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I finally had
the opportunity to watch a movie so important
and so influential as to pave the way for
all future genre crossover films. Often
considered to be the first perfect marriage
of western and horror, “Jesse James
Meets Frankenstein’s Daughter”
caused a ripple effect that continues to
this day to have an influence throughout
Hollywood. Now I understand why.
“Jesse James Meets Frankenstein’s
Daughter” was a monumental achievement
in terms of sheer filmmaking genius. A terrific
plot, beautifully designed sets, and superior
acting made this a firm entry of every Top
Ten list since 1966. If you believe everything
you’ve read so far, please stop reading
now, give me a call and I’ll sell
you a deed to some ocean front Nevada property
that is a surefire investment.
If there was anything monumental about “Jesse
James Meets Frankenstein’s Daughter”
it is only in the fact that it was director
William Beaudine’s last film.
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Having started his career in 1915, Beaudine completed
over 500 films in his less than illustrious career.
Good or bad, that’s quite a feat.
Released in 1966, “Jesse James Meets
Frankenstein’s Daughter” is every
bit the silly, schlock horror film you might expect
it to be. Though there are those who are fascinated
with really bad movies such as these (myself included),
most people would probably dismiss it and deprive
themselves of the simple joy of watching a really
bad movie.
The plot of the movie is about as straight forward
as the title suggests. It features the legendary
Jesse James (John Lupton) as he attempts to evade
being captured by Marshal MacPhee (Jim Davis –
later famous for playing Jock Ewing on TV’s
Dallas), by hiding out in a local castle (?!?).
As fate would have it, the castle is owned by
Baron Frankenstein’s granddaughter, Maria
(Estrelita). As fate would also have it, Maria
happens to be as mad as her grandfather and proceeds
to turn Jesse’s friend, Hank (Cal Bolder)
into a zombie. (Where was the Academy Award nomination
for screenwriter Carl K. Hittleman that year,
I wonder?)
Now you may ask what makes the new DVD release
from Elite Entertainment worth looking at, and
I’ll tell you. Aside from the aforementioned
joy that can be derived from watching a really
bad movie such as this, it also includes a commentary
track. But not just any commentary track mind
you, but one done by none other than the great
‘drive-in movie’ critic himself, Joe
Bob Briggs.
Having previously provided commentary on Elite’s
earlier release of “I Spit on You Grave”,
Briggs proved once again that he is the undisputed
King of Cult Film history. The insight and humor
in his observations made for one of the most fascinating
and entertaining commentaries I have heard so
far. It also seems that my feelings about his
commentary were shared by many others and has
thus sparked a collaboration between Briggs and
Elite.
This release of “Jesse James Meets Frankenstein’s
Daughter” is the first of a new DVD
series called “Joe Bob Briggs Presents.”
Each release will feature a classic B-movie feature,
complete with said commentary. Considering how
entertaining the commentary turned out to be on
this one, I really hope this will be a long-lived
series.
As Joe Bob would say, "Check it out."
Directed by: William Beaudine
Starring: John Lupton, Narda Onyx, Estelita Rodriguez,
Cal Bolder, Jim Davis, Steven Geray, Rayford Barnes
Extras: Commentary by Joe Bob Briggs, Original
Theatrical Trailer
Specifications: 1.85:1 Enhanced for 16X9
Studio: Elite Entertainment
Release Date: 7/29/2003
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website
We'll give Jesse James Meets Frankenstein's
Daughter an A.
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