The film's visuals are striking thanks to Technicolor, though it does feel slower as time passes. Nunnally Johnson’s script chooses myth over reality, portraying Jesse James (Tyrone Power) and Frank James (Henry Fonda) as uncomplicated rural people. Representatives of the railroad are shown using intimidation to acquire land at reduced prices. Jesse and Frank turn to robbery—stealing from trains and banks—because they blame powerful railroad executives for their mother’s passing. Jesse attempts to establish a peaceful home life, but his former associates repeatedly contact him, urging him to participate in simple tasks before he is fatally shot from behind by Bob Ford.

Source on TMDB