The Long Riders 1980
""All the world likes an outlaw. For some damn reason they remember 'em." - Jesse James"
Walter Hill's *The Long Riders (1980)* reimagines the infamous James gang with raw authenticity, blending the grit of the Old West with the emotional weight of brotherhood and revenge.
Director: Walter Hill
Cast
David Carradine
Cole Younger
Keith Carradine
Jim Younger
Robert Carradine
Bob Younger
James Keach
Jesse James
Stacy Keach
Frank James
Dennis Quaid
Ed Miller
Randy Quaid
Clell Miller
Kevin Brophy
John Younger
Harry Carey, Jr.
George Arthur
Christopher Guest
Charlie Ford
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Long Riders (1980) about?
This Western drama follows the James brothers, a gang of bank-robbing outlaws whose violent exploits become a twisted form of revenge after the Civil War. Their bond as brothers fuels their reckless pursuit of notoriety, but as the law closes in, their fate hangs in the balance.
Who directed The Long Riders?
Walter Hill, known for his work in action and Western films, brought his distinctive style to *The Long Riders*, creating a visceral and character-driven narrative.
Who stars in The Long Riders?
The film features David Carradine, Keith Carradine, Robert Carradine, James Keach, Stacy Keach, and a young Dennis Quaid in a standout role.
Is The Long Riders (1980) worth watching?
For fans of gritty Westerns, *The Long Riders* offers a compelling blend of action and drama, anchored by a powerhouse cast. While it may not be as widely celebrated as some classics, its stark realism and sibling dynamics make it a memorable ride.
How long is The Long Riders?
The runtime for *The Long Riders (1980)* is 99 minutes, or approximately 1 hour and 39 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About The Long Riders (1980) — A Gritty Western Epic of Brotherhood and Revenge
Walter Hill's *The Long Riders (1980)* reimagines the infamous James gang with raw authenticity, blending the grit of the Old West with the emotional weight of brotherhood and revenge. This brooding Western drama traces the rise of the James brothers—real-life outlaws who became legends—through a series of bold bank heists and daring escapes that cemented their place in American folklore. With a cast that reads like a family reunion, including the Carradine and Keach brothers alongside Dennis Quaid, the film captures the moral ambiguity of outlaws who robbed from the rich but were never quite heroes. The story unfolds like a myth, steeped in dusty roads, gun smoke, and the haunting specter of justice that always seems just out of reach.
Set against a backdrop of post-Civil War turmoil, *The Long Riders (1980)* explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the blurred line between villain and folk hero. Walter Hill's direction infuses the narrative with a documentary-like realism, immersing viewers in the bandits' relentless pursuit of freedom and notoriety. The film's atmosphere is thick with tension, underscored by the brothers' camaraderie and the looming inevitability of their downfall. It's a tale that feels both timeless and deeply rooted in history, leaving audiences to ponder the cost of a legacy built on rebellion.
