Review of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) by Stuart K — 30 Apr 2010

Made in a time when the western was having a resurgence in popularity, despite the rise of the New Hollywood era. Director George Roy Hill and writer William Goldman took on a western legend, but in the process, gave it a quite modern attitude.

It shouldn't have worked, but it did. And it also had one of the best pairing of two actors. Set in the late 1890's, it focuses on the exploits of Butch Cassidy (Paul Newman) and the Sundance Kid (Robert Redford), who are part of the Hole in the Wall Gang, who Butch is leader of.

But, when one robbery goes awry, Butch and Sundance find themselves on the run, and they eventually decide to head for Bolivia with Sundance's lover, Etta Place (Katharine Ross). When they get to Bolivia, they find themselves holding up banks there, but they also now work at a mine for American named Percy Garris (Strother Martin).

While the robbery's take place, they earn the title of "Bandidos Yanquis". It's a very enjoyable, and very well shot film. Both Newman and Redford gave brilliant performances as the titular duo.

The icing on the cake to this film is Burt Bacharach's score, which lifts the mood.