes with a price, and the echoes of a single gunshot can last a lifetime.

I Shot Jesse James is a western movie featuring Preston Foster and directed by Samuel Fuller.

I Shot Jesse James is currently streaming on Criterion Channel, Max and Max Amazon Channel.