This
1969 Western encapsulates the genre, with dramatic chase scenes on
horseback through breathtaking landscapes, daring robberies of banks and
trains, true comradery between cowboys who would risk their lives for
one another, and copious amounts of renegade charm. Butch Cassidy (Paul
Newman) is the smart, savvy leader of The Hole in the Wall Gang, and his
sidekick the Sundance Kid (Robert Redford) ranks among the best
shooters the West has known. This combination of brains and menace
allows the duo to roam unchallenged, staging petty robberies when needed
and otherwise kicking back at the local brothel. But when a six-pack of
the best cowboys in nearby states gather to bring down the rebels,
using a Native American tracker to follow them across rivers, over
mountains, and through deserts; Butch and Sundance decide to flee.
Gathering Sundance's girlfriend (Katherine Ross), they make their way to
Bolivia via New York City. Unfortunately, old habits die hard, and
before they know it, the charismatic criminals find themselves in an
all-too-familiar situation, this time facing South American
enemies.Directed by George Roy Hill, BUTCH CASSIDY's balance of drama,
action, and humor is a winning combination on its own. But this
excellent tale of friendship and adventure is most successful for its
talented leads, who fill every scene with wit, skill, and machismo. A
broad color palette showcases glorious sunsets and peaceful rivers
running through the craggy Rocky Mountains, while brief interludes of
black and white still shots inject artistic flair. In every sense a
classic, BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID is simply timeless.