Saturday, May 26, 2012

Horseathon: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)



With so many talented writers contributing serious reviews during this Horseathon I thought I would do one of my snarky photo reviews.

It took me about a week to think of a film to do but then I finally settled on Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. One of my favorite films with horses. I mean who doesn't love a Newman an Redford pairing? Even if a girl isn't that into Westerns, well, you know what I mean. The film was beautifully shot, gorgeous scenery and the back and forth banter between the two leads is quite memorable, often quoted.  The only downside to the film was the inevitable ending. Not often are you rooting for the bad guys to make it. Damn the Bolivian Policia and their tenacity!

This review is dedicated to my father, Don, who loves his Westerns.

CAST:
Paul Newman as Butch Cassidy
Robert Redford as the Sundance Kid
Katharine Ross as Etta Place
Strother Martin as Percy Garris
George Furth as Woodcock
Cloris Leachman as Agnes
Ted Cassidy as Harvey Logan
Jeff Carey as Sheriff Bledsoe

DIRECTOR: George Roy Hill
COSTUMES: by Edith Head

*Warning, This review does contain spoilers, mild language and Cloris Leachman in a girdle.

We open to Butch Cassidy, scoping out a bank. Even in sepia he's one of the finest men on the planet. (I had to get that out of the way!)

We get our first glimpse of Sundance who's playing poker. Listen up kids! Long before there was Team Edward and Jacob we had Team Newman and Redford but I'm just gonna keep my choice a secret.

Oops! He's been accused of cheating.

Clearly this stance tells us this poor guy has no idea who he's accusing of Tom foolery.

By the time he's properly introduced to these outlaws it's too late. After he gets his gun shot out of his hand the deadly duo is off. Nice known ya, Slow Draw!

And they're off. How long have they been riding? Obviously quite a long time since they've ridden from sepia into color. However long that takes. 

Butch suggests they head down to Bolivia and lay low for awhile. Sundance thinks it's in Mexico. Well, he shoots well but hopefully he won't wander off on his own. 

We get our first glimpse of The Hole In The Wall Gang. I have no idea how they got that name. They've got two shacks that appear to be patched up pretty good. Perhaps the Really Poor In Need Of Housing Gang was already taken..

I forgot big dudes name so I'll just call him Tree. Apparently there's been a change of plans. Tree wants to be in charge and they're planning to rob the Flyer Train. 

Sundance: "This guy is barely listed in the film credits."  "Just gonna stare it down!"

They obviously don't know their place or how to saw wood. Just look at that roof! I've seen less dangerous tree houses constructed by Bluebirds. Stop pointing and start fighting!

Clueless Slim over here can't see that we have a serious situation going on. He's busy reading the latest news on Butch and Sundance. Get their autograph and go hide behind a wood chip.

I love shoot outs as long as the good guy wins. The walking six paces, the slow turn then the slow motion draw.  Let's do this!


Well, it's clearly not that kind of movie. We get undressing and large knifes. This gang is cobbled together with misfits.

Butch: "If I don't make it out of here, head west and don't look back"
Sundance: "I'm going to need a map!"  Butch: "Ha! You think George Roy Hill is going to let me go out like this?"  

I'm distracted by the seat of his pants.  That's just embarrassing! 

Problem solved!  Butch learned in third grade that you can easily take a much larger opponent by using surprise and good aim. Saddle Up! 

Well, they've decided to rob the Flyer anyway. Perhaps it's just me but couldn't they have told Tree it was a good idea and had a really large scary guy on their side for the heist? 

Once Butch get's the train stopped it's time to move in. 

Union Pacific has hired the bravest sad sack on the planet to guard the money car. Meet Woodcock while you still can.

So far we know that Sundance doesn't know his geography and he's unable to calculate the needed amount of dynamite for smaller jobs. I think I now know who designed the hideaway shacks.

I hope Union Pacific has paid leave.  

Sundance blows up the safe. You know, this guy has no regard for anyone's safety. 

We head back to town where the Sheriff is trying to rally the residents to go after Butch and Sundance. Nobody is willing to join up. What we have right here is a failure to posse!

