Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid airs on BBC2 tonight at 10pm. The classic Western film starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford has been hailed by fans and critics as one of the greatest movies of all time
The duo were praised for their on-screen chemistry
As you sit down tonight in search of your next watch, this classic western is about to steal your heart with its captivating true story.
Unlike a lot of western’s this film brings to life a real life cowboy’s story, known for leading his own pack of outlaws out in the Wild West.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is the film gracing your screens tonight — a 1969 American Western loosely inspired by the true story of notorious wild west outlaws Robert LeRoy Parker and his partner Harry Longabaugh.
Their legendary nicknames provided the film’s title, with Parker widely known as Butch Cassidy and Longabaugh as The Sundance Kid, both infamous for fleeing justice following a string of train robberies.
Screenwriter William Goldman first stumbled upon the tale of Butch Cassidy in the 1950s, subsequently dedicating eight years of his life to researching and studying the story before the screenplay finally took shape.
Butch Cassidy was the real deal cowboy, who led the ‘wild bunch’, a gang of criminals out in the Wild West. The man engaged in criminal activity for more than a decade before he ahd no choice but to flee the country, and his death remains a mystery.
It’s believed he was killed in a shootout with the Bolivian Arm y, but there’s little proof of the exact circumstances.
One viewer took to the review site Rotten Tomatoes to share their verdict on the film. They said: “A beautiful film in every way. The cinematography, characters, story and soundtrack, are all on another level. I simply can’t recommend enough.”
Hollywood legend Paul Newman takes on the role of Butch Cassidy, alongside his partner in crime portrayed by Robert Redford, with both actors earning considerable acclaim for their convincing on-screen chemistry.
One viewer wrote: “One of my favourite movies!!! Everyone fell in love with Robert Redford! Great movie!!!”
The two charismatic outlaws, living in the 1890s American West, make their living through bank and train robberies. However, following a string of successful heists, a highly capable federal posse is brought in to track the duo down, closing in fast on their trail.
With the posse determined to see them dead, the pair flee to South America with their gang in a desperate attempt to evade justice and save their own skins. The burning question remains — can they build a new life, or will their criminal past catch up with them wherever they go?
One review described the 1969 release as “The MOST classic of all classic westerns” a term that is used frequently to describe the film.
Meanwhile, another reviewer declared: “One of the most fun westerns I’ve seen and a bromance that makes the movie even more enjoyable. It is a non-stop rollercoaster of emotions and adventures in the life of two bandits thanks to a phenomenal performance by the two leads. A beautifully scripted and shot movie.”
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid went on to scoop a remarkable haul of awards, claiming four Oscars and nine BAFTAs in the year of its release.
The good news is that you can enjoy this beloved film from your sofa, as it is due to air on BBC2 tonight at 10pm.
