Butch and Sundance: The Early Days (1979) User Reviews

Not bad

[ODDBear · 7/10 · 30 December 2005]

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.

Cursed By The Original, Better Than It Is Given A Chance To Be.

[parmrh · 7/10 · 9 July 2007]

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 !

"You don't just go and rob a train, it takes practice."

[classicsoncall · 7/10 · 16 August 2007]

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.

worth watching

[dthorsen1146 · 16 November 2006]

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.

Find it and see it!

[cutter-12 · 7/10 · 24 March 2001]

Under-Shown, under-appreciated, underrated and vastly overlooked gem. An entertaining little western with good performances and situations and with some genuinely funny lines. Look for Christopher Lloyd and John Schuck in brief but humorous character roles, and the menacing Brian Dennehy who offsets William Katt in the film's main gunfight. By no means the heavyweight and complex picture starring Newman and Redford that we all know and love but it gets along quite amiably on its own merits and does nothing at all to offend or tarnish the memory of George Roy Hill's classic. Still, one wonders just how great and memorable the premise could have been if it had been produced in the 90's with Matthew McConaughey and Brad Pitt as the younger Butch and Sundance. Think about it. While you do, pour yourself a shot of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid then watch Early days as the chaser.

BUTCH AND SUNDANCE: THE EARLY DAYS (Richard Lester, 1979) **1/2

[Bunuel1976 · 6/10 · 8 April 2006]

This unnecessary prequel to a seminal western is still fairly enjoyable on its own and the two leads (Tom Berenger and William Katt), then virtually unknown, mimic Paul Newman and Robert Redford, respectively, surprisingly well; Jeff Corey is even on hand to reprise his role from the earlier film! Good-looking if forgettable entertainment - and curiously straightforward, given the stylization of the original and the involvement of Richard Lester (A HARD DAY'S NIGHT [1964], PETULIA [1968]) who, earlier in the decade, had also directed two rousing adventures, THE THREE MUSKETEERS (1973) and its sequel, THE FOUR MUSKETEERS (1974)!

So much potential quickly fizzles to the ridiculous!

[zacdawac · 4/10 · 23 August 2021]

By all reports, the otherwise great director Richard Lester had never seen a western and he'd never seen the original Butch and Sundance film. It makes sense because there are parts of this movie that almost feel like the outrageous slapstick of A Hard Day's Night or Help, only without the humor. And whether Sundance is heisting a poker game, using one gun in a room filled with fifty opposing guns, or whether the team is robbing a train filled with United States cavalry soldiers, they act indestructible, like Superman.

Did someone forget to tell Richard that people will believe the impossible but not the improbable? Yes, Superman can fly, he can outrace the fastest train, he can bend steel and he can even turn back the world. But why should men have to pay twenty dollars and up for a barroom lady at a time when the average man's salary was seventeen dollars a month? Why were Butch and Sundance walking fifty miles roundtrip through heavy snow when the weather was perfectly fine and no one was wearing a coat at their point of origin? Why didn't O. C. continue to shoot at Butch after firing only one or two rounds? And again, why would they possibly try to rob a train, and how did they conceivably succeed, when said train was filled with skilled American soldiers?

And where did Butch's wife and sons come from? They weren't even alluded to in the original film or in any biography of Butch Cassidy that I could find. Was something needed to fill time or to give a touch more humanity and credibility to the characters? Why not just give Butch or Sundance a short term relationship with a woman and her children?

The first ten minutes of this film, along with the director's name and the connection to the original, made me feel like it had a lot of potential. The opening scenario introduces Butch in an interesting, creative way. Katt and Berrenger look, talk and act like younger versions of Newman and Redford's creations, which works well in the beginning. However, the sharp left turn to the ludicrous made me want to instantaneously sever all connections to the classic film. These are not the same characters so why should the actors look and sound similar? Why didn't they just do their own slapstick version of Butch and Sundance as younger men, without any reference to or association with the first film? It might have worked better for me on that level. Besides the lack of any kind of credibility, there were also some inconsistencies. Again, where did Butch's family suddenly come from? And did Richard Lester forget to watch the scene where older Butch and Sundance reveal their real names to each other, for the first time?

