Every Which Way but Loose (1978)

The San Fernando Valley adventures of trucker turned prize-fighter Philo Beddoe and his pet orangutan Clyde.

Director:

James Fargo

Writer:

Jeremy Joe Kronsberg

Stars:

Clint Eastwood, Sondra Locke, Geoffrey Lewis

1 win & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Clint Eastwood	...	Philo Beddoe
Sondra Locke	...	Lynn Halsey-Taylor
Geoffrey Lewis	...	Orville
Beverly D'Angelo	...	Echo
Walter Barnes	...	Tank Murdock
George Chandler	...	Clerk at D.M.V.
Roy Jenson	...	Woody
James McEachin	...	Herb
Bill McKinney	...	Dallas
William O'Connell	...	Elmo
John Quade	...	Cholla
Dan Vadis	...	Frank
Gregory Walcott	...	Putnam
Hank Worden	...	Trailer Court Manager
Ruth Gordon	...	Ma

Storyline

Philo Beddoe (Clint Eastwood) is an easy-going trucker and a great fist-fighter. With two friends, Orville (Geoffrey Lewis), who promotes prize-fights for him, and Clyde (Manis the Orangutan), the orangutan he won on a bet, he roams the San Fernando Valley in search of cold beer, country music, and the occasional punch-up. But he is floored by dainty little country and western singer, Lynn Halsey-Taylor (Sondra Locke), who gives him the slip when she realizes he's getting too serious. Phil, Clyde, and Orville set off in pursuit, pestered by bikers.

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Plot Keywords:

orangutan | biker leader | headband | outlaw gang | ape | 

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Taglines:

Clint Eastwood will turn you Every Which Way But Loose

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Genres:

Action | Comedy

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

The name of the motorcycle gang was the "Black Widows of Pacoima", a real-life district in the San Fernando Valley.

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Goofs

When Echo fired two rounds into the side of beef, the cigar falls out of the man's mouth twice.

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Quotes

Waitress: [to Elmo after the Widows question her about Philo's whereabouts] You want to talk, take a walk. You want to eat, take a seat.
[diner erupts into laughter]
Frank: [to fat man at counter] What're you laughing at, lard ass?
Fat Man: [fuming] I tell you what. You turn around and walk out that door, and I'll forget what you said.
[looks up at Frank, grinning]
Fat Man: And I won't tell everybody you drink horse piss!
[waitress and patrons giggle]
Frank: Elmo, Cholla, did you hear what he just said?
Cholla: [fiercely] I heard it.
Waitress: [...]

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Connections

Referenced in Just Shoot Me!: Sewer! (1998)

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Soundtracks

Send Me Down To Tucson
Written by Cliff Crofford (as C. Crofford) and Snuff Garrett (as T. Garrett)
Sung by Mel Tillis

User Reviews

Incredibly underrated

I know what you're thinking- I'm such a huge Eastwood fan so my opinion isn't that significant. Honestly though, this has got to be one of the most underrated movies of all time. I laughed harder and had a better time watching this movie than just about any "comedy" I can think of. Clint did an excellent job in a different role for him as a guy who isn't so clever and great with the ladies. His best friend Clyde turned in an awesome performance as well. I also loved Geoffrey Lewis and the gorgeous Beverly D'Angelo and Ruth Gordon does a typically great act as the tough old lady. I agree with an earlier writer with respect to the one negative here- Sondra Locke's acting and singing. The only justification is that in the movie her character is just as bad. I have to believe that even people that aren't major Clint Eastwood fans would still like this one. Big fans should love it.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 December 1978 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Coming of Philo Beddoe

Filming Locations:

Cottonwood Court, 1742 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$5,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$10,272,294, 24 December 1978

Gross USA:

$85,196,485

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$85,196,485

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Bros., The Malpaso Company

Technical Specs

Runtime:

114 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1