The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid 1972
"The West the way it really was!"
Directed by Philip Kaufman, *The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid* (1972) plunges viewers into the raw chaos of the Old West with a gripping tale of outlaw ambition and failure.
Director: Philip Kaufman
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid* (1972) about?
The film chronicles the botched 1876 bank robbery in Northfield, Minnesota, where the Jesse James and Cole Younger gangs planned a heist but faced violent resistance from an armed town. Their once-cohesive crew fractures under pressure, turning a high-stakes crime into a desperate fight for survival.
Who directed *The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid*?
Philip Kaufman directed the film, infusing the historical heist with his signature blend of tension and realism.
Who stars in *The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid*?
The cast features Cliff Robertson as Jesse James, Robert Duvall as Cole Younger, and Luke Askew, R.G. Armstrong, and Donald Moffat in key supporting roles.
Is *The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid* (1972) worth watching?
With its tight runtime and compelling performances, the film offers a fresh take on the Western genre, blending historical drama with the raw unpredictability of outlaw life. While not a blockbuster, its authenticity and pace make it a solid pick for fans of classic Westerns.
How long is *The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid*?
The film runs for 91 minutes, making it a concise yet intense viewing experience.
🎥 Trailer
About The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid (1972) — A Gripping Western Heist Gone Wrong
Directed by Philip Kaufman, *The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid* (1972) plunges viewers into the raw chaos of the Old West with a gripping tale of outlaw ambition and failure. The film follows the infamous Jesse James and Cole Younger gangs as they unite for a high-stakes heist at the First National Bank in Northfield, Minnesota—only to face brutal resistance from an unexpected town uprising. Kaufman crafts a gritty, tense atmosphere where loyalty fractures and survival hangs in the balance, blending historical grit with the moral complexity of classic Western dramas. The story unfolds with relentless energy, capturing the desperation and unpredictability of the era's most notorious criminals.
Starring Cliff Robertson as Jesse James and Robert Duvall as Cole Younger, the film delivers powerhouse performances that anchor its historical authenticity. At just 91 minutes, it's a lean, adrenaline-fueled ride through a pivotal moment in American outlaw lore, where the myth of the Wild West collides with its harsh realities. Perfect for fans of tight storytelling and character-driven Westerns, Kaufman's direction turns a failed robbery into a compelling meditation on freedom, loyalty, and the cost of chasing glory.