We pan up above the gathering to Butch and Sundance looking on just a few feet away. Yeah, this town seems pretty safe to me. 

Butch heads downstairs to the parlor to find himself some company. This is the saddest brothel I've ever seen. No wonder the men outside aren't motivated to fight and save their town. This looks like bingo night at my mom's local Women's Auxiliary. (sorry mom)

Sundance: "No luck downstairs?"  Butch: "Only if you need a knitted cozy for your beer!"

Butch is excited about something.

Unfit and unwilling to posse, the gathering has moved on to a bicycle auction. I feel a Burt Bacharach song coming on!

We head over to a farmhouse and a pretty little lady undressing. 

 Sundance is leering at her from a corner. Awkward! This scene needs music. Any time Burt!

 I think they already knew one another. Well, they do now.  In case he shoots her dead her name was Etta.

 Butch shows up with a bicycle. Guessing it's stolen. You know what I learned from an early age? Riding a bicycle in a long flowy dress or barefoot is really dangerous! I don't think this scene is going to end well, even with Burt Bacharach singing a cheery song.

 Okay! That's impressive.

 Try that in a long dress and barefoot. (Is there anything Paul Newman couldn't do well?)

 Butch crashes into a bull pen. Since this is a Horseathon and the bovines didn't sign a release this is the only non blurry photo I'm able to show. Cows never have been very cheritable.

 Butch: "Why not have a Cowathon?"  I don't think so gorgeous!

 When you're wirey and fast you have time to save cool inventions.  

 Etta: "Who's going to fix my fence?"  Butch: "You have one cow and no groceries."  "Top billing doesn't starve so I suggest you put your butchering pants on!"

 These two really do make a cuter couple. If only Sundance wasn't such a good shot. 

 Butch: "Hey, I've been flirting with your girl and doing tricks on this fancy new invention"  Sundance: "There's no groceries!"  Butch: "You're really going to try to pull off brooding and virile in that?"

 It's time to rob another train. I'm not sure what they spent their last money on. How much does a bicycle and a couple of beers cost in the late 1800's?

 Butch hears a familiar voice.

 Woodcock is back and he looks pretty good. 

 For a zombie! (Stay away from dynamite, kids)

 Uninon Pacific has gone and purchased a heavier safe.  If Woodcock could still smile or show emotion you would see he's pretty pleased with himself.

Guess who's still in charge of the dynamite?

These horses are either glued down or very well trained. Any other animal would have been half way to the Twenty Century Fox backlot by now. (Lookin at you Asta.)

 It's an old fashion money grab with a splinter booby prize. 

 The robbery comes to a halt as another train comes into sight. I bet it's those ladies from the brothel. They didn't look happy to be turned down.

 Oh, it stopped. I hope they have their apologies in order. (If you nodded off, wake up. Things are about to get exciting around here!) 

 Sundance: "How do I look?" Butch: "Menacing but perfectly coiffed!"

 Those are no ladies and this scene is badass!

 Apparently Union Pacific has more than top of the line safes in their budget. I bet Woodcock knew about this all along. Scaring and questioning is always a good idea before blowing everyone up. (That tips free for next time in case you make it out of here boys.)

 Now that everyone has split up we have ourselves a horse chase.  (Much more exciting than the cow chase that I couldn't show earlier)

 The ladies are still in the same spot they were before. They've added a couple under 60 though. I hope you grabbed enough cash boys. They look expensive.

 Butch grabs the pretty one! Oh, it's Cloris Leachman in a horrible wig. Really? Virginia Mayo or Rhonda Fleming weren't available?  

 Sundance: "Clearly, we need to get you to an optometrist but until then I'm going to stare out the window and think of something less horrific while you have fun!"  Butch: "I'll do ya a solid and dim the lights."

 The least sexy thing in the entire world happens next. Cloris, slowly taking off her stockings upside down.  Make it stop! (My apologies to anyone who had a thing for Cloris Leachman)

 Lucky for us the law rode through town and saved us from what was about to happen. We're back in the desert.

