Where the Buffalo Roam (1980)

Semi-biographical film based on the experiences of gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson.

Director:

Art Linson

Writers:

Hunter S. Thompson (stories) (as Dr. Hunter S. Thompson), John Kaye (screenplay)

Stars:

Peter Boyle, Bill Murray, Bruno Kirby

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Peter Boyle	...	Lazlo
Bill Murray	...	Hunter S. Thompson
Bruno Kirby	...	Marty Lewis
Rene Auberjonois	...	Harris (as René Auberjonois)
R.G. Armstrong	...	Judge Simpson
Danny Goldman	...	Porter
Rafael Campos	...	Rojas
Leonard Frey	...	Desk Clerk
Leonard Gaines	...	Super Fan
Otis Day	...	Man #1 (as De Wayne Jessie)
Mark Metcalf	...	Dooley
Jon Shear	...	Billy Kramer (as Jon Matthews)
Joseph Ragno	...	Willins
Quinn K. Redeker	...	Pilot (as Quinn Redeker)
Lisa Taylor	...	Ruthie

Storyline

The deranged adventures of Gonzo journalist Hunter Thompson and his attorney Oscar Acosta, referred to in the movie as "Laslow". Thompson attempts to cover the Super Bowl and the 1972 Presidential election in his typical drug-crazed state, but is continually and comically sidetracked by his even more twisted friend Laslow. Allegedly based on actual events.

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Plot Keywords:

gonzo journalist | hotel room | super bowl | journalism | presidential election | 

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Taglines:

Based on the twisted legend of Hunter S. Thompson

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Genres:

Biography | Comedy

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 April 1980 (USA)

Also Known As:

Blast - Wo die Büffel röhren

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles International Airport - 1 World Way, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$1,750,593, 27 April 1980, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$6,659,377

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Craig T. Nelson: As a cop on a witness stand.

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Goofs

(at around 1h 10 mins) When Thompson addresses the college students in the auditorium, he lights a joint with a Bic lighter. The scene took place in 1972, and the Bic disposable lighter wasn't invented until 1973.

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Quotes

[Thompson is speaking to a crowd of college students]
Questioner: I was just wondering if you could tell me, um, if you thought drugs and alcohol would make me a better writer.
Dr. Hunter S. Thompson: That's a good question. Let me see...
[the audience cheers as Thompson lights a joint. A few people throw joints onto the stage]
Dr. Hunter S. Thompson: In my case, you know, I hate to advocate drugs or liquor, violence, insanity to anyone. But in my case it's worked.

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Alternate Versions

The theatrical and original VHS versions featured the following songs that are not included on the DVD release: "I Can't Help Myself" by the Four Tops; "Highway 61" by Bob Dylan; "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" by the Temptations; "All Along the Watchtower" and "Purple Haze" by Jimi Hendrix. One song from the original release, "Keep on Chooglin'" by Creedence Clearwater Revival is retained, as well as the "Home on the Range" variations in the score by Neil Young.

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Connections

Followed by Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)

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Soundtracks

Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds
Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney
Performed by Bill Murray

User Reviews

A great, great film

Most negative reviews seem to come from people who saw Depp before Murray. Pity. For serious HST readers or even those who only know The Great Shark Hunt, WTBR offered a comic relief side so sadly lacking in Depp's one-dimensional, cardboard, just quote your lines performance (and I'm a big Depp fan). As for "Murray being Murray" - such a comment can only come from people who saw this after the rest of Bill's work. It was one of the earliest and best - indeed laid the base for much of his 80s and 90s work. Boyle is frenetic, allowing Murray to play sidekick for a change. A great option. HST's written rants were always harsh but always fair, no doubt composed coming off a bender. Who then is to say WTBR's omission of much of these is wrong, rather than simply a portrayal of the benders. We all know what he wrote and how he wrote - I'm glad WTBR chose to portray who HST was and the chaotic situations he put himself in rather than become some art-house naval-gazing about the tortured creative process of a scathingly intelligent commentator. Mind you - I did see it as the second part of a double header with Eraserhead ! Sadly, no video copies of WTBR exist in Australia. Can anyone help me ?