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:

I hate to advocate weird chemicals, alcohol, violence or insanity to anyone... but they've always worked for me.

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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

Ralph Steadman, who did illustrations for Hunter S. Thompson's books, drew the title cards for this movie. The closing titles credit Steadman for "Title Splatters", "Gonzo Calligraphy" and "Incidental Artwork".

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Goofs

During the courtroom scene, 21 minutes and 5 seconds into the film, Thompson sets down his glass which is almost full. A second later, a close-up on the glass shows it sitting on the floor, empty. All further scenes in the courtroom show the glass once again almost full.

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Quotes

Dr. Hunter S. Thompson: Hi sir, it's Harris from the Post. Can I get you anything sir?
Candidate: How's the family Harris?
Dr. Hunter S. Thompson: Oh the family, well that's bad news. The screwheads finally came and took my daughter away. Let me ask you a question sir, what is this country doing for the doomed? There are two kinds of people in this country, the doomed and the screwheads. Savage tribal thugs who live off their legal incomes, brow deep out there; no respect for human dignity. They don't know what you and I understand, you know what I ...
[...]

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Alternate Versions

The 2017 Blu-ray release from Shout! Factory restores the original soundtrack. Making this the first home media release since the original VHS release to feature the original unaltered soundtrack.

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Connections

Spoofed in Citizen Kate (2008)

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Soundtracks

Purple Haze
Written by Jimi Hendrix
Performed by The Jimi Hendrix Experience

User Reviews

"F*** The Doomed", Thompson's Legend Lives On!

This movie was great; it wasn't really as much a movie about Thompson, but more of a movie about his and Oscar Zeta Acosta's relationship as friends and partners. It gives a nice idea of what Thompson and Oscar Zeta Acosta's friendship was like, turbulences and all. Although "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" captures Thompson's writing, "Where the Buffalo Roam" gives more of a realistic insight on Thompson and Acosta. It also captures different stories from some of Thompson's other work, my favorite being the piece from "Fear and Loathing: On The Campaign Trail '72", Thompson's first hand account of Nixon's campaign for office. This movie is perfect for hardcore Thompson fans or just anyone wanting to learn about the legendary journalist. I give it an 8 out of 10.