Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two lovable bank robbers keep getting chased, decide to move to South America, and then…more chasing, but with different scenery and no apparent escape plan.

🍿 Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Hole-in-the-Wall Gang

Set in the late 1890s, the film introduces Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, leaders of the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang. Butch is the charismatic planner, while Sundance is the skilled gunslinger. The West is changing, and their gang’s usual activities, like robbing trains, are becoming increasingly difficult. After a disagreement with Harvey Logan over the leadership of the gang, Butch and Sundance find themselves pursued by a relentless posse after a train robbery goes wrong. This sets the stage for their eventual flight from the United States.

On the Run

Butch and Sundance, along with Sundance’s lover Etta Place, find themselves constantly on the move, trying to evade the relentless posse. The posse’s determination and tracking skills leave Butch and Sundance puzzled and increasingly desperate. They try various methods to lose them, but the posse remains hot on their trail. During their escape, a memorable scene unfolds as Butch takes Etta for a bicycle ride, set to the tune of ‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head.’ This lighthearted moment contrasts sharply with the danger they face.

Bolivia

Realizing they can no longer outrun the law in the United States, Butch proposes a move to Bolivia, hoping for a fresh start. With Etta, they travel to South America, but find it difficult to adapt and go straight. Their attempts to find honest work are short-lived, and they soon return to their old ways, robbing banks and payrolls. As their criminal activities continue, they gain notoriety in Bolivia, attracting the attention of local law enforcement. The presence of a man in a white straw hat, reminiscent of their pursuers in the US, further fuels their paranoia.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Butch Cassidy (Paul Newman): The charming and talkative leader of the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang, known for his quick thinking and planning.
• The Sundance Kid (Robert Redford): A skilled gunman and Butch’s closest companion, known for his taciturn nature and deadly accuracy.
• Etta Place (Katharine Ross): Sundance’s girlfriend, a former schoolteacher who accompanies Butch and Sundance on their adventures.
• Percy Garris (Strother Martin): An American payroll manager in Bolivia who hires Butch and Sundance, leading to further complications.
• Harvey Logan (Ted Cassidy): A member of the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang who challenges Butch for leadership, briefly disrupting the group’s dynamic.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Butch Cassidy: “I’m not a coward, mostly. I mean, maybe I’m afraid to height, but that’s it.” – Butch tries to reassure himself before jumping off a cliff into a raging river.
• Butch Cassidy: “Think you used enough dynamite there, Butch?” – Butch says this to Sundance after he blows up a safe with too much dynamite.
• Butch Cassidy: “Kid, I’ve got vision, and the rest of the world wears bifocals.” – Butch states this while planning the next caper, highlighting his perceived superior intellect and foresight.
• Sundance Kid: “Boy, I got vision, and the rest of the world wears bifocals.” – Sundance, sarcastically repeats it when things start to go wrong in Bolivia, mocking Butch’s earlier confidence.
• Butch Cassidy: “What’s the matter with you guys? This was a great plan!” – Butch says this in disbelief as their plans continue to fail and everything falls apart in Bolivia.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $6,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $102,308,889
• Worldwide Gross: $102,311,848

💥 Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid Reviews

Personal Review

I first watched this movie with my dad, and I’ll always remember it fondly. Paul Newman and Robert Redford are amazing together – their banter feels so real, like they’re genuinely having a blast. The scene where they jump off the cliff into the river always has me on the edge of my seat. And ‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head’… just perfect. It’s a classic for a reason, and it’s definitely one I’ll keep rewatching.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Westerns”
  • “Lovers of buddy comedies”
  • “Viewers who appreciate films with iconic performances”
  • “Those interested in American history and folklore”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Gun violence”
  • “Mild language”
  • “Suggestive themes”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid remains a timeless classic, buoyed by the charisma of its leads and the innovative blend of Western tropes with modern sensibilities. The film’s playful tone and iconic moments continue to resonate with audiences.
• Variety: “A thoroughly enjoyable film, ‘Butch Cassidy’ succeeds due to the chemistry of Newman and Redford, who effortlessly embody their characters. While the plot may meander, the wit and charm of the dialogue make for a captivating viewing experience.
• RogerEbert.com: “The film masterfully balances its lighthearted tone with moments of genuine pathos, creating a memorable portrait of friendship against the backdrop of a changing West. The ending, though tragic, is handled with a grace that elevates the film.

Audience Reactions

The chemistry between Paul Newman and Robert Redford is absolutely electric.: Viewers consistently praise the witty dialogue and the undeniable charm of the two leads.

The iconic ‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head’ bicycle scene is unforgettable.: Many appreciate the film’s unique blend of humor and tragedy, offering a refreshing take on the Western genre.

Overall Consensus: A classic Western that entertains with its witty dialogue, the chemistry of its leads, and its blend of humor and tragedy, despite some criticisms of its pacing and plot.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Original Screenplay)- 1970
2. Academy Award (Best Cinematography)- 1970
3. Academy Award (Best Original Score)- 1970
4. Academy Award (Best Original Song)- 1970

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Paul Newman initially wanted Jack Lemmon to play Sundance, but the studio insisted on Robert Redford.”
• “The iconic cliff jump scene was filmed at Zion National Park in Utah. Paul Newman and Robert Redford did not perform the actual jump; stunt doubles were used.”
• “The song “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” almost didn’t make it into the film. Director George Roy Hill initially disliked the song, but after showing the scene to studio executives, they insisted it be included.”

🖥️ How to Watch Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid?

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Prime Video, where it may be available for rent or purchase. Similarly, Apple TV often offers the movie for digital purchase. Check local listings for cable providers that may offer it on demand. For physical copies, search retailers like Amazon or Best Buy. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, you might like these similar films:

• The Sting (1973): Also starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford and directed by George Roy Hill, it features a similar blend of charm, wit, and crime.
• Bonnie and Clyde (1967): Another iconic film about charismatic outlaws on the run, capturing the anti-establishment spirit of the era.
• The Wild Bunch (1969): A darker, more violent Western from the same year, exploring the decline of the outlaw in a changing West.
• Ocean’s Eleven (2001): Features a charismatic group of criminals planning elaborate heists with a similar lighthearted tone.
• A Fistful of Dollars (1964): A classic Spaghetti Western where a lone gunslinger plays two rival families against each other, showing anti-heroism.

🛒 Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid Related Products

• Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid [Blu-ray]: Experience this classic Western in stunning high definition. A must-have for any film collector.
• Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid: The Making of a Western Classic: Delve into the behind-the-scenes story of the film’s creation with insightful commentary and rare photographs.
• Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster, perfect for decorating any film lover’s space.
• Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid T-Shirt: Show your love for this classic western with a cool T-shirt featuring iconic imagery from the movie.

🎧 Soundtrack

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on my Head” – performed by B.J. Thomas
• “South American Getaway” – performed by Burt Bacharach

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

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Curious about the true story behind the legendary outlaws? This video delves into the fascinating history of Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid, and Etta Place, shedding light on their real-life adventures and the events that inspired the movie.

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