Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid – a film that continues to resonate with audiences more than five decades after its release. This isn’t just a Western; it’s a buddy caper with a hefty dose of charm, wit, and a healthy disrespect for authority. 20th Century Fox released this classic in 1969, directed by the steady hand of George Roy Hill. What makes it work so well is its unique blend of humor and pathos, setting it apart from the more serious Westerns that had come before. The film has a relaxed pace that never feels slow, allowing the viewers to genuinely connect with the characters.
The storyline revolves around the exploits of two charismatic outlaws, the brains of the operation, Butch Cassidy, played with effortless swagger by Paul Newman, and the incredibly quick on the draw, Sundance Kid, portrayed with cool intensity by Robert Redford. Their gang, the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang, isn’t exactly the most fearsome bunch of criminals, but they’re good at what they do, which is mostly robbing trains and banks. However, the game changes when they find themselves being pursued by a relentless super posse, seemingly impossible to escape, pushing them into making a plan to go on the lam to Bolivia. Supporting these two leads is Katharine Ross as Etta Place, the schoolteacher who is both Butch and Sundance’s love interest, adding a bit of heart and grounding to their escapades. The three have an interesting dynamic, especially as the film progresses and tensions start to rise. Strother Martin portrays Percy Garris, the railroad boss who hires the super posse to hunt down the outlaws.
The cinematography by Conrad Hall is truly stunning, capturing the vast landscapes of the American West and later the rugged terrain of Bolivia with a painterly quality. The script, penned by William Goldman, is full of memorable dialogue that crackles with wit and provides a genuine sense of camaraderie between Butch and Sundance. The famous cliff jumping scene is still an iconic moment in cinema history, perfectly blending action with the film’s lighthearted tone. The film’s score, composed by Burt Bacharach, is also a standout, perfectly complementing the film’s tone and adding to its lasting appeal. The easy-going musical cues during the montage of Butch and Sundance in New York are a perfect example of this.
What elevates the film, is the chemistry between Newman and Redford. Their banter feels incredibly natural, making the audience truly believe they’re lifelong friends. The movie never takes itself too seriously, even when the stakes are high. This ability to balance the serious with the comedic is one of the things that makes the movie so enjoyable, separating it from other Westerns of the period. The ending, while a little ambiguous, also adds to the film’s legendary status.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is a 20th Century Fox production.
Release Date: 1969
Director: George Roy Hill
Cast: Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Katharine Ross, Strother Martin, Henry Jones.