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It's 1881 in New Mexico, and the times they are a'changing. Pat Garrett, erstwhile travelling companion of the outlaw Billy the Kid has become a sheriff, tasked by cattle interests with ridding the territory of Billy. After Billy escapes, Pat assembles a posse and chases him through the territory, culminating in a final confrontation at Fort Sumner, but is unaware of the full scope of the cattle interests' plans for the New West.Written by
Ed Sutton <esutton@mindspring.com>
James T. Aubrey began to send telegrams to the set complaining about the number of camera set-ups that Sam Peckinpah used, and the time spent to shoot specific scenes. According to producer Gordon Carroll, the movie's set was "a battleground". See more »
Goofs
Though the film takes place in 1881, many of the characters use Winchester Model 1892 rifles which were not available until 1892. See more »
Quotes
Pat Garrett:
[to the prostitutes undressing him in his as the start to take off his longjohns]
Pull hard. They've been on a long time.
See more »
Alternate Versions
The 1973 UK cinema version featured the shorter 106 minute print and was cut by the BBFC for violence. Video releases featured the restored 116 minute print (known as the "Turner Preview Version") which contained the violence but lost 16 secs of BBFC cuts to a forwards horsefall and shots of cockfighting. DVD releases include both the Turner Preview print and the 2005 110 minute Special Edition, both of which suffer the cockfight/horsefall cuts. See more »
On the surface, a film about the doomed friendship between the two title characters, Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid is really a film about the death of a way of American life. Death is omni-present in this film, and the compelling aspect of it is that so many of the characters are completely prepared to accept it and deal it out. The best and saddest moments in the film involve characters who know they are going to die and accept it. And the performances are all remarkable. Kristofferson's easygoing and charismatic portrayal of Billy is the best work of his career, as is Coburn's sad-eyed interpretation of Pat Garrett. A wonderful film, almost as good as Peckinpah's masterpiece The Wild Bunch.
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On the surface, a film about the doomed friendship between the two title characters, Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid is really a film about the death of a way of American life. Death is omni-present in this film, and the compelling aspect of it is that so many of the characters are completely prepared to accept it and deal it out. The best and saddest moments in the film involve characters who know they are going to die and accept it. And the performances are all remarkable. Kristofferson's easygoing and charismatic portrayal of Billy is the best work of his career, as is Coburn's sad-eyed interpretation of Pat Garrett. A wonderful film, almost as good as Peckinpah's masterpiece The Wild Bunch.