Thunderbolt and Lightfoot (1974)

Synopsis: Michael Cimino's first picture follows in the tradition of such films as BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID, telling the tale of two outlaws, their friendship, and a robbery that goes awry. The story begins with Eastwood's character, an ex-con and present-day cowtown preacher who is hiding... Michael Cimino's first picture follows in the tradition of such films as BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID, telling the tale of two outlaws, their friendship, and a robbery that goes awry. The story begins with Eastwood's character, an ex-con and present-day cowtown preacher who is hiding away from his old partners from a previous caper whose loot was hidden and has since disappeared. Eastwood's partners believe he has conned them out of their share, so Eastwood finds himself reluctantly teaming up with Jeff Bridges's character, a young drifter who can help him escape. The escape fails, Eastwood convinces his pursuers of his innocence, and the five men find themselves contemplating a repeat caper performance, masterminded by Bridges. Detached from the world and yet desperate for friendship, the characters of THUNDERBOLT AND LIGHTFOOT are a clear precursor to Cimino's seminal film, THE DEER HUNTER. [More]