Pat Garret and Billy the Kid
This western drama was released in 1973. It stars James Coburn, Barry Sullivan, Kris Kristofferson, and Bob Dylan. Due to pressure from the electorate, Governor Wallace orders Sheriff Pat Garrett to recapture Billy the Kid, a cattle rustler who had escaped from prison where he had been arrested for murder. Billy kills the cops and flees. The film focuses on Garrett’s pursuit of the cunning Billy who keeps slipping from his grasp.
James Coburn and Richard Jaeckel in Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (1973)
The film bombed at the box office but performed better worldwide. Critics who had high expectations were underwhelmed by it and its re-edited and truncated version due to wrangles behind the scenes. In 1988, Sam Peckinpah’s preview version was released, and critics raved about its brilliance. This version increased the film’s popularity, and it became a modern classic that is considered one of the greatest movies of all time. It is a treasure that deserves more recognition.