Watch Billy Two Hats

Billy Two Hats is a 1974 Western film starring Gregory Peck, Desi Arnaz Jr., and Jack Warden. The movie is set in the 1800s in the American West and tells the story of Billy Two Hats, a Scottish outlaw who robs a bank with his partner Arch Deans. However, things go wrong, and Deans is killed by a young Native American boy, named Arch Fowler. Soon after, Fowler is captured and sentenced to be hanged for murder. An act of kindness from Billy toward Fowler leads to an unlikely alliance, and the two set out on a journey across the frontier.

Peck portrays a Texas Ranger, named Gifford, who chases after Billy and Fowler in an attempt to bring them to justice. Along the way, the trio encounters various challenges, including run-ins with hostile Native American tribes, a dangerous river crossing, and a tense showdown with Gifford.

The plot of Billy Two Hats is full of action and adventure, but it also deals with themes of redemption and the struggles of marginalized communities. The character of Billy, played by Arnaz Jr., is intriguing as a Scottish outlaw who distances himself from his roots and is often mistaken for a Native American because of his long hair and dress. He grapples with reconciling his past and present, and his dynamic with Fowler highlights the tension between different cultural groups during the time period.

Warden's character, Sheriff Henry Gifford, presents a different perspective on the themes explored in the film. He is an authority figure who believes in the rule of law and is willing to do anything to capture Billy and Fowler. Despite being the antagonist, Gifford is not portrayed as a villain, but rather a man who is driven by a strong sense of duty.

The performances in Billy Two Hats are noteworthy, with Peck, Arnaz Jr., and Warden each delivering strong and nuanced portrayals of their respective characters. Peck's experience as a veteran actor brings gravitas to his role, and his scenes with Arnaz Jr. contain a warmth and humor that add depth to their onscreen relationship.

The film's score, composed by John Scott, is also noteworthy, creating a sweeping and epic soundscape that captures the beauty and danger of the American West. The cinematography, with sweeping vistas of the landscape, also adds to the overall aesthetic and mood of the movie.

While Billy Two Hats may not be as well-known as some of the other Western classics of the era, such as The Good, the Bad and the Ugly or Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, it is a solid entry in the genre that explores interesting themes and boasts strong performances from its cast. The film is a reminder of a time when the Western genre was still a dominant force in Hollywood, and is a worthy addition to any fan's library of classic films.

In conclusion, Billy Two Hats is an engaging Western with good performances, an interesting plot, and thoughtful themes. It may not be as iconic as some of the other films of the era, but it holds up well to modern viewing and is worth checking out for fans of the genre.

Billy Two Hats is a 1974 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.