PRODUCTION
Fritz Lang
CRITICAL RECEPTION
For her first screen role, Gene is praised for her presence, even if her character remains secondary. Variety notes: “Newcomer Gene Tierney is a real eye-catcher, and we’ll have to see her again.
INTRIGUE
Direct sequel to Jesse James (1939). Frank James, brother of the famous outlaw, seeks to avenge his brother’s death at the hands of Robert Ford.
Eleanor Stone, an ambitious journalist covering the Frank James story. Young and vivacious, she brings a modern, feminine touch to the story. Gene was chosen after make-up tests organized by Fox. Her photogenic qualities immediately impressed Fritz Lang, who declared that she had “a face made for Technicolor”.
The New York Times wrote: “Laura is Gene Tierney. An appearance more than a performance.”
