The last of the "Frontier-era" films starring Roy Rogers. From this point forward through the last of the Roy Rogers' film at Republic, the time period was always the "modern west", or the mythical version of such. The exception to all of his remaining films not being set in a historical period was in "Heldorado" that contained a flashback segment. Here, Roy plays a dual role of the title character, Jesse James (<a href=">Roy Rogers), and an identical look-alike gambler, Clint Burns (<a href=">Roy Rogers). In order to blacken the name of Jesse James, who is aiding the homesteaders and farmers in their fight against a land-grabbing scheme by the agents of a railroad, Burns is hired to impersonate Jesse. The scheme is successful at first with all but Jesse's old friend, Sheriff "Gabby" Whittaker (<a href=">George 'Gabby' Hayes), and a newspaper reporter, Polly Morgan (<a href=">Gale Storm), who can distinguish the two men intuitively. Jesse ends that problem by taking out Burns, who had been impersonating him, and then he impersonates Burns in order to get to the root of the problem. Jesse James joins with Missouri settlers in their battle with rich, land-grabbing railroad tycoons. This different (and improbable) take on the Jesse James legend makes for pretty good light entertainment. Having Roy Rogers in the lead certainly alters the tone considerably, but he carries it off all right. Gabby Hayes and Gale Storm also help out. The story has an angle on James that probably bears little relation to fact, but it's rather creative, and it makes for a plot that moves quickly and holds your attention. As one of Rogers' earlier films, the emphasis is on action, and there is plenty of it. Not a movie to take seriously, but one that makes for an enjoyable hour of viewing. Roy Rogers stars as Jesse James and his look-alike, gambler man Clint Burns. George "Gabby" Hayes is Mr. Rogers's ex-pal, Sheriff Gabby. Gale Storm (Jane Fillmore) and Sally Payne (Polly Morgan) are a noteworthy team, as two reporters on the lookout for stories about the elusive outlaw hero.<br/><br/>Of course, mistaken identity / impersonation is a plot development, since Rogers essays a "dual role". Rogers is charming, as usual; but, there is nothing really elevating this his performance above the ordinary - any potential to deliver a memorable Jekyll/Hyde performance is done in by poor material. The better pair to watch are Ms. Storm and Ms. Paye as the St. Louis Journal reporters - they are the film's highlight. The songs are fine, though badly synched. <br/><br/>*** Jesse James at Bay (1941) Joseph Kane ~ Roy Rogers, George 'Gabby' Hayes, Gale Storm
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