The Jayhawkers! 1959
6.3 / 10
The Jayhawkers!
Before the U.S. Civil War rebel leader Luke Darcy sees himself as leader of a new independent Republic of Kansas but the military governor sends an ex-raider to capture Darcy.
Before the U.S. Civil War rebel leader Luke Darcy sees himself as leader of a new independent Republic of Kansas but the military governor sends an ex-raider to capture Darcy.
Videos & Photos
All 0 Videos & 5 Photos
cast
Full Cast & Crew
... Luke Darcy
... Cam Bleeker
... Jeanne Dubois
... Lordan
... Gov. William Clayton
... Evans
User reviews
See All 1 Reviews23 Jun 2021 by John Chard
The Backwards Napoleon. The Jayhawkers! is directed by Melvin Frank and Frank shares writing duties with A. I. Bezzerides, Frank Fenton and Joe Petracca. It stars Jeff Chandler, Fess Parker, Nicole Maurey, Henry Silva, Leo Gordon and Frank DeKova. Music is by Jerome Moross and cinematography by Loyal Griggs. Territory of Kansas . . . Shortly before the Civil War. In short order form the plot finds Chandler as a driven empire builder Luke Darcy, who is taking advantage of Bleeding Kansas. Insinuating himself into Darcy's gang is Cam Bleeker (Parker), who has a very personal ulterior motive for doing so. The Ace of Spades! It's one of those films that has some great literary ideas, with some stoic characterisations and deft hints at the turmoil hitting this part of American history, and yet it never truly delivers on its powerful potential. Action is in short supply so we are very much asked to invest fully in the key players, their motives and drives, reasoning's etc, with the Darcy/Bleeker relationship and the shades of grey holding the attention whilst simultaneously holding the play together. Love-And-Death. That's everyone's fortune my friend. Bonus point also are the tactics used by Darcy to build his empire, which coupled with his beliefs - and Bleeker's growing conflicted values (Bromance does that to a guy apparently) - marks it out as a good try at something more deep and meaningful. Filmed in Technicolor/VistaVision, pic looks lovely, but not enough is made of the outdoor locations, while Moross provides a big bold booming score - which is great - it's just in the wrong film as it belongs in a ripper of an action piece. All told it's a very mixed bag, and stripped down it's a undercover story dressed up in familiar Western attire. It works for those who enjoy well written speeches and simmering tensions/passions, but it's a trick film to recommend with confidence. Oh and serious history buffs should give it a wide berth. 6/10
Release Date:
Oct 15, 1959 (United States)
Run Time:
1hr 40`
MMPA Rating:
NR
Original Language:
English
Production Countries:
United States
Status:
Released
Plot Keywords:
Related Movies To
The Jayhawkers!
The Backwards Napoleon. The Jayhawkers! is directed by Melvin Frank and Frank shares writing duties with A. I. Bezzerides, Frank Fenton and Joe Petracca. It stars Jeff Chandler, Fess Parker, Nicole Maurey, Henry Silva, Leo Gordon and Frank DeKova. Music is by Jerome Moross and cinematography by Loyal Griggs. Territory of Kansas . . . Shortly before the Civil War. In short order form the plot finds Chandler as a driven empire builder Luke Darcy, who is taking advantage of Bleeding Kansas. Insinuating himself into Darcy's gang is Cam Bleeker (Parker), who has a very personal ulterior motive for doing so. The Ace of Spades! It's one of those films that has some great literary ideas, with some stoic characterisations and deft hints at the turmoil hitting this part of American history, and yet it never truly delivers on its powerful potential. Action is in short supply so we are very much asked to invest fully in the key players, their motives and drives, reasoning's etc, with the Darcy/Bleeker relationship and the shades of grey holding the attention whilst simultaneously holding the play together. Love-And-Death. That's everyone's fortune my friend. Bonus point also are the tactics used by Darcy to build his empire, which coupled with his beliefs - and Bleeker's growing conflicted values (Bromance does that to a guy apparently) - marks it out as a good try at something more deep and meaningful. Filmed in Technicolor/VistaVision, pic looks lovely, but not enough is made of the outdoor locations, while Moross provides a big bold booming score - which is great - it's just in the wrong film as it belongs in a ripper of an action piece. All told it's a very mixed bag, and stripped down it's a undercover story dressed up in familiar Western attire. It works for those who enjoy well written speeches and simmering tensions/passions, but it's a trick film to recommend with confidence. Oh and serious history buffs should give it a wide berth. 6/10
Cast & Crew of
The Jayhawkers!
Directors & Credit Writers
... Director
... Director
Cast
... Luke Darcy
... Cam Bleeker
... Jeanne Dubois
... Lordan
... Gov. William Clayton
... Evans
... China
... Jake Barton
... Marthe DuBois
JC
Jimmy Carter... Paul DuBois
RV
Renata Vanni... Indian Woman
... Jayhawker
... Jayhawker (as Allan Wyatt)
CB
Charles Bail... Jayhawker
... Storekeeper
... Townsman Looking for a Match
... Townswoman
MP
Max Power... Governor's Aide
... Minister (as Joe Forte)
TR
Tony Regan... Bartender
Produced By
... Producer
... Producer
Videos & Photos of
The Jayhawkers!
Photos ( 5 )
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The Jayhawkers!
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