 Realizing things are serious and they're only hope is to go straight, they head over to a lawman's house to persuade him into letting them join the Army, hoping all is forgiven. (In case you're wondering, that didn't work even after tying him up)

 Butch has transformed into a scary eyed killa. (Blaming Cloris for this creepy turn of events! Sometimes people with really light blue eyes scare me and this is why. It's like those darn Twilight kids without the twilight or teen angst.)

Butch: "You know that script titled The Sting?..Any chance we get a break from rugged terrain and riding horses until our back ends are chafed?"  Sundance: "I can deal with that as long as I get sharper clothes and Jane Fonda isn't in it!"  Butch: "Did she yammer on a lot about giving peace a chance?"

Butch: "I might as well go out clean and hydrated!"

Sundance: "I may be terrible at directions but at least I know a mirage from a watering hole!"

Butch: "Huh?"

Sundance: "We're screwed!" Butch: "My next film is going to have air conditioning and hotter prostitutes"  Sundance: "How did you get wet?"

Off in the distance, Johnny law and his famous tracker are gaining ground. 

Further up the cliff the Hole In the Logic gang can't grasp that the higher up you climb the more likely it is there are rugged cliffs and no escape. Yep! You're screwed.

Sundance: "It's tough to make a dollar these days....I used to be able to lounge around New York apartments listening to Jane Fonda complain."  Butch: "About the war, right?"  Sundance: "Are you trying to get me blacklisted?"

Butch: "Oh yeah?..Putting up with that diva Elizabeth Taylor was easier than climbing five thousand rocks." "I'm havin a heat stroke over here!"

Told ya!

That's going to sting!

Sundance: "I can't swim otherwise I would have been in that Mirage back there. It looked refreshing!" Butch: "Man up Bright Eyes, we're jumping!".."It's in the script and the money shot"
Sundance: "How about I shoot you dead then take top billing?"

Too bad they didn't spend their money on one of those diving horses that you used to see in circuses, or even a long sturdy rope.

After a bit of water rafting without rafts or common sense the guys make it out alive. You weren't expecting the leads to plunge to their deaths with another 30 minutes left in the film we're you? We would have been left with Cloris Leachman doing a very long and painful strip tease.

Well, look who got his fancy clothes. After a night of discussion they've decided to head to Bolivia. That horse is going to be so tired. I think it's time they find themselves a map.

They've made their way to New York for a few days rest before they set sail. How far is New York from the hole they were in? Obviously far enough to go from color back to sepia again!  (I never said George Roy Hill didn't have a sense of humor)

We get a few stills of the trio playing on the beach and running around Coney Island. (It beats doing Dr. Kildare episodes, Robert Redford)

Wow! No color on the boat either? Where's Ted Turner with his horrific colorization when you need him?"

They look so happy. I'm sure Bolivia will be paradise and a quiet life for you two.

Thank God Bolivia is in color. The only way to capture all of that beauty.

Obviously none of their friends have been to Bolivia on vacation. Let's hope some gullible Bolivian is willing to trade a bowler hat for a sombrero.

Butch: "Can you saddle a llama?" 

Etta: "Ya should have saved on the budget and just left us in sepia. This is just depressing!"  (So is that color on you. Not that I'm judging)

They show up at a bank to commit their first Bolivian armed robbery not realizing speaking Spanish and blending in would make things go smoother.  (Guessing Bolivia was fresh out of ponchos and Rosetta Stones)

Etta: "I was a Wyoming school teacher so I can teach you Spanish but you'll have to teach Sundance. I just don't have the patience" Butch: "Wait! We were in Wyoming?"

The Spanish lesson goes on well into the night. Lucky for us Bolivian motels have thin walls.

Butch: "How do you say, "Find me a decent prostitute" in Spanish?"

They attempt another robbery the next day. (I can't wait to hear their new robbery phrases. I've never heard "Where is your safe, cheap ponchos and pretty prostitutes?" in Spanish)

Butch can't remember his Spanish robbery phrases. (That's a lot of pressure! I took two years of Spanish and all I remember is the Pledge of Allegiance. I still haven't figured out how to use that in a conversation)

Butch: "Any chance Etta wrote anything down, say on a note?"

Stop pointing fingers slow learner!

Etta was the look out. I'm not questioning the script writers but wouldn't it have made sense for the one who actually spoke Spanish to go inside? 

Something Bolivian bank guards might look into are guns and horses for the occasional chase scene.

You can slow down and enjoy the gorgeous scenery since nobody is behind you. You only get to Bolivia once, ya know.

Oops, sorry! Where did they come from? 

The leads take everyone out from the only tree in Bolivia. (These guys have a lot of luck on their side)

We're trying something new. 

Bank Manager: "I love your dress. Is that ecru?"

Do you really need that many policia when you're chasing a lady in a long dress and one guy who gets lost in his hometown on the way to his front porch?

Sundance: "Having money isn't easy...How do you tackle an entire pineapple but still look classy and inconspicuous?" 

We're saved from fruit debauchery when Butch spots the lawman who's been chasing them all over the US. Butch: "Damn that tracker is good!"  Etta: "Don't cry for me Argentina!" Sundance: "Who's Argentina?"  Etta: "Is it too late in the film to change partners?"

Not being able to get their disguises worked out, they decide to go straight and look for jobs. (How hard is it to find ponchos and old clothes? I know that pineapple would have been worth something at a swap meet.)

We meet Percy who's willing to offer them a job guarding bank transfers after Sundance passes a shooting test which consists of shooting an old piece of tin on the ground. (Another instance where the pineapple would have come in handy. I love watching tropical fruit get blown to smithereens.)

Sundance: "Can you believe we just got a job guarding money?"  Butch: "I'd rather be lucky than good lookin!" Sundance: "Uh, you do know you're Paul Newman right?"

We get our first mule! Ya know, mules get a bad wrap. They're sturdy, low to the ground and cheap entertainment at kids birthday parties. 

Sundance: "You do realize we're heading right back into the town where we robbed a bank?" Butch: "I wanted that job teaching Spanish to tourists. Where's Etta?"  Sundance: "She's off crying over some guy named Ecuador." Butch: "His name was Argentina!" Sundance: "Regardless..When we meet up he's toast!"

When people return to the scene of the crime it's a good idea to say, change clothes and blend in! This can only end in disaster, for everyone other than our leads. (We have 20 minutes left to find them ponchos.)

Percy gets shot right off of his saddle. These two are the worst guards ever!

Butch: "I'm pretty sure we're getting fired!"

Sundance: "I'm so hot and tired! I thought Bolivia would have resorts, taller trees, English speaking bankers and uncomplicated fruit." 

Amid an onslaught of bullets they manage to save the bank cash then throw it to the bandits. Percy would rather go out in a blaze of gunfire than give in. Oh, wait!

The bandits seem pleased with themselves. At least I think so since I don't remember much Spanish. Me comprometo allegiance a la bandera...

You're fixing to earn that cash boys! 

They threw us the money and now they want it back? (I think the Gringos are just wanting to trade for a poncho and directions)

Butch: "The audience is expecting us to kick some ass!" Sundance: "Shoot low Sheriff, they're riding Shetlands!" Butch: "What?"  Sundance: "It's a Horseathon. plus I've always wanted to say that."

Meet Slow Draw's Brazilian kinfolk. 

Sundance: "I'm going to head down to the US Embassy and ask for amnesty in the morning."  Butch: "You do realize that we're in the early 1900's now although sleeping in a damp cave without a down comforter or electricity should have been a giveaway?" 

Etta: "I thought there would be resorts and relaxation here. I'm going back ahead of you."  Sundance: "Hasta Luego!" Etta: "So now you speak Spanish?"

Our boys have decided to go back to robbing for a living. (I must have dozed off during the part where they worked at a honest job)

Time to head into town for some rest and food on their stolen horses. I'm sure that will go well since the only two people in Bolivia not after them are a hungry waiter and Percy. Okay one since Percy is now dead.

It's only fitting that a stolen horse is what get's them into big trouble. (Considering they were cattle rustlers back in Wyoming and know better they really do get what they deserve going forward)

This kids a tattle tale. I'm pretty sure that translates the same in every language.

What will you two have?  Sundance: "The fruit plate and a machete."

All of a sudden they get shot at from behind one of those tents. (If I described it would that help really since they all look alike? Pretty sure it's the tent with the sturdy table) 

Acccck! Again with those eyes!