Allan Burns was a skilled TV writer of programs like My Mother the Car, Get Smart and even Bullwinkle. If this film intentionally took the tone of one of those, I might have bought into it. Trying to be consistent with the original Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid while maintaining the mood of F-Troop didn't quite do it for me. Diligent effort, which is why I just upped my star rating from three to four. Happily, the original is an eternal classic and this one is all but forgotten.

Fun western

[summitt201 · 7/10 · 4 August 2011]

I Was surprised by Butch and Sundanese: the early days, since I'm not a big fan of westerns, but this movie was fun. I haven't seen the original Butch Cassey and the Sundanese kid yet, but I'm sure this movie is just as good. MY favorite parts were the snow, taking out a billet out of someone, a skunk spraying his oder at someone, the mountains, the scenery. The movie stars Tom Berenger as Butch Cassidy and William Katt as the Sundance Kid this time around and they did a pretty good job replacing Paul Newman and Robert Redford. John Schuck from McMillan and Wive has a bit part. He is fun to watch- I GIVE BUTCH AND SUNDANCE: THE EARLY YEARS *** OUT OF **** STARS.

An enjoyable time waster

[jpintar · 5/10 · 3 March 2005]

I have never been a fan of the original Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid. Though enjoyable, the film has been wildly overpraised for its overly cute script. Are these supposed to feared outlaws or a western Laurel and Hardy. Butch and Sundance the Early Days is pretty much of the same thing. It is fairly entertaining but it is also held captive by an overly cute storyline. This movie pretty much goes through the same territory as the same movie. The actors playing Butch and Sundance, Tom Berenger and William Katt, are very good. There are some enjoyable scenes but they go on forever, like the scenes in the snow that vary from slapstick comedy to an attempt at drama. Basically, if you are not a discriminating viewer and you don't have anything better to do, this is OK.

Nice prequel containing the requisite crossfire , holdups , getaways and humor

[ma-cortes · 6/10 · 13 May 2023]

New version about the known bandits concerning their early days and first robberies , it boasts a youthful casting : Tom Berenger and William Katt giving sympathetic acting as the two legendary outlaws on the lam . Traces the origins of the famous outlaw duo Sundance Kid : William Katt , Butch Cassidy : Tom Berenger who carry out banks robbering , escape , and along the way they're continuously pursued by O. C. Hanks : Brian Dennehy and Joe Le Fors : Peter Weller . It deftly blends noisy action , shoot-outs , spoof Western with delightful performances . This movie is based on real events about But Cassidy and Sundance Kid and previously adapted to cinema by George Roy Hill with Robert Redford and Paul Newman , destinated to become a classic that renewed the buddy film industry . The picture is an enjoyable Western-comedy with interesting characterizing about the celebrated leaders of the ¨Wild Bunch gang¨ of train robbers , they were one of the last old-style bandits of the West . With a clever storyline by Allan Burns based on the characters created by writer William Goldman, including humanly fallible roles and warm, witty dialogue . Besides , appearing veterans actors as Jeff Corey , John Schuck, Peter Weller, Brian Dennehy , Christopher Lloyd, Jill Eikenberry , Vincent Schiavelli , Arthur Hill, Noble Willingham, and Michael C. Gwynne as Mike Cassidy, the Butch's mentor. The film displays a stunning score by Patrick Williams as well as colorful cinematography by László Kovács. The motion picture was competent and professionally directed by Richard Lester though failed at boxoffice.

