The Return of Frank James

United States, 1940

Film
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In this exploration of justice and revenge inspired by brotherly love, Henry Fonda reprises his role as Jesse James’ brother, Frank, in Fritz Lang’s sequel to ‘Jesse James’. The film is notable for the screen debut of Gene Tierney, as well as being Lang’s first western and his first film in colour. After his brother, Jesse, is shot and killed by the Ford brothers, Frank takes the law into his own hands when the brothers are pardoned. Franks journey alienates him from family and friends, as well as endangering the lives of those close to him. He has only two people to help his lonely and determined plight, teenage friend Clem (Jackie Cooper), and a newspaper owner’s beautiful daughter (Gene Tierney). Cast includes Henry Fonda, Gene Tierney, Jackie Cooper, Henry Hull and John Carradine.

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Collection

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Credits

director

Fritz Lang

producer

Darryl F. Zanuck

production company

Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation

Duration

01:32:00:00

Production places
United States
Production dates
1940

Collection metadata

ACMI Identifier

310320

Language

English

Audience classification

G

Sound/audio

Sound

Colour

Colour

Holdings

VHS; Access Print (Section 1)

Wikidata

Q739241

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If you would like to cite this item, please use the following template: {{cite web |url=https://acmi.net.au/works/88032--the-return-of-frank-james/ |title=The Return of Frank James |author=Australian Centre for the Moving Image |access-date=16 March 2025 |publisher=Australian Centre for the Moving Image}}