I've never understood why people hide behind wooden furniture during shoot outs. I've seen plenty of furniture with bullet holes right through it. Just sayin!

Most of their bullets are with the horses over by the tents. Sundance doesn't look worried at all. It's made of thin wood buddy!

Butch manages to get to the horses and back with only one bullet hole. (So unfair to the livestock!)

Give em Hell from behind more flimsy wood!

Now that they have bullets I think they can take these guys. There's only about six or seven of them. Plus this film is good enough to get a sequel right?

Oh, okay! I'm a bit worried now.

This is going to make the Brazilian papers for sure!

This isn't looking good at all. The Wanted Poster must have read, Wanted Dead, Really Dead.

I'm getting the feeling the Brazilian militia has been practicing for a day like this for awhile. 

We check in with Butch and Sundance who have both been wounded. 

Butch: "Shoot me straight. What are our chances?  Sundance: "Remember when jumping off cliffs into jagged rocks seemed like the worst scenario possible?"

Butch: "I know you can't swim but how's your hundred yard dash?"

I really think they have a chance as long as their wounds don't get infected!

Holy #%@! Good Luck guys!

TRIVIA:
The role of Sundance was first offered to Steve McQueen and Warren Beauty. Beauty turned it down because he felt the film was too similar to Bonnie and Clyde. Marlon Brando was also considered for the role.

Since Butch Cassidy was being shot right next to the "Hello Dolly" sound stage at Twentieth Century Fox, George Hill assumed they could use their sound stage to film the New York scenes. Soon realizing that they were denied access to shoot proper footage, they were left with photos of the leads in various poses on the "Hello Dolly" set. (Shown during their New York trip as sepia snapshots only)

The Bolivian scenes were all filmed in Mexico where the entire crew with the exception of Ross, Redford and Newman came down with Montezuma's Revenge, which halted production for a few days.

Except for the crash into the fence, Paul Newman did all of his own bicycle stunts.

Jack Lemmon was first offered the role of Butch but due to scheduling conflicts with "The Odd Couple" the part was given to Paul Newman.

During filming, Newman had an affair with the journalist, Nancy Bacon which resulted in a separation from his wife, Joanne Woodward for awhile. (Not nice, Paul!)

The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, winning 4 for Best Cinematography, Best Music, Original Score for Burt Bacharach, Best Original Song for Raindrops Keep Fallin On My Head, and Best Writing/Screenplay.


Thanks for hanging in there with me for another long review. I hope you'll all check out the other Horseathon articles which can be found in the write up HERE or by clicking the Horseathon banner on the sidebar.

Lastly, were you Team Newman or Team Redford?

Page


39 comments:

  1. Well Page, you had me laughing out loud over this wonderful post. I mean, really - I rarely laugh when reading anything on line, but you managed it. SO FUNNY!! You are wicked, girl!

    I've never seen this movie - possibly because (don't hate me) I'm not a big Robert Redford fan. Yes, I know. WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME???

    Though I did like THE STING which I, more or less, had to talk myself into watching probably because I liked the Scott Joplin music.

    Anyway, now I feel as if I have seen the movie and that's thanks to you. :)

    That 'Tree' guy looks like the actor who played Lurch - but young.

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    1. Yvette,
      I'm glad you got a good laugh even though some of the jokes go over better having seen it. I love the film even though The Sting is right up there for me with Redford and Newman's collaborations.

      I can't find that actors name although he does look and sound very familiar with his very deep voice. Perhaps someone else can answer that for us.

      Thanks for getting through such a long post. (( think there were 149 photo captions!)
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    2. I checked On Wikipedia's entry of the film, and I found out that he's played by Ted Cassidy, better known as Lurch!
      Oh by the way, I love this overview! Thank you for providing a good laugh for me today. :)

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    3. Matt,
      Thanks for the info on the very talented Ted Cassidy (Tree).
      So glad you got a good laugh out of this review.
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  2. Well, Page, there might have been horses in the movie - and there might as well have been flying monkeys - 'cause all I can see is how gorgeous Redford & Newman were. We kind of took them for granted, but will we ever see 2 such gorgeous men in one move again? Delightful post!