Other versions about these two popular roles are : ¨The Legend of Butch & Sundance¨ (2004) by Sergio Mimica , this film is well played by a juvenile cast, such as : David Clayton Rogers, Ryan Browning and a gorgeous Rachelle Lefevre, playing to Etta Place. And the classic rendition ¨Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid¨ (1969) with Newman , Redford and Katharine Ross as the beautiful , willing ex-school teacher Etta. Adding more details about the Butch Cassidy, Sundance Kid and Etta Place life, their true deeds were the following ones : they were celebrated leaders of the Wild Bunch gang of train robbers, and the last old-style bandits of the West. Cassidy, born in Utah, grandson of a Mormon bishop, his real name was Robert Parker. He adopted the name Cassidy in admiration of Mike Cassidy, a rustler who taught him to shoot and steal livestock , he was dubbed Butch from his short time working in a butcher's shop. He was convicted of stealing horses .By all accounts Butch was a likable fellow, described in a Pinkerton wanted poster as a having a cheerful and affable manner. It is said that, although a crack shot, he never killed anybody, and disliked gratuitous violence. Still determined on a life of crime he formed a gang, known as the Wild Bunch and robbed banks and trains. One of the gang was Harry Longbaugh, known as the Sundance Kid. This notorious pair became rustlers in the mid-90s, and they moved into train robberies, later, gaining fame and fortune but with the Pinkerton and railroad agents hot on their trail. Plus, Etta Place, fabled as the lover of Sundance Kid, it is very likely that Etta did take part in robberies, notably the hold up of Up Train in August 1900, dressed as a man. She did not, however died in Bolivia ambush that killed Butch and Sundance, since she was undergoing surgery on her appendix at the time. The Wild Bunch broke up and Cassidy and Longsbaugh sailed to South America in 1901 and continued their banditry there. It is believed they died in a gunfight with troops in Bolivia, near La Paz or Uruguay.

Richard Lester goes West

[craigjclark · 8/10 · 8 October 2001]

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.

Solid western, solid cast

[shoobe01-1 · 7/10 · 2 November 2021]

Not great. Too many disconnected vignettes in the first half especially, but almost the inverse of most movies it settles down and concludes with a series of events that build on each other; being unsettled with the normal life; a revenge-driven callout that doesn't go quite to plan; a great heist that goes as well as you might expect also.

Very affable cast, very believable in their roles after a while. I was especially pleased with how human all the guards, jailers, deputies, and posse members were; no one wants to die, and it shows.

Also full points for terrific and varied scenery, an impassable snow sequence that has enough snow to be believable, town sets I haven't seen before and are freshly painted (why would a new town be all weather worn as they so often are?!) and other great art direction, costuming, etc.

As far as sequels go, not bad

[Wizard-8 · 4 May 1999]

Gorgeous scenery, well photographed. Good actors. Sweet tone. Inventive bits that echo the spirit of the previous movie. However, I agree with Leonard Maltin on the one flaw: no story. This movie is more or less a collections of vignettes, sometimes with little to no connection with each other. If there had been a developing story to hang these vignettes on, we would have gotten a movie very close to the quality of the previous movie. But as it is now, it's a simple pleasant movie. Even better when you realize the usual quality of sequels.

Not great, but the cast keeps this watchable

[Leofwine_draca · 6/10 · 4 December 2017]

BUTCH AND SUNDANCE: THE EARLY YEARS is a western prequel to BUTCH CASSIDY & THE SUNDANCE KID; they couldn't make a straight sequel to that movie for obvious reasons. This one sees the notorious duo just starting out, with William Katt (of CARRIE fame) a lot of fun as Sundance and Tom Berenger slightly wooden and uncomfortable as Butch. The film is directed by Richard Lester, of THE THREE MUSKETEERS fame, and much in the spirit of those movies, i.e. very silly, over-directed, and barging its way through genre tropes with high energy and low wit. What does keep this watchable are the minor roles for future greats, with Christopher Lloyd playing a typically goofy role (he gets one of the film's funniest lines), future ROBOCOP Peter Weller a lawman, Vincent Schiavelli a bad guy, and the great Brian Dennehy a typically larger-than-life presence.

Its initial failure has proven to be a misguided assumption of mediocrity.

[mark.waltz · 7/10 · 26 September 2023]

You know from the moment you see Tom Berenger and Tom Katt that they were cast both on talent and their ability to resemble Newman and Redford from a decade or so what they would have looked like a decade or so before the 1969 smash hit. The critics weren't as brutal on this as they could have been, but they didn't exactly express their approval either. Now that I've broken down and finally watched it, I can say it isn't the classic that the original was, but it's quite pleasing, and I can't imagine it needing any more fat trimmed off like Katt does as Sundance when he's trying to make an honest living as a butcher.

