When an ex-outlaw writes a book about his criminal exploits, you have to wonder how much of what winds up on the printed page is fact and how much has been embellished for the reader. Then when said autobiography is adapted to the screen, there will, of course, be other fictional elements added. In this case, Universal's screenwriters concoct a romantic subplot between a made-up friend of the Daltons (played by Randolph Scott in a role meant for Walter Pidgeon) and a pretty damsel (Kay Francis) who lives in the same town.
This was Miss Francis' first and only western. Her role is a far cry from the more glamorous gals she portrayed a decade earlier in those sudsy melodramas at Warner Brothers. There are no Orry Kelly designs for her to wear in this production, but Vera West is credited as having supplied a few gowns. For the most part, Francis does well in a thankless role that is certainly not going to have much impact alongside a bunch of notorious men, though as always, she adds a note of grace and style.
As for Mr. Scott, his role also seems somewhat inconsequential at times. Yes, he's there as a pal of the family to try to persuade the Dalton boys to turn from their life of crime. But Ma Dalton (Mary Gordon) basically serves the same function. Also, because we know the Daltons won't stop until they are killed or captured during an ambush in Coffeyville, pleas to reform are futile.
The two older brothers, Grat (Brian Donlevy) and Bob (Broderick Crawford) are the most dangerous. Younger sibling Emmett (Frank Albertson) gets drawn into their daring robberies, and by the end of the tale, is the only one who survives.
The real life Emmett Dalton would be sentenced to prison for life in Kansas. Though by late 1907, at the age of 36, he was pardoned by the governor. He became a real estate developer and married. In fact, his widow served as a technical consultant on the film.
What's also interesting is that Emmett had appeared as himself in an early silent movie made shortly after his release from prison. His autobiography would not be published until 1931. But for many years, he remained in the public eye.
Getting back to the film, this is an 80-minute 'A' western with a more than adequate budget. It was put into production right after STAGECOACH (1939) had become a runaway hit, and after JESSE JAMES (1939) had proven to be a box office favorite...prompting Hollywood studios to create more epic western fare alongside the modestly budgeted 'B' oaters they turned out so quickly.
The actors give strong performances. There's some artful mise-en-scene; and director George Marshall is a pro at combining western action with humor. In 1945 the studio made a pseudo-sequel called THE DALTONS RIDE AGAIN. That time Alan Curtis played Emmett, and he was the main character.
This was Miss Francis' first and only western. Her role is a far cry from the more glamorous gals she portrayed a decade earlier in those sudsy melodramas at Warner Brothers. There are no Orry Kelly designs for her to wear in this production, but Vera West is credited as having supplied a few gowns. For the most part, Francis does well in a thankless role that is certainly not going to have much impact alongside a bunch of notorious men, though as always, she adds a note of grace and style.
As for Mr. Scott, his role also seems somewhat inconsequential at times. Yes, he's there as a pal of the family to try to persuade the Dalton boys to turn from their life of crime. But Ma Dalton (Mary Gordon) basically serves the same function. Also, because we know the Daltons won't stop until they are killed or captured during an ambush in Coffeyville, pleas to reform are futile.
The two older brothers, Grat (Brian Donlevy) and Bob (Broderick Crawford) are the most dangerous. Younger sibling Emmett (Frank Albertson) gets drawn into their daring robberies, and by the end of the tale, is the only one who survives.
The real life Emmett Dalton would be sentenced to prison for life in Kansas. Though by late 1907, at the age of 36, he was pardoned by the governor. He became a real estate developer and married. In fact, his widow served as a technical consultant on the film.
What's also interesting is that Emmett had appeared as himself in an early silent movie made shortly after his release from prison. His autobiography would not be published until 1931. But for many years, he remained in the public eye.
Getting back to the film, this is an 80-minute 'A' western with a more than adequate budget. It was put into production right after STAGECOACH (1939) had become a runaway hit, and after JESSE JAMES (1939) had proven to be a box office favorite...prompting Hollywood studios to create more epic western fare alongside the modestly budgeted 'B' oaters they turned out so quickly.
The actors give strong performances. There's some artful mise-en-scene; and director George Marshall is a pro at combining western action with humor. In 1945 the studio made a pseudo-sequel called THE DALTONS RIDE AGAIN. That time Alan Curtis played Emmett, and he was the main character.