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    1. FlickChick,
      You are so right about having two gorgeous and talented men to look at. I can't think of any other screen duo right off hand that comes close to Redford and Newman. I'm glad they teamed up again for The Sting. They could have filmed an hour of them sitting in chairs whittling and I would have been happy.

      Thanks again for the comments and your wonderful review.
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  3. I loved this photo review! Heeeelarious :-) I'm team Newman all the way... The eyes! The Eyes! I would ride on his handlebars any day.

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    1. PN,
      Thanks for the compliment. If you aren't familiar with my sarcastic photo reviews they are a bit of a surprise.

      Paul Newman was such a treasure! It's hard to believe he's no longer with us. I can't think of one film on his resume that I don't like. He certainly looked good in the saddle too.

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  4. What a funny post, Page! You certainly have skill with the photo captions.

    I've seen this movie a few times over the years and never really warmed to it (maybe it was all the hype it received...plus I've never been a big fan of outlaw movies, except for THE WILD BUNCH). I do like the three leads very much -- Katherine Ross was gorgeous! -- and need to give it another fair shake sometime. I prefer Redford in JEREMIAH JOHNSON and Newman in HOMBRE, myself, but your delightful post has me ready to give BUTCH & SUNDANCE another try sometime soon.

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    1. Jeff,
      I can see this film not being among a guys favorites. Parts are a bit silly. As Rick mentioned below, the songs out of nowhere was a bit cheezy.

      I haven't seen either film you mentioned but I bet my dad has so I'll be sure and ask him. He always has a Western playing when he's in his man cave.

      Thanks again for signing on for the Horseathon and for the compliments.
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  5. This is fantastic! I still haven't seen this movie (I know, bad me), but some of these lines are going to be running though my head once I do.
    And, totally Team Newman. Those baby blues...

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    1. Angel,
      Since my photo reviews follow the plot loosely with new lines, they really can be read without ruining a film if you haven't seen it. I think it would be fun to see a film for the first time after one of these reviews and know you're reminded of certain silly lines I've added.

      We have a lot of Team Newman here! : )
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  6. "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" is one of my favorite westerns. Also, who does't like looking at two likable/handsome outlaws, full of witty dialogue. Just like your very clever movie review. Thank you for the smiles. :)

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    1. Dawn,
      First off! I am so glad to see you making the rounds this weekend. That's great for your fellow bloggers and friends.

      Can you imagine what the female audiences of 1969 were like when those two graced the screen? I've never been a fan of men with shaggier, longer hair but Redford looked pretty good here. When I see guys today with that hairstyle I cringe since I didn't like it the first go around.

      Thanks for your compliments on the review and for signing on for the Horseathon. It means a lot that you're jumping back in to something with so many reviews.
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  7. No matter how many times I see this movie, the thing that stops me cold is how dangerous it is for her to ride a bike in a long dress and barefoot. Your remark made me laugh my head off.

    Love them both, but if I had to pick -- Team Newman.

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    1. Jacqueline,
      Having had a couple of nasty bicycle wrecks as a kid that left my knees and elbows scarred, I cringe every time I see that scene too. Glad I'm not the only one that cringes upon seeing Ross there. Ha Ha and OUCH!

      Thanks so much for commenting and again for signing on for the Horseathon with your week of horse posts. That was an extra treat and nice segue into the weekend of posts.
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  8. Your photo reviews truly are the best. I was laughing & trying not to wake up others in my house!

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    1. SilverScreenings,
      I've learned from Dorian that I know when my reviews are funny when other parts of the house come investigate what's going on. That's the best kind of flattery for these silly photo reviews.

      Thanks for the compliment and for signing on for your first Blogathon. I'm sure you have many more in your future.
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  9. Another entertaining photo review, Page! You know, the guy that Butch kicked in the groin was none other than Lurch from THE ADDAMS FAMILY. As for Newman vs. Redford, that's easy: Paul was the much better actor of the two. I've always enjoyed BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID, but felt the "Raindrops" montage seemed out of place with the rest of the film. In retrospect, though, it turned out to be a trend present in many films from the late 1960s and the 1970s.

