On this day May 16, 1980, the Western film The Long Riders premiered in theaters. Directed by Walter Hill, the movie told the story of the infamous James Younger Gang and was noted for its unique casting choice. Real life brothers portrayed the outlaw siblings, including James and Stacy Keach, David, Robert and Keith Carradine, Dennis and Randy Quaid and Christopher and Nicholas Guest.
The Long Riders stood out for its historical accuracy, stylized violence and character driven storytelling. The film followed Jesse James, Cole Younger and their gang as they committed a series of daring robberies across the American frontier. Its detailed costume design, authentic settings and strong performances helped bring the post Civil War era to life on screen.
With a budget of 8 million dollars, the film earned 15.7 million at the box office and received critical praise for its direction and ensemble cast. It remains a standout in the Western revival period of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Fun fact: The idea to cast real life brothers as the outlaw siblings came from James Keach, who also co wrote and co produced the film with his brother Stacy Keach.
The Long Riders stood out for its historical accuracy, stylized violence and character driven storytelling. The film followed Jesse James, Cole Younger and their gang as they committed a series of daring robberies across the American frontier. Its detailed costume design, authentic settings and strong performances helped bring the post Civil War era to life on screen.
With a budget of 8 million dollars, the film earned 15.7 million at the box office and received critical praise for its direction and ensemble cast. It remains a standout in the Western revival period of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Fun fact: The idea to cast real life brothers as the outlaw siblings came from James Keach, who also co wrote and co produced the film with his brother Stacy Keach.