These western biographical films aren't supposed to be 100% truthful, but at least reflect the setting and the possibilities of how they ended up in a life of crime. A gorgeous use of location and a terrific musical score reflects the time period and lifestyle of these two legends, and Katt and Berenger do an honorable job of honoring their legend, or at least presenting a tall tale. You get a well rounded viewpoint of their story, not glamorizing them or trying to force sympathy towards them, but the film does what it sets out to do in providing an entertaining scope of what they went through before the raindrops kept falling on their head.

Worth a watch

[crood · 6/10 · 7 January 2021]

As others have noted, it certainly pales in comparison to the original. How could it not? Two relatively young actors filling the shoes of two legendary charismatic actors who have great chemistry together. If you start with lowered expectations, it's an entertaining ride. It won't make anyone's top 50 or anything, but it's in no way a bad film.

Calling it a prequel is almost a misnomer. They're clearly trying to replicate the feel of the Newman/Redford films, but there's a lot here that can't be reconciled. Most notably, there's a scene where Newman and Redford exchange real names, but here they learn each other names as young men. Not quite sure why they gave Butch a wife and kids he didn't have in real life or the previous film.

Perfect impressions

[HotToastyRag · 8/10 · 6 September 2023]

I just adored Butch and Sundance: The Early Days. I loved it even more than the original 1969 classic, so if you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend it. I'm always a sucker for "respecting one's elders", as it were, and when younger actors try their hardest to impersonate their older counterparts, it touches my heart. Tom Berenger and William Katt couldn't have been better at their imitations of Paul Newman and Robert Redford. From the way they delivered their lines to their facial expressions, from walking to laughing, they were perfect.

Another touching aspect of the film was the casting of Jeff Corey, an old character actor dating back to 1940. He played the sheriff in the original, and ten years later, he recreated the same role in the prequel! I always like seeing character actors getting a chance at larger, meatier roles.

Using the same tongue-in-cheek style of filmmaking that doesn't exactly show the Wild West as it was, this movie will delight you from start to finish. It takes you on the journey of both youngsters before they became partners and gained nicknames. It's action-packed, nostalgic, and sweet. Even if you're skeptical that no one can hold a candle to the original pair, give this one a chance. The actors knew the 1969 version was still fresh in people's minds, and they absolutely did it justice.

Doesn't live up to the original in any way, shape or form...

[MovieAddict2016 · 24 February 2004]

A pretty peculiar "prequel" to "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" has a virtually no-name cast (at the time) pretending to be the famous lead actors from the original "sequel," Paul Newman and Robert Redford.

Tom Berenger would later improve by the time "Platoon" came around, proving himself as a worthy villain, but here he's just not amiable and charismatic enough to carry the film.

Note the small role by Christopher Lloyd as he lives in the wild west. Eleven years later he would reappear on screen in the wild west with a time machine. Can you guess which movie I'm speaking of? If not, you don't belong on this site.

You look Canadian.

[saladmanspam · 9/10 · 30 April 2024]

In an era where prequels were as rare as an honest gambler in a saloon, "Butch and Sundance: The Early Days" emerges as a hidden gem that defies expectations. Approaching this film, one might anticipate a mere shadow of the original classic that starred Paul Newman and Robert Redford. However, what unfolds is a surprisingly entertaining romp through the formative years of two of the most charming outlaws in cinematic history.

The film's strength lies in its portrayal of Butch and Sundance not as infallible legends but as resourceful bandits still finding their footing in the criminal landscape. Their ingenuity shines through in meticulously planned heists and impromptu robberies that display both wit and humor. It's this cleverness that keeps us rooting for them despite their lawless ways.

Admittedly, there are moments when "Butch and Sundance: The Early Days" veers off course. A particular skiing sequence stands out - an odd detour that seems more like a nod to the impending '80s ski craze than an organic piece of storytelling. These instances serve as comedic relief but can feel disjointed from the film's otherwise steady pace.

Despite these occasional lapses, the movie deserves recognition beyond its current station. In an industry quick to dismiss anything short of blockbuster status or lacking star-studded casts, this prequel holds its own with charm and cleverness aplenty. It reminds us that sometimes cinema's greatest treasures are those we stumble upon without expectation - much like Butch and Sundance themselves would have wanted it.