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    1. Rick,
      Thanks for answering Yvette's question about that actor who later played Lurch. Not getting film credit I wasn't sure.

      I agree about the music. It felt so out of place and then there was the song choice itself. Rain Drops just didn't fit with that scene.

      U like both actors very much but Newman had the better roles. One of Reford's films that I did enjoy other than the classic The Great Gatsby was This Property Condemned. That film was such a nice surprise.

      Thanks for stopping by and for doing the Horseathon as well.
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  10. Okay. I never really doubted you, but with a movie filled with funny lines how (I wondered fleetingly - never doubting) would you top it with a snark review? Remind me never to read your stuff while enjoying a refreshing beverage.

    It's easy to tell you are a Team Newman gal. So am I. However, I loathe, despise and abominate "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head". That song has power to negate even Strother Martin!

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    1. CW,
      My job is done here! I'm OUT! ha ha Apparently you forgot that I reviewed Bringing Up Baby which gave me hives. An even funnier film.

      Trust me when I say that this review gave me fits.

      I think I should have asked "Are you team Rain Drops or not? I immediately had to listen to another song after re-watching this film. I don't care if that song won an Oscar or not. I'll never warm to it! And where were the rain drops and worrying me? Okay, Ross getting her foot caught in the bike spoke did worry me but you get the idea.

      Thanks for the compliments and for signing on for this horse adventure. It's been great fun so far.
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  11. This is one of my favorite westerns as well, and my favorite Newman-Redford pairing (I think it's better than The Sting). You've done a great job here, Page, reviewing all the movie with a great sense of humor. And for sure their final fight would reach the papers here in Brazil.
    I don't know if I can pick a Team. Maybe I'd pick Team Redford if he's not with this mustache.
    I can't name a movie for a Cowathon right now, but I think cows can be friendly sometimes ;)
    Kisses!

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    1. Le,
      Thanks so much! I'm glad you enjoyed the review, being such a fan of the film.
      Rest assured I won't be doing a Cowathon. Ha Ha
      I agree about Redford's stache but I keep telling myself that it was the style then along with those bushy sideburns which I'm no fan of either.
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  12. Page ~ I know I’m in for a good read when one of your opening snarks includes “Cloris Leachman in a girdle”. This will tell you I haven’t seen the film in this century since I don’t remember the scene, but I do recall (with some awe and wonder) that I sat patiently transfixed while watching this film. Like you, I’m not a fan of westerns as a rule, but the engaging storytellingand the glorious location shooting of this film and “True Grit” really impressed me as a kid. “Obviously quite a long time since they've ridden from sepia into color. However long that takes.”, I think this took approximately fifteen years, from 1914 to 1929, could be longer if you look at “The Great Train Robbery” of 1904, the film has hand tinting, but it’s all a matter of quality. Don’t I recognize the Marshall as a face from “The Producers” and “Young Frankenstein”, that guy certainly got around? A man who wears a bowler hat while drinking can’t be all bad, but since I’ve never been a fan of Redford, I certainly choose Newman (and a “Long Hot Summer” it was, indeed!)

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    1. WG,
      I didn't even notice that was Cloris until re-watching this week. They gave her the rattiest wig I've ever seen. And that voice!

      I was surprised that the outdoor scenes were filmed in Mexico since it looked so much like Utah and Arizona. I'm sure Twentieth Century was pretty pleased with themselves and their two stars with the box office success of this one.

      Good catch on the Marshall! He looked familiar but I just couldn't place him.

      So glad you enjoyed this rather long photo review. And thanks so much for participating with your great review of Wings of the Morning.
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  13. Page, your Horseathon was a blast to begin with, but seeing your pictorials again with BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID was a big highlight for me! Vinnie and I read it together and laughed out loud the whole time! We almost didn't recognize Ted "Lurch" Cassidy, one of Team B's favorite character actors!

