Review of Bronco Billy (1980) by Brian P — 01 Feb 2011
Clint Eastwood rides again with his 7th film as director, and a light-hearted romp about old fashioned entertainment, and it's a feelgood movie in a way, with a good ensemble cast to it's name as well.
Even the show that goes on under the big-top is quite amazing to watch. It's about a travelling Wild West Show, ran by Bronco Billy McCoy (Eastwood). It's a show that is slightly run-down, playing to only a few people and non of Billy's employees are getting much money for the shows they do.
After losing one female assistant, Billy finds one with heiress Antoinette Lilly (Sondra Locke), who was abandoned by her new husband John Arlington (Geoffrey Lewis), who stole her money. Billy convinces Antoinette to join his show as 'Miss Lilly'.
However, it seems like Antoinette's arrival brings bad luck to the circus team, they get into trouble with the police and the circus tent burns down, and when Antoinette's husband is arrested for the suspected murder of his wife, the team step in to help.
It's a fun, slight adventure, about a simpler time and more innocent time. There's nothing particularly memorable about this film, but it soon passes by, and the cast including Scatman Crothers, Sam Bottoms and Bill McKinney work well as the circus team.
This review of Bronco Billy (1980) was written by Brian P on 01 Feb 2011.
Bronco Billy has generally received mixed reviews.
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