080 - Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid (1969)

DVD Box

Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid is the story of two cowboys who are the nicest bad-guys in the West.

As America begins to become more civilised, the days for the train and bank robbers are becoming numbered. As Butch Cassidy (Paul Newman) and his sidekick Sundance (Robert Redford) - with their Hole In The Wall gang - hold up their final train a surprise is in store.

They are chased out of the country and, under the advice of Butch, the twosome head to Bolivia where they hope that the lack of technology can help them become great robbers again. The only problem is, neither of them know the Spanish for "this is a stick up".

Theatrical Poster
Source: Wikipedia

It is difficult to know whether to take Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid seriously. It is by no means a typical cowboy film and the jokes flow freely as Butch and Sundance appear more like a comedy double act than leaders of a notorious robbing gang. Despite this, it doesn't turn into a Blazing Saddles style farce but is able to strike a nice balance between humour and empathy.

Besides the humour it is difficult to forget the sheer beauty of the scenery. During the chase sequences a number of mountains, plains and ravines were sourced and shot to great effect. Even during the visit to Bolivia the country appears to be even more beautiful than the previous parts of the film.

The movie was hailed with 4 Oscars when it was released, including one for the now iconic song "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head". Honestly, I have no idea why; it isn't a typical Western song and Paul Newman riding a bicycle around with Katharine Ross on the front just doesn't fit into the film at all... but that all just adds to the fun of it.

Good fun, and one Western that all the family will be able to enjoy.

• Empire Review
• Internet Movie Database
• Wikipedia
• Amazon