Irresistible and manipulative

Rating: 8/10 (17 January 2010)

What's not to love about 'Butch Cassidy'? Three bona fide stars with much appeal, a funny script, some lovely Burt Bacharach music.
I found this a very entertaining film when it was first released; indeed, one of the best films of 1969.
Subsequent viewings have been disappointing. How can I put it? Lots of nice frosting and not much cake.
It's viewed best as a light comedy western, I think. Then again, I like "Cat Ballou" for the same reason. And although "Butch Cassidy" has some truly funny moments, I can't think of anything as funny as Lee Marvin's "Kid Shaleen" from "Cat", for which he deservedly won an Oscar.
I also think of a true classic, "Destry Rides Again", which kept a running dramatic story right along with some wonderful comedy.
Don't get me wrong. Katherine Ross is very pretty. Newman and Redford are appealing, handsome male leads. It has a refreshing, quirky style. And it doesn't hurt to have one of Burt Bacharach's better movie soundtracks. (Although I find his "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head" melody as over-rated as this film.)
Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Redford is notorious for taking easy roles, always the 'hero' or 'anti-hero' (most likely the 'hero').
Newman on the other hand is a fine actor, and has taken on some strong parts ('The Hustler', 'Cool Hand Luke'). I expect more of him.
I've come to regard this film as a very entertaining and manipulative film. What's not to like about it? Redford at the height of his sex appeal, Newman's dreamy blue eyes, a very lovely Katharine Ross. It's a success. It's a very easy success.
Personally, I'll take James Stewart and Dietrich's 'Frenchie' over this flick.