Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is a 1969 American Western buddy film directed by George Roy Hill and written by William Goldman. The film is based loosely on fact and follows the story of Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, two outlaws who lead a band of criminals in the 1890s Wyoming. The film stars Paul Newman as Butch Cassidy and Robert Redford as The Sundance Kid.
The plot revolves around the pair's adventures, which include train and bank robberies, escaping a posse, and a torrid love affair. The film is known for its excellent writing, direction, and cinematography, as well as the chemistry between the two leads. It was a commercial success, earning $102.3 million at the box office.
The film has been praised for its portrayal of the outlaws' adventures and the strong performances of its two leads. It has become a classic and iconic Western film, often considered a defining moment in late-'60s American cinema.
Plot
The plot of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid revolves around two free-spirited bank robbers who flee railroad detectives and head for Bolivia. The film depicts their fast draws, wild rides, battles with posses, train and bank robberies, and a torrid love affair. It also portrays a character study of the remarkable friendship between Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, with the iconic pairing of Paul Newman and Robert Redford. The movie is known for its excellent writing, direction, and cinematography, as well as the chemistry and comic interplay between the two lead characters.
Trailer
Cast
- Paul Newman as Butch Cassidy
- Robert Redford as The Sundance Kid
- Katharine Ross as Etta Place
- Strother Martin as Sheriff Pat Garrett
- Henry Jones as Reuben Flint
- Jeff Corey as Bill Hickok
- George Furth as Ed Meadows
- Cloris Leachman as Eleanor Hickok
- Tyler Atkinson as the Kid (uncredited)
- Stanley Bielecki as the Deputy (uncredited)
- Court Ernst as the Auditor (uncredited)
- 'Chema' Hernandez as the Head Wrangler (uncredited)
- Gaines Johnston as the Auditor (uncredited)
- Annabelle King as the Production Assistant (uncredited)
- Arvo Ojala as the Gun Coach (uncredited)
- Steve Urzykowski as the Auditor (uncredited)
- Richard D. Zanuck as the Studio Executive (uncredited)
The film also features additional crew members, such as:
- William Goldman - Writer (uncredited)
- John Foreman - Producer
- Paul Monash - Executive Producer
- Conrad L. Hall - Cinematographer
- Philip M. Jefferies - Art Director
- Jack Martin Smith - Set Decoration
- Glen Rosecrans - Music Preparation (uncredited)
- Sally Stevens - Singer/Soloist (uncredited)
Director: George Roy Hill
Writer: William Goldman
Box Office Gross: $102,310,823
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Genre: Western, Action
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 24, 1969
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 25, 2015
Theme
The film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the changing face of the American West. It delves into the romanticized notion of the outlaw, the consequences of a life of crime, and the inevitability of progress and modernization. The enduring theme of friendship is central to the story, portraying the deep bond between Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid as they navigate a changing world and their own fates.
Reception
The film was well-received by both critics and audiences. It won four Academy Awards, including Best Cinematography and Best Original Score. The performances of Paul Newman and Robert Redford were widely praised, as were the film's screenplay and direction. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was a commercial success, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 1969.
Production Challenges
The production of the film faced several challenges, including filming in remote and rugged locations. The crew encountered difficulties with the unpredictable weather and the logistics of shooting action sequences in the wild. Additionally, there were creative differences during the scripting and production stages, which the team had to overcome to bring the film to fruition.
Settings
The film is set in the late 1890s and features various locations, including the American West, specifically Wyoming, as well as New York City and Bolivia. The contrast between the wide-open spaces of the West and the urban environment of New York City serves to highlight the changing landscape of America during that period.
Visual Styles and Techniques
The film is known for its visually striking cinematography, which captures the sweeping landscapes of the American West. The use of natural light and wide-angle shots contributes to the film's iconic visual style. The director, George Roy Hill, employed innovative techniques, such as freeze frames and sepia-toned photographs, to enhance the storytelling and create memorable cinematic moments.
Trivia and Fun Facts
- The bicycle scene, where Butch and Sundance are being pursued by a posse, is one of the most memorable in the film. It was shot using a then-revolutionary technique that involved mounting a camera on a pole attached to a bike, allowing for dynamic and immersive footage.
- The song "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head," performed by B.J. Thomas, became a chart-topping hit after being featured in the film.
- The role of Butch Cassidy was initially offered to Steve McQueen, but he turned it down, leading to the casting of Paul Newman.
- The film's screenplay, written by William Goldman, is renowned for its sharp dialogue and wit, contributing to the film's enduring popularity.