Written by William Goldman (an Oscar winning screenplay) and directed by George Roy Hill, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) employed many innovative cinematic techniques, putting the film way ahead of it's time. As Robert Leroy Parker and Harry Longabaugh, a.ka. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, the on-screen chemistry between Paul Newman and Robert Redford is almost unparalleled in Film History. The two formed a lifelong friendship and teamed up on other films together as well. Interestingly, Robert Redford almost didn't get the part of Sundance. Originally, Steve McQueen was up for the role. A clash of egos between Newman and McQueen prevented it, however, and the producers took a chance on the relatively unknown actor Redford. It made him a star. Also, on a historic note, the scenic vistas of Utah in which they were filming so inspired Robert Redford, that he bought property there and founded the "Sundance Film Festival"... named after the lucky character that brought him so much success.
Butch Cassidy (Paul Newman), The Sundance Kid (Robert Redford), their Gang "The Wild Bunch" and their gal-pal Etta Place (Katherine Ross) have gotten wealthy robbing trains and banks in the turn-of-the-20th-Century American West... |
| Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. 1969: Paul Newman and Robert Redford |
The hold-ups are getting tougher, however, and requiring more drastic measures...
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| Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. 1969: Paul Newman and Robert Redford |
Times are changing, modernization is near. Their carefree lifestyle is becoming less stable...
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| Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. 1969: Paul Newman |
The Law and Railroad Financiers are getting fed up with Butch and Sundance and hire an elite posse to get rid of them. Butch and Sundance are outmatched and they know it...
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| Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. 1969: Paul Newman and Robert Redford |
Desperate and on the run, they resolve to do anything to get away...
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| Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. 1969: Paul Newman and Robert Redford |
Knowing they must flee the United States, Butch suggests they head to Bolivia, thinking that the mining area payrolls in the South American country are vulnerable and ripe for the taking. They have some success in Bolivia, but their luck is bound to run out sooner or later...
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| Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. 1969: Paul Newman and Robert Redford |
