The film had real potential, but it’s ultimately undermined by some unfortunate casting choices. I honestly believe I could have delivered a more convincing performance as “Bleeker” than Fess Parker, whose acting feels stiff and unnatural. It's often possible to imagine director Melvin Frank prompting him—perhaps even just urging him to breathe—due to his halting delivery which drains much of the vitality from the st…

The Jayhawkers! comes from director Melvin Frank, who also shares writing credit with A. I. Bezzerides, Frank Fenton, and Joe Petracca. The cast includes Jeff Chandler, Fess Parker, Nicole Maurey, Henry Silva, Leo Gordon, and Frank DeKova; Jerome Moross composed the music, and Loyal Griggs was in charge of cinematography. The film is set in Kansas territory just before the Civil War began. Quickly, the story i…