The True Story of Jesse James

The True Story of Jesse James is a 1957 American Western drama film adapted from Henry Kings 1939 film Jesse James, which was only loosely based on James life. It was directed by Nicholas Ray, with Robert Wagner portraying Jesse James and Jeffrey Hunter starring as Frank James. Filming took place during 1955. Titled The James Brothers for release in the United Kingdom, the film focused on the relationship between the two James brothers during the lastyears of Jesse James life.

Shortly after his success with 1955s Rebel Without a Cause, Ray was hired to direct this movie based on Jesse James later life. He had only one movie left under his contract with 20th Century Fox, before he would depart for Europe and film Bitter Victory. The studio suggested a remake of Kings 1939 biography of Jesse James.It is speculated that had James Dean not died in a car crash before production began, he would have starred in this film as Jesse James. In place of Dean, director Ray hoped to cast Elvis Presley, who had successfully completed his first film, Love Me Tender. Rays son Tony also was cast in the film as Bob Younger, the first time he appeared in one of his fathers films. ........

Source: Wikipedia