Thomasine & Bushrod

Bonnie and Clyde out west. You know it's all on a downward spiral. Gets called a Blaxploitation movie and while it does have the themes, characters, attitudes and a style of acting that are all commonly associated with that genre, there is also an unexpected dimension of depth here. Mainly that is due to the relationship between the two leads. They were lovers in real life at the time that this picture was made and it shows. They bring a quiet humanity and personal feeling between them which elevates the movie beyond the limits of its script. I'd like to watch more of them as a duo, surviving and living out west without the obligation to descend into predictable violence. Vonetta McGee has great presence and plays surely one of the most memorable female lead roles in Westerns, ever. Overall - a cool, rare '70s western featuring some great early cars as well as stylish clothes and enjoyable music. It's a 6/10 movie but I give it 7 for it's extra levels of enjoyment.

Set in 1911 Texas this is a tale of female bounty hunter Thomasine and bandit Bushrod who team up, robbing from the rich and generously giving to the poor, Robin Hood meets Bonnie and Clyde. It is a mixture of black exploitation, Western, action and humour, though don't be fooled into thinking that this is a spoof. It does have some funny moments but this is more than counter balanced by racist language and violence. Max Julien not only stars as Bushrod but he also wrote and co-produced this movie, obviously a talented guy. His character is wanted for murder but he has a good heart. His partner (in more ways than one) Thomasine is played by the very attractive Vonetta McGee, their onscreen magic no doubt helped by the fact that the two were in a real life relationship. I felt that the movie started off really well, then it slows down for a while before culminating in a very powerful finale. Very catchy theme tune that stayed in my head long after the closing credits.

I saw the movie when it originally came out in 1974, and it was very entertaining. I can't believe it is not available for purchase. I know Max Julien wrote and produced it, but where's the movie? Max if you read this, please make this movie available. (not enough lines) repeat.... saw the movie when it originally came out in 1974, and it was very entertaining. I can't believe it is not available for purchase. I know Max Julien wrote and produced it, but where's the movie? Max if you read this, please make this movie available.

saw the movie when it originally came out in 1974, and it was very entertaining. I can't believe it is not available for purchase. I know Max Julien wrote and produced it, but where's the movie? Max if you read this, please make this movie available.

Amazing how you can see a movie, not think of it for a decade or even 2, but then remember some parts. The ending was so special and I called it right before it happened making me think I saw it years ago. My claim that it is blaxploitation comes in way of looking at the clown white sheriff and looking at how our 2 heroes can ride in a car that goes 4 miles per hour and escape all bullets as if mythical characters, a trademark of blaxploitation super hero films. Even though Glenn Thurman is in this one, the film would have had a bigger push, following and lasting impact had a James Earl Jones or Rosie Grier been secured in the lead role. As it stands, the actors involved did an admirable job.

Wow, this movie is far, FAR better than I expected.

First of all, it has been referred to as being of the "blacksploitation" genre. This is not appropriate, IMO. It has none of the braggadocio of that genre, nor does it portray whites as complete bumbling idiots. This is simply an excellent western that just happens to have two black leads. (FWIW, I'm white.)

There is plenty of action, but much more emphasis on the characters feelings, as any good movie should have. This isn't a zany romp, like (say) Buck & the Preacher, but a serious look at two complicated individuals.

The film is excellent. It reminds me more of Butch Cassidy than Bonnie & Clyde. The two leads are excellent actors, and have great chemistry between them. Vonetta McGee literally gives an Oscar-worthy performance. Seriously. She pulls a great range of emotions out of what would otherwise be an average script.

The plot is well worked-out, considering the genre, with no clichés to be found. The cinematography and score are both first rate. While I wouldn't call this a "must see" film (how many of those are there, really?) it is a fine piece of work.

I gave it an 8. If the screenplay had been just a little better (the low-point of the entire production) this could have been a 9 - 10.

Don't pass this up if you get a chance to see it.