Yesterday, January 26th, marked the birthday of one of Hollywood’s most enduring icons, Paul Newman. While he’s remembered for his captivating performances and piercing blue eyes, for cycling enthusiasts, he holds a special place for a single, unforgettable scene in the 1969 classic, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. This scene, a whimsical and charming interlude in a Western buddy film, not only showcased Newman’s charisma but also his surprising skill and daring on two wheels.
The Future on Two Wheels
The scene in question is a masterclass in cinematic charm, and was brought in to show a warmer side of the characters. Set to the anachronistic yet perfectly fitting melody of B.J. Thomas singing Burt Bacharach’s “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” we see Butch Cassidy (Newman) playfully showing off his newfangled bicycle to Etta Place (Katharine Ross). The bicycle, an 1890s-style Rambler, is more than just a prop; it’s a symbol of the changing times. In the film, the bicycle is referred to as “the future,” a poignant metaphor for the encroaching modern world that would ultimately spell the end of the Wild West era that Butch and Sundance represented. As Butch performs his tricks, there’s a sense of both wonder and melancholy, a fleeting moment of joy before the inevitable march of progress.
A Stuntman in the Saddle
What makes this scene even more remarkable is that Paul Newman, then 44 years old, performed nearly all of his own bicycle stunts. The studio had hired a professional stunt rider, but when the time came to film, the stuntman couldn’t manage to stay on the vintage bicycle. Newman, ever the professional and with a natural athleticism, stepped in and effortlessly performed the series of playful tricks and maneuvers that we see on screen. The only part of the sequence he didn’t perform was the final, ungraceful crash into a fence, which was handled by the film’s cinematographer, Conrad Hall. This dedication to his craft and willingness to take on the physical demands of the role, even in a seemingly lighthearted scene, speaks volumes about Newman’s character as an actor.
Beyond the Bicycle
While the bicycle scene in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is a touchstone for film and cycling fans alike, it only scratches the surface of Paul Newman’s remarkable life. He was a man of many passions, including a successful career as a professional race car driver, a testament to his love of speed and competition. But perhaps his most significant legacy lies in his philanthropic work. He co-founded the “Newman’s Own” food company, which has donated all of its profits—over $500 million to date—to various charities. He also established the
“Hole in the Wall Gang Camp,” a residential summer camp for seriously ill children, named after the outlaw gang in Butch Cassidy.
A Lasting Legacy
So, as we remember Paul Newman on his birthday, let’s raise a glass not just to the legendary actor, but to the man himself. A man who could charm audiences with a twinkle in his eye, handle a bicycle with the grace of a seasoned cyclist, and dedicate his life to making the world a better place. The image of him on that bicycle, a symbol of a bygone era meeting the future, is a perfect metaphor for a man who was both a product of his time and far ahead of it. For cyclists and film lovers alike, it’s a scene, and a star, that will never be forgotten.
Ride On Paul!
