🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Buddy Van Horn
- Genre: Action, Comedy
- Release year: 1980
- Runtime (length): 1h 56min
- IMDb rating: 6.1/10 (22K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 25%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Clint Eastwood punches people, chills with an ape, and deals with country music drama, all while trying to avoid a biker gang with questionable hygiene habits.
🍿 Any Which Way You Can: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction to Philo Beddoe
Philo Beddoe (Clint Eastwood) is introduced as a part-time car mechanic and bare-knuckle fighter. He makes a living winning fights, but decides to retire due to the increasing pain he endures. Philo lives with his friend Orville and his orangutan, Clyde, creating a unique and comedic household dynamic.

The Mafia and a New Fight
The Mafia gets involved, wanting Philo to fight Jack Wilson (William Smith), a formidable opponent. Philo initially refuses but is pressured when the Mafia kidnaps Lynn Halsey-Taylor (Sondra Locke), his on-again, off-again girlfriend. This sets up the main conflict and motivation for Philo to return to fighting.

Reunion with Lynn and the Black Widows
Philo reconnects with Lynn, attempting to rekindle their relationship. Simultaneously, the Black Widows, a comical biker gang seeking revenge from the previous film, continue their attempts to thwart Philo. These subplots add humor and secondary conflicts to the main narrative.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Philo Beddoe (Clint Eastwood): A bare-knuckle fighter and tow truck driver who gets entangled with the mafia and a rival fighter.
- Lynn Halsey-Taylor (Sondra Locke): A country singer and Philo’s on-again, off-again girlfriend who gets kidnapped.
- Orville (Geoffrey Lewis): Philo’s loyal friend and business partner who often finds himself in comical situations.
- Clyde (C.J. the Orangutan): Philo’s pet orangutan who often gets into trouble and is a source of comic relief.
- Jack Wilson (William Smith): A formidable bare-knuckle fighter from the East Coast who becomes Philo’s rival and begrudging friend.
- Ma (Ruth Gordon): Philo’s feisty and unconventional mother who provides support and humorous commentary.
- James Beekman (Harry Guardino): The head of a criminal organization that forces Philo into a boxing match.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Cholla, Black Widow Leader: “Why me Lord? You made other men out of clay. Mine, you made out of shit.” – Cholla laments his misfortune and lack of success in capturing Philo Beddoe.
- Philo Beddoe: “I like being comfortable.” – Philo explains his simple wants and needs in life.
- Ma: “Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go get ’em!” – Ma expresses her eagerness to join in the action and confront their adversaries.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $15,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $70,687,344
- Worldwide Gross: $70,687,344
💥 Any Which Way You Can Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, I’ll admit it. I have a soft spot for this movie. It’s pure, unadulterated goofy fun. The fight scenes are entertaining, and Clyde is hilarious. Sondra Locke is fine, even if the off-screen stuff is a bit complicated. Whenever I need a movie to turn my brain off, this is it. The bar fight is great! The biker chase is classic! If you are looking for a movie to over analyze, look elsewhere. I love it!!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Clint Eastwood’s action-comedy films”
- “Viewers who enjoy lighthearted and humorous movies”
- “Audiences interested in 1980s buddy comedies”
- “Those who like movies with animal companions”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Cartoonish violence”
- “Suggestive humor”
- “Mild language”
- “Animal antics that may not align with modern sensibilities”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “A breezy, if somewhat overlong, sequel that relies heavily on the comedic antics of Clyde the orangutan and Clint Eastwood’s stoic charm. The fight scenes are well-staged, but the plot meanders.
- The New York Times: “This film suffers from a lack of originality, rehashing many of the gags from the first movie. While there are some laughs to be had, it ultimately feels like a missed opportunity.
Audience Reactions
Clyde the orangutan steals every scene he’s in!: Viewers love the animal antics and comedic relief provided by Clyde.
The final fight scene is an all-time classic.: Fans appreciate the raw energy and realistic feel of the bare-knuckle brawl.
Overall Consensus: A fun, if somewhat silly, sequel that relies on the charm of its cast and comedic animal antics. It may not be high art, but it provides an entertaining escape.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “A replacement had to be found for Manis the Orangutan, the original Clyde, as he had grown too much in the two years since the first movie.”
- “Filming locations included the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in Jackson, Wyoming, for the bar scene featuring Glen Campbell’s performance.”
🖥️ How to Watch Any Which Way You Can?
Currently, “Any Which Way You Can” is available for purchase or rental on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check these streaming services for the most up-to-date availability in your region. You may also find it available for physical purchase on Blu-ray or DVD.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Any Which Way You Can, you might like these similar films:
- Every Which Way But Loose (1978): Preceding movie with similar story and characters.
- Smokey and the Bandit (1977): Similar tone of comedy, action, and Southern charm of the time period.
- The Longest Yard (1974): Features a protagonist battling against authority while being comedic.
🛒 Any Which Way You Can Related Products
- Clint Eastwood: 40 Film Collection [Blu-ray]: The Ultimate Collection of Classic Clint Eastwood Films. Includes many of Clint’s best movies and offers hours of entertainment.
- Orangutan Plush Toy: Soft and cuddly plush toy inspired by Clyde the Orangutan. High-quality materials for lasting enjoyment.
- Any Which Way You Can – Movie Poster: High-quality print of the original movie poster. Available in various sizes. Great gift idea for any fans.
- Clint Eastwood T-Shirt: Officially licensed T-shirt featuring Clint Eastwood in the movie. 100% cotton, comfortable fit.
🎧 Soundtrack
Any Which Way You Can features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Beers to You” – performed by Ray Charles and Clint Eastwood
- “Cowboy Boogie” – performed by Eddie Rabbitt
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The movie was filmed in various locations, including Jackson, Wyoming, and the San Fernando Valley in California. The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in Jackson, Wyoming, served as a key filming location.
While Manis played Clyde in the first film, due to the orangutan’s growth, a replacement was necessary. In “Any Which Way You Can”, Clyde was played by C.J. the Orangutan.
Yes, “Any Which Way You Can” is a sequel to the 1978 film, “Every Which Way But Loose,” continuing the adventures of Philo Beddoe and his orangutan companion, Clyde.
🔥 Bonus Content
Every Which Way But Loose- Trip to the DMV
Ever wonder where they filmed that hilarious DMV scene? This video takes you back to those locations and shows you what they look like today – it’s wild to see how much (or how little) has changed!
This movie review by Siskel and Ebert is a classic
Want to know what the critics *really* thought of ‘Every Which Way But Loose’? This vintage Siskel & Ebert review is a must-watch, even if they didn’t quite ‘get’ Clyde’s charm at first. Hilarious!
Right Turn Clyde #fightscene #clinteastwood
Check out this totally revamped fight scene from the movie! They’ve added new music and a funny spin that’s actually pretty clever. It’s a fun, fresh take on a classic moment.
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