Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid – Starring Paul Newman – August 1st 1970 – Original Press Photograph

Publisher: Not stated
Price: £175.00
Date: 1st August, 1970
Photograph Size: 25.5cm x 20.5cm including margins
Format: Original Press Photograph
Condition: Very good
Edition: Not stated.

Details:

Dated to the reverse with the Shields Gazette stamp. Slightly creased and marked but in very good condition overall. A scarce and iconic image.

Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid: A Brief Description

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) is a classic American Western film directed by George Roy Hill and starring Paul Newman as Butch Cassidy and Robert Redford as the Sundance Kid. The film, which blends action, drama, and comedy, became a landmark in Western cinema for its unique tone, witty script, and the chemistry between its leads. It was a critical and commercial success, and it helped redefine the Western genre for a new generation of moviegoers.

Plot Overview:

Set in the late 19th century, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid tells the story of two infamous outlaws — Butch Cassidy, the charming, wisecracking leader of the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang, and his partner, the quieter and more serious Sundance Kid, who is renowned for his exceptional skill with a gun. The film follows their exploits as they rob trains and banks across the American West, all the while evading the relentless pursuit of lawmen and a group of expert trackers.

The story begins with the duo escaping a botched bank robbery in Wyoming, after which they decide to flee to Bolivia to start a new life. Their plan, however, is fraught with complications, as they struggle to adapt to their new surroundings, all while trying to keep a low profile and continue their outlaw lifestyle. Along the way, they are joined by Etta Place (played by Katharine Ross), the Sundance Kid’s girlfriend, who is as tough and independent as the two men.

The film builds towards a final confrontation, as Butch and Sundance find themselves cornered by the Bolivian army and facing an inevitable showdown. In the end, they are left with few options, and the film ends with an iconic freeze-frame shot that has become one of the most memorable moments in cinematic history.

Themes and Tone:

One of the most distinctive aspects of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is its blend of humour and violence. While the film is set in the violent and often brutal world of outlaws, it is marked by a light-hearted, almost irreverent tone, especially in the way the two protagonists interact with each other and with the world around them. The film combines classic Western themes of friendship, loyalty, and survival with a sense of self-aware wit, in which the heroes are not glorified but instead portrayed as two likable yet flawed individuals who are simply trying to live life on their own terms.

The relationship between Butch and Sundance is at the heart of the film. While the two men are very different in personality — Butch is the clever, talkative leader, while Sundance is the strong, silent type — they share an unshakable bond of friendship and mutual respect. The film explores their loyalty to one another, as well as their growing realisation that their way of life is coming to an end. This camaraderie is portrayed with a sense of warmth and affection, making the characters easy to empathise with, despite their criminal ways.

The film also touches on themes of the changing West and the waning of the old ways. Butch and Sundance are part of a dying breed of outlaws who operate outside the law and the traditional structure of society. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that the world is changing around them, and their attempt to escape to Bolivia is emblematic of their desire to outrun progress and modernity.

Characters and Performances:

• Butch Cassidy (Paul Newman): Paul Newman’s portrayal of Butch Cassidy is one of his most iconic roles. Newman’s charm, wit, and effortless charisma shine through as the quick-thinking, clever leader of the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang. Butch is not a traditional antihero; he’s more of a lovable rogue who tries to maintain a sense of humour, even when the odds are stacked against him. Newman’s performance strikes the perfect balance between playful irreverence and a deep, underlying vulnerability, which makes Butch an enduring and beloved character.
• Sundance Kid (Robert Redford): Robert Redford’s portrayal of the Sundance Kid complements Newman’s Butch perfectly. Sundance is a man of fewer words but more action. His quiet, brooding nature contrasts with Butch’s more gregarious personality, but there’s an unspoken understanding between the two men. Redford’s performance is understated yet powerful, with a quiet intensity that makes Sundance a fascinating character. His physicality and skill as a gunfighter are also highlighted, particularly in the film’s early scenes, where his remarkable shooting ability is showcased.
• Etta Place (Katharine Ross): Katharine Ross plays Etta Place, the woman who comes between Butch and Sundance, yet also serves as a unifying force for the pair. Etta is independent and strong-willed, but she also brings warmth and compassion to the film. Ross plays the role with a blend of gentleness and toughness, making Etta a compelling character who provides emotional depth to the story, especially in her relationships with both Butch and Sundance.

Cinematography and Direction:

The film’s direction by George Roy Hill is a key reason for its success. Hill, who had previously worked with Paul Newman on The Sting (1973), brings a light touch to the material, blending comedy with action in a way that was relatively unique for Western films of the time. The film’s pacing is deliberate, allowing the characters to develop and the relationships to evolve, while also maintaining the tension and excitement of the action sequences.

The cinematography, by Conrad Hall, is striking, with wide shots of the vast American landscapes contrasting with the more intimate, character-driven moments. The film was shot on location in the American West, as well as in Bolivia, which provides the film with an authentic and grounded sense of place. Hall’s use of colour and lighting further heightens the mood, whether in the bright, open skies of the Western plains or the dark, oppressive atmosphere of the film’s final act.

The film’s iconic frozen frame ending — where Butch and Sundance are shown in a freeze-frame just before their final shootout — is a masterful choice that leaves the outcome open to interpretation, while also reinforcing the idea that these two outlaws, despite their attempts to escape the world they know, cannot outrun their fate.

Music:

The film’s score, composed by Burt Bacharach, is another standout feature. Bacharach’s music complements the film’s tone, providing a memorable and whimsical soundtrack that enhances both the comedy and the drama. The song “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” performed by B.J. Thomas, became an instant classic and is perhaps the most famous song associated with the film. The song’s light-hearted, almost whimsical mood contrasts with the danger and tension in the narrative, yet it works perfectly as a symbol of the carefree attitude of Butch and Sundance.

Reception and Legacy:

Upon its release, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was both a critical and commercial success. It received seven Academy Award nominations, winning Best Original Screenplay for William Goldman. The film also received widespread praise for its direction, performances, and overall charm. It became one of the highest-grossing films of 1969 and is regarded as one of the best Westerns ever made.

The film’s impact on the Western genre is significant. While Westerns of the time often focused on rugged individualism and stoic heroes, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid introduced a more playful, character-driven approach that appealed to a broader audience. It helped redefine the Western film for a new generation, blending action with humour and drama in a way that would influence later films in the genre.

Today, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid remains a beloved classic. Its influence extends beyond the Western genre, with the film’s exploration of friendship, loyalty, and the human spirit resonating with audiences worldwide. The chemistry between Newman and Redford is still widely regarded as one of the best in film history, and the film’s combination of light-heartedness and gravity has made it an enduring favourite.

Conclusion:

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is a quintessential Western that defies genre conventions with its mix of comedy, action, and deep emotional resonance. The film’s sharp wit, unforgettable performances, and memorable score ensure its lasting appeal. Whether viewed as a character-driven drama or a Western action film, it remains a masterpiece of American cinema and a defining film of the 1960s.

Location: Map drawer C: Folder: 6001: 6002I 002494

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