Saturday, BBC2, 2:40pm
When you think of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), you think of its effortless cool—a film so smooth it practically winks at you from the screen. Directed by George Roy Hill, it stars Paul Newman and Robert Redford as the eponymous outlaws, charming their way across the American West and, eventually, into Bolivia. It’s a buddy movie, a Western, and a sly commentary on the end of an era, wrapped up with a script as sharp as the suits worn by its leads. And of course, there’s that bike scene, with Newman and Katharine Ross sharing a romantic spin to the strains of a certain quirky, unforgettable tune.
Ah, the soundtrack! Burt Bacharach, that king of pop sophistication, composed the music, earning himself an Oscar for Best Original Score. It’s light, playful, and completely unorthodox for a Western, but therein lies its genius. The crown jewel is “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” crooned by B.J. Thomas. With its jaunty trumpet and feel-good vibes, it became an instant hit—and possibly the most iconic song ever to accompany a bicycle. The score also has moments of sweeping grandeur, like the expansive, brass-filled pieces underscoring the South American segments, perfectly juxtaposing the film’s winking charm with a sense of melancholy as Butch and Sundance face their inevitable fate.
Collectors, take note: original pressings of the soundtrack LP can fetch a tidy sum, particularly if they include the insert with Bacharach’s notes. And while Bacharach’s work rightly took centre stage, let’s not forget the sound design—a masterclass in naturalistic audio that made the gunfights feel raw and real. The film won four Oscars, including Best Original Song and Best Cinematography, cementing its place as an enduring classic. Whether you’re here for the legendary performances, the gorgeous cinematography, or the sound of B.J. Thomas brightening a rain-soaked day, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid has something for everyone. It's cinematic gold, with a soundtrack that’s pure sunshine.
- Paul Allen