A Goodreads user

A Goodreads user asked Mark Lee Gardner:

Hello Mark, saw you in AMC's 8 part series The West. Also I am nearly done with your Shot All to Hell. Who would you say was the de facto leader of the Cole Younger and Jesse James Gang? Also who do you prefer Cliff Robertson or David Carradine as Cole Younger. They each seem to have a different approach to their choices on how to portray him. Also what's ur general feeling of the The Long Riders? Thanks!

Mark Lee Gardner It's very difficult to know who was the defacto leader. By some accounts, most of those associated with Jesse and Frank liked Jesse best and wanted to follow him, but they also say that Frank was the planner and brains behind their robberies. Also, there are accounts that depict tension between Cole and Jesse over who had the leadership role. I don't think Cole would ever have admitted that Jesse was the leader, and he certainly would never have taken orders from Jesse. In most cases, their activities were likely the result of a group decision.

If I had to choose, I would pick Cliff Robertson, simply because he correctly portrayed Cole as a very friendly, likable character. Carradine's portrayal was too dark and sinister.

More Answered Questions

A Goodreads user

A Goodreads user asked Mark Lee Gardner:

Hello Mr. Gardner its Andrew again. I apologize for the bother but I am just fascinated with this subject matter of the west and its outlaws. I read some of Mr Hanson's The Kid as it appeared in my alumni college magazine & where Mr Hanson's teaches, Santa Clara University. He writes that Jesse James did meet up with Bonney in Las Vegas to see if he would like to join his gang. Did the two actually meet? THX again!

Alex

Alex asked Mark Lee Gardner:

.........(I ran out of characters somehow!) ......don't believe they offer enough American history in public schools and would like to share your stories with my grandsons, Caiden and Connor. Thanks for your time. (?)

A Goodreads user

A Goodreads user asked Mark Lee Gardner:

Hello Mark, I am enjoying Shot All to Hell immensely. Nearly finished. I was watching Gunfight at the OK Corral this morning 1957 with Lancaster and Douglas. I wanted to ask you a question involving the Earps and Holiday. With Arizona and New Mexico being neighbors geographically, did the Lincoln County War reach into the lives of Wyatt or Holiday? Did Pat Garret and Wyatt Earp ever cross paths? Thank you! Andrew.

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Mark Lee Gardner

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