Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)

Directed by George Roy Hill. Starring Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Katharine Ross, Strother Martin, Jeff Corey, George Furth, Kenneth Mars, Ted Cassidy, Henry Jones, Timothy Scott, Charles Dierkop. [PG]

Spirited story, loosely based on fact, of outlaws Butch Cassidy (Newman) and the Sundance Kid (Redford) and their bank-and-train-robbing Hole in the Wall Gang. Vastly entertaining Western made with a jaunty style that’s juxtaposed against the embattled scenarios; William Goldman’s Oscar-winning script overflows with amusing inventions, clever dialogue, and rousing danger, while the two leads (forever viewed as one of Hollywood’s great acting pairs despite only ever starring in two pictures together) find an irresistible mix of bravado, contemplation and irascibility. The centerpiece manhunt and music-laden montage both go on a bit, and some of the finesse becomes labored once they reach South America, but its robust sense of humor always keeps it on a confident path. Splendidly photographed by Conrad L. Hall (the opening sequence is in a sepia tone that resembles the simulated newsreel footage that runs over the opening credits); he, too, won an Academy Award, along with Burt Bacharach and Hal David for the musical score and the tune, “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” (sung by B. J. Thomas). Cloris Leachman has a small role as a prostitute, and Sam Elliott plays a gambler at the beginning, face unseen.

90/100