The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid (1972)

In the year 1876, the James and Younger outlaw gangs find themselves in an unexpected position of grace when the Missouri legislature grants them pardon and amnesty. Their protection of Clay County’s homesteaders against the relentless railroaders, who stopped at nothing to claim land for their tracks, is what earns them this surprising reprieve. Despite this, the powerful railroad companies and banks refuse to recognize this pardon, still viewing the outlaws as a dangerous threat willing to take justice into their own hands. Previously, Cole Younger, a member of the pardoned gangs, had dreamt of looting the First National Bank in Northfield, Minnesota, famed as the most prosperous bank west of the Mississippi. Yet, following the amnesty, he shelves this daring plan. However, a swirl of events soon alters his course. He discovers Jesse James and his crew are secretly planning to proceed with the robbery he once envisioned. Furthermore, the tenacious railroaders not only declare war against them but also conspire to bribe the legislature to revoke their hard-won pardon. This jumble of circumstances coerces Cole to reconsider his decision, plunging him back into the dark realm of outlawry. Yet, from the get-go, the plan seems riddled with anomalies, as if heralding the brewing storm ahead. As the outlaws prepare for their audacious heist, they must navigate through the murky waters of double-crosses, dangerous alliances and the looming threat of retribution. This captivating tale is a riveting exploration of loyalty, greed, and the relentless pursuit of justice in a world that is anything but black and white.

The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid is a drama movie featuring Cliff Robertson and directed by Philip Kaufman.

The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid is currently streaming on Starz, Starz Amazon Channel, Starz Apple TV Channel and Starz Roku Premium Channel.