The 1969 Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, directed by George Hill encapsulated the very meaning of the Western dramatic chase scenes on horseback to daring robberies of banks and trains all based around a friendship where either would die for the other.Not only did this film launch the career of Robert Redford it kicked off a friendship between Paul Newman and Robert Redford that has spanned almost forty years.Butch Cassidy (Paul Newman) is the smart, savvy leader of The Hole in the Wall Gang, and his sidekick the Sundance Kid (Robert Redford) ranks among the best shooters the West has known.This combination of brains and menace allows the duo to roam unchallenged, staging petty robberies when needed and otherwise kicking back at the local brothel. But when a six-pack of the best cowboys in nearby states gather to bring down the rebels, using a Native American tracker to follow them across rivers, over mountains, and through deserts; Butch and Sundance decide to flee. Gathering Sundance's girlfriend (Katherine Ross), they make their way to Bolivia via New York City.

Unfortunately, old habits die hard, and before they know it, the charismatic criminals find themselves in an all-too-familiar situation, this time facing South American enemies.

The film went on to gross $102.3 million in the U.S. alone, the film now ranks amongst the top hundred grossing movies of all time.

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was nominated for seven Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. It went on to win four: Best Cinematography, Best Music - Original Score, Best Music - Song and Best Screenplay.

It's success was largely down to the sizzling chemistry of Robert Redford and Paul Newman, with Newman was at his roguish best and Redford mixing sex appeal with danger, it's hard to believe that this partnership didn't happen as the parts were originally offered to Warren Beatty and Steve McQueen.

Before Redford was on board the project Newman was being teamed up with Max Olsen. And when Redford was finally cast he was to play the role of Butch and Newman Sundance before the roles were reversed.

It was only under director George Roy Hill's insistence that Redford played Sundance that he was cast.

While Butch Cassidy wasn't the first, and certainly wasn't the last movie to pair up a couple of wisecracking best friends it is one of the most memorable. Ageing well Butch Cassidy and the Sundance kid is a classic and one of the best cinema's Westerns that has never been surpassed.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw