Watch Butch and Sundance: The Early Days

Butch and Sundance: The Early Days is a 1979 Western film that tells the backstory of two iconic outlaws, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. The movie stars William Katt as Butch Cassidy, Tom Berenger as the Sundance Kid, and Jeff Corey as Sheriff Bledsoe. Set in the late 1800s, the movie follows the early days of Butch and Sundance's friendship and their foray into a life of crime. Butch is a charming and charismatic small-time thief who dreams of striking it big. Sundance is a skilled gunslinger with a quick temper and a talent for violence. The two men meet in a Texas jail, and despite their differences, they team up to rob a train.

The train heist is a success, and the duo decides to head to Wyoming to lie low. On the way, they meet Etta Place (played by Jill Eikenberry), a schoolteacher who becomes their love interest. But as they settle in the town of Brown's Hole, they realize that a life of crime is not as easy as it seems. They have to contend with a corrupt sheriff, rival gangs, and internal conflicts that threaten to tear their friendship apart.

The movie is filled with action-packed scenes, including shootouts, bank robberies, and horseback pursuits. But it also explores the complicated relationship between Butch and Sundance. Butch is the mastermind behind their crimes, but he also cares deeply for Sundance and tries to protect him from harm. Sundance, on the other hand, is torn between his loyalty to Butch and his desire to pursue a more honorable life with Etta.

One of the highlights of the movie is the chemistry between Katt and Berenger, who bring a youthful energy and humor to the roles of Butch and Sundance. Katt's Butch is a charming rogue who always has a plan, while Berenger's Sundance is a brooding gunslinger with a tragic backstory. The two actors have a natural rapport that makes the audience root for them even as they break the law.

Another standout performance comes from Corey, who plays Sheriff Bledsoe with a mix of menace and wit. Bledsoe is a complex character who is not above using violence to get what he wants, but he also has a grudging respect for Butch and Sundance. Corey brings a depth to the character that elevates him beyond the typical Western villain.

The movie's production values are also impressive, with director Richard Lester capturing the beauty and harshness of the American West. The cinematography by László Kovács is stunning, highlighting the expansive landscapes and the gritty details of life on the frontier. The musical score by Patrick Williams adds to the movie's sense of adventure and danger.

Overall, Butch and Sundance: The Early Days is a fun and exciting prequel to the classic 1969 film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. It may not reach the heights of the original, but it stands on its own as a well-crafted Western with memorable characters and thrilling action sequences. Fans of the genre will enjoy this movie's mix of humor, drama, and gun-slinging action.