Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid - Not One Dull Moment

BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID

Year: 1969.

Country: USA.

Cast: Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Katherine Ross and others.

Directed by: George Roy Hill.

Runtime: 1 hour 40 min approx.

You never met a pair like Butch and The Kid.

Butch Cassidy (Paul Newman) and the Sundance Kid (Robert Redford) are members of the notorious Hole in the Wall gang, known for ‘relieving’ trains and banks of all the gold and money they house. When an angry railroad owner enlists the help of a special posse to hunt down the duo, they decide to head south, with Sundance’s girlfriend, Etta Place (Katharine Ross). They eventually settle down in Bolivia, where they live peacefully, until the habitual return to crime is not resistible.

The factor making ‘Butch Cassidy…’ a visual treat is the humorous undercurrent that flows throughout the entire movie. The film is NEVER too serious. Even in the most perilous situations, the duo cracks some wise remark that makes you chuckle, inevitably. Sure, gunshots are aplenty, people die left, right and center, and there’re a few serious monologues as well… but you’re not too concerned. The film makes sure you aren’t and that’s where it works best.

The characters couldn’t have been more perfect. Newman’s Butch is one of the most affable characters you’ll ever come across. With a sharp tongue and an even sharper intellect, Newman portrays every nuance of his character with flair. For Redford, the Sundance kid represented a launch pad for what was to become one of the most celebrated cinema careers. And wow, did he make the best of it. While Sundance does pale in comparison with Butch, there are numerous instances where he is definitely the funnier of the two. Their scintillating on-screen chemistry is one reason for the movie becoming a worldwide hit. All said and done, you do wonder how the movie would’ve turned out had Steve McQueen still been on the crew. *

Though used sparingly, ‘Butch Cassidy…’ represents the pinnacles of the western’s musical glory, with B J Thomas’ immortal track ‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head’ at the summit. The song encountered success of such magnitude that it was a staple for many westerns that ensued. Also to be praised, are the wonderful background scores that complement the racy montages during the trio’s journey to Bolivia and their ensuing robbing spree.

In an era that was witness to a large number of action oriented westerns, with comedy westerns far and few in between, ‘Butch Cassidy…’ made an impression with its witty humour and entertaining screenplay. It went on to become one of the most seminal movies in cinema history, both in its daring nature and timelessness. Yes, it is still as enjoyable as it must have been, back when it released in 1969. Do watch.

*Steve McQueen was originally slated to play Butch Cassidy, while Sundance’s role went to Newman. But when George Roy Hill took over the reins, he interchanged the roles. Consequently, McQueen opted out and Sundance’s role went to the then relatively unknown Redford.