[DemforBush]

Northfield has its share of flaws. Plot holes, historical inaccuracies, and it can't seem to decide if its a drama or a comedy in some places. But, it's also just a hoot-load of fun to watch. Duvall and Robertson turning in strong performances, and the film has a solid supporting cast - Luke Askew, Donald Moffat, Royal Dano, etc. 6.75/10.

[DemforBush]

ping.

[Michael.SF.]

Another movie handles the same story (as well as more). Long Riders

The movie is interesting in various ways: great music by Ry Cooder, good lines, good cinematography and brothers play brothers: Quaids, Carradines, Keach

[Sergio]

Home viewing bookmark.

[SES1066]

In real history the Great Northfield Minnesota Raid was the antithesis of the liberal-loved "High Noon" in that it showed what happens when stupid criminals try to cower armed civilians. High Noon sets a stage where cowardly townsfolk refuse to aid the noble liberal lawman against a murderous gang out for revenge. Unlikely in the real west but one can never say never.

Northfield, Minnesota was chock-full of Civil War Vets and the bank that these outlaws targeted was THEIR BANK, necessary for their town's continuing prosperity. To the James-Cole-Younger ad hoc gang, it was a chance to score enough money to get them whiskey and women until their next robbery. Means and determination versus target and poor planning.

Only in liberal land are we to feel sympathy for those poor survivors of Bloody Kansas and Quantrel's bloody murders. The movie is far superior to the real facts.

[windcliff]

ping

[PilotDave]

I grew up in Northfield. The building that housed the bank is still downtown and is a museum now. Still has the bullet holes in the wall. The have a Jesse James days festival every year where the reinact the raid. The town is very proud of the armed defense that they performed.

[Falconspeed]

Thank you for the movie link. My sister named her first son “Heywood” (middle name) in honor of our great great uncle, Joseph Lee Heywood, the hero. In fact, my father inherited most of Heywood’s heirlooms due to a paucity of cousins, such as a portrait and first editions of books about the James’ brothers.

Joseph Lee Heywood (1837-76) was acting as a substitute banker when the James Outfit arrived in town. The James brothers knew that the Northfield First National Bank contained two million dollars to start up Carleton college. When the brothers entered the bank and asked Heywood for the lock combination, Heywood told the truth and said, “I don’t know the combination.” The gun fire that followed motivated the locals to take action. As a result, the locals made sure that this truly was James’ last ride.

Northfield, Minnesota does a fine re-enactment of the raid every early September and I encourage everyone to go.
http://visitingnorthfield.com/?page_id=316

[laplata]

Yes, it’s a fun movie.

Royal Dano is one of my favorite character actors.