    I was shocked to learn that some tootsie hussy reporter temporarily led Newman astray during filming! Since they eventually got back together to become one of Hollywood's most enduring marriages until Newman's death, I trust she gave him a spanking or something to teach him a lesson, like smack him in the head with an extra-large bottle of Newman's Own Salad Dressing? :-)

    Your captions were howlingly funny, as always! I especially liked: "Shoot low Sheriff, they're riding Shetlands!" and "I'm distracted by the seat of his pants," but really, every caption is a hoot! It must take you some time to put them together, but believe me, it's well worth it for all the joy you and your pictorials give us! Muchas gracias from Vinnie and me for one of your most hilarious posts yet!

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    1. Dorian and Vinnie,
      So glad you both read this review and got a few laughs. If you two like it then I know it's funny.

      I was so shocked and disappointed to hear that about Paul. I guess nobody is perfect regardless of how much we want them to be, see them that way. (laughed at the salad dressing comment!)

      I must be the only one to see this film that couldn't place Ted Cassidy. How embarrassing.

      I'm glad you signed on for my Horseathon, Dorian. It's been great fun so far.
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  14. That was a fun read, Page!

    It's been a LONG time since I've seen this, but I think your synopsis and commentary trumps the movie itself.

    I loved the quip about moving from sepia to color! ... And no matter what role Cloris Leachman stars in, she'll always be Frau Blucher to me.

    Congratulations on a job well done!

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    1. Barry,
      Thanks for the kind words. It was a wacky journey for sure.
      OH Lord! I really will have nightmares tonight now that you brought up Frau Blucher. All kidding aside, I love Cloris. She's hilarious in "Raising Hope".
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  15. Very funny Page and a great trip back through Buthch & Sundance. Too bad there were no horses in The Sting, since I liked the ending a whole lot better. Your "seat of his pants" line was a hoot. Maybe you could have named this series a Horseythong.
    Keep up the snark.

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  16. Thanks so much Christian!
    I like The Sting a lot too. Better costumes for sure.
    Now that the Horseathon is winding down I need to get over to your blog and others. I've got so much to catch up on.
    I hope you've had a great holiday weekend.
    Thanks for stopping by.
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  17. The marshal in this film is the same actor from The Producers and Young Frankenstein (and the great bit in The Parallax View, too): Kenneth Mars. He's just one of the many reasons why I love this movie--so many great character actors like George "Woodcock" Furth, Strother Martin, Jeff Corey, etc. (I still can't believe you didn't recognize Ted Cassidy!)

    Even though I am a fan, I always get a kick out of reading your snark, Pagey. Particularly the part about "I took two years of Spanish and all I remember is the Pledge of Allegiance." (All I can do is order a beer.) But I am making it my mission to instill in you a greater appreciation for westerns, just like your Dad and I.

    Oh, and I'm Team Leachman. ("Blucher!")

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    1. Ivan,
      At least your Spanish is useful, when you\re parched! I can order a beer in German, Italian and French!)

      I did recognize Henry Jones, the bike salesman. I feel quite embarrassed about not recognizing Ted Cassidy though. I'm glad to see Cloris has so many fans but she doesn't have anyone arguing that she was a gorgeous prostitute.

      So glad you enjoyed this lengthy and snarky look back at a very good film. And thanks again for signing on for yet another Blogathon even with a certain person razzing you about it. You are a true friend! : )
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  18. The bit with the kid reporting the stolen horse reminds me of the end of The Treasure of the Sierra Madre! Doesn't the brand even look the same?

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    1. Elisabeth,
      What a great catch regarding the horse brand. Very similar. If it's the same horse I hope they fattened it up. It looked a bit on the thin side here.

      Thanks for the comments and for signing on with such an interesting contribution. It was great getting to meet you.
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  19. Great choice Page! I immensely enjoyed this one and I included the horse chase scene on my list as well. Paul Newman is sooooo adorable in this, I mean that bicycle scene is a hoot. Great job w/ this horseathon, thanks for letting me take part :D

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    1. Ruth,
      I just visited your place and your article. Love that you included the memorable Butch Cassidy scene. A truly good film! So glad the studio went with Newman instead of Jack Lemmon.

      Thanks again for signing on to the Horseathon with your great scenes article. I'll definitely be visiting your blog on a regular basis now.
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  20. Wow! No kidding about the brothel! If this movie were made today, there would inevitably be a spin-off sequel called The Worst Little Whorehouse in Wyoming.

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