SYNOPSICS
Butch and Sundance: The Early Days (1979) is a English,Cantonese movie. Richard Lester has directed this movie. William Katt,Tom Berenger,Jeff Corey,John Schuck are the starring of this movie. It was released in 1979. Butch and Sundance: The Early Days (1979) is considered one of the best Comedy,Western movie in India and around the world.
The early partnership of outlaws Robert LeRoy Parker and Harry Alonzo Longabaugh, better known as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, in the late nineteenth century American frontier is told. Just paroled from a Wyoming prison on a vow to the state's Governor, affable and otherwise honorable Butch returns to his old stomping grounds of Brown's Hole, Utah, where he meets Longabaugh in a casino shootout gone wrong, the event initiated by Longabaugh. Despite baby-faced and more volatile Longabaugh not looking for a professional union, Butch, impressed by his shooting prowess and eventually renaming him the Sundance Kid, is able to convince him into that partnership for what each can do for the other, Butch to be the brains, and Sundance to be the shooting brawn. Despite wanting some notoriety both as an outlaw but also as an all 'round good guy who deserves some respect, Butch is trying to ween himself off criminal activities largely for the sake of his wife Mary and their two young sons...
Same Actors
Butch and Sundance: The Early Days (1979) Reviews
Richard Lester goes West
As the first of the modern-day prequels this has something of a bad rep, but baggage aside it's a pretty entertaining yarn. This is the first and only time director Richard Lester ventured into the western genre and he manages to place his own stamp on the film. Much of it takes place during the winter, which provides for a different visual palette (similar to the look of Altman's "McCabe and Mrs. Miller"), and Lester adds his usual throwaway lines to keep things light. Tom Berenger and William Katt do a good job as Butch and Sundance, and at times Katt's resemblance to Robert Redford is uncanny. Likewise when Berenger wears his hat just so. Joining them are Peter Weller as LeFors (who ends their first encounter by saying ominously, "I'll see you again"), Brian Dennehy as a rustler out for revenge, Vincent Schiavelli as a casino guard, Paul Price (late of Lester's "The Ritz") as a stingy butcher, and John Schuck and Christopher Lloyd as a couple of bumbling outlaws. Also, if you look sharp you can catch Richard Lester's cameo about 34 minutes in, doing a double take during one of the duo's getaways. All in all, "Butch and Sundance: The Early Days" may not in the same league as the original, but it's a good enough film in its own right, and at least worth a rental.
Not bad
This prequel to the legendary Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford is not nearly as good but that doesn't make it bad either. If you're going to compare these two, this one is only going to suffer. But if you look at it on it's own terms you'll find there's plenty to enjoy here. Tom Berenger and William Katt step into these legendary roles as Butch and Sundance and they do remarkably well. Director Lester focuses mainly on the comedic aspects of their relationships and at times the film is quite hilarious in depicting their early years as thieves who work their way up to become train robbers. In the final third the movie goes into serious and dramatic territory which isn't all that interesting nor enjoyable, but it does enhance the characters and give them more of a plight. But it picks up for a grand finale where the pair rob their first train. With good supporting actors like Brian Dennehy, Christopher Lloyd and Peter Weller on board, Butch and Sundance; The Early Days is a film that should easily entertain most western fans and even admirers of the legendary "sequel" if viewers are willing to accept it on it's own terms.
"You don't just go and rob a train, it takes practice."
This film has taken a lot of heat for it's role as a prequel to the Paul Newman/Robert Redford classic, but I think if you give it a chance it stands on it's own legs fairly well. The uncanny part of the picture is the remarkable resemblance (most of the time) that Tom Berenger and William Katt have to the stars of the 1969 original. While some of the banter between the two might seem awkward at times, it has the feel of two future buddies getting to know and trust each other and therefore appears more realistic than forced. The nods to the original are apparent without being over done, and it's cool to see Jeff Corey reprise his role as Sheriff Ray Bledsoe, even if he looks older here. Future relationships with characters Harvey Logan and Joe Le Fors are also introduced, creating just enough interest for fans of "Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid" to keep tuned in to see what happens next. My viewing of the film last night was the first, having over the years shied away from it because of my fondness for the original, but you know what - it was entertaining and one could definitely do worse. I'd recommend a look, even if it's only effect is to make you appreciate the original even more.
Cursed By The Original, Better Than It Is Given A Chance To Be.
Whenever I see anyone comment upon this little film, they immediately begin by blasting it because it cannot compare with the classic; "Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid." I personally do not see that this prequel film was trying to meet or exceed 'The Original' but rather, provide a fun addition and a playful homage to it. Stars Tom Berenger and William Katt do a credible job as young, fumbling and bumbling outlaws trying to hit their style and stride without getting killed in the process. No, they are not Paul Newman and Robert Redford, but they are not playing Butch and Sundance as seasoned vets at THE END of their criminal careers, either. Watching this, I have no trouble accepting it as a humorous glimpse at the formative beginning and early misadventures of The Legends; Butch and Sundance. Other aspects in this film's favor are grand location scenery and some top notch supporting cast members, including the ever-enjoyable Jeff Corey reprising his role from the classic as Sheriff Ray Bledsoe (try not to notice that Sheriff Bledsoe is mysteriously older in this "Early Days" film ....But then, aren't we all?) No, it is not a perfect movie--but then, it can be argued that The Original has it's flaws as well. (Director George Roy Hill expressed his own regrets on a few aspects of his creation that he was never completely happy with) Bottom Line: If you can accept NOTHING but Redford & Newman, then stay away from this movie, because they are not in it ... If however, you can just relax and enjoy the ride, then this is a fun little film. My advice: Give "Butch And Sundance, The Early Days" a shot-- If it don't thrill you, at least it won't kill you !
worth watching
On a scale of 1-4 I give it a 2 but it is definitely worth watching Tom Berenger has a very strange resemblance to Paul Newman never thought I'd say that. William Katt also has somewhat of a look like Robert Redford. Especially when he grows a mustache the movie definitely looks like it was filmed for television with the violence toned down I though it would be a shoot 'em up western. While it did have some shooting this movie is more about Butch and Sundance meeting up and starting their outlaw careers. After seeing this one for the first time I actually want to watch the original for the umpteenth time to see what was incorporated into it if you are a fan of the first one you will really enjoy this movie.