Thomasine & Bushrod

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.

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.

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.

This film begins in 1911 with a female bounty hunter by the name of "Thomasine" (Vonetta McGee) bringing a wanted criminal into the office of a small-town law enforcement official in Texas by the name of "Marshal Bogardie" (George Murdock) and requesting the posted bounty. While there she notices a poster of another wanted criminal named "J. P. Bushrod" (Max Julien) and after a few questions decides to search for him as well. Not long afterward, she meets up with Bushrod and it is then revealed that, not only did they know each other, but that they were once lovers as well. To that effect, they soon rekindle their feelings for one another and embark on a crime spree by robbing several banks in several of the small towns they come across. Unfortunately, they soon discover that Marshal Bogardie has now decided to become involved with their apprehension and he will not rest until they are either captured or dead. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this was a rather strange film that incorporated elements of the blaxploitation subgenre into a Western setting where automobiles were becoming more common. That is not to say, of course, that this was a brand-new concept as there had been other Black-Westerns made before--and several others have followed afterward. But what really stood out, in my opinion, was the introduction of the character named "Jomo J. Anderson" (Glenn Turman) who seemed more suitable for a pirate movie than a film of this type. But that's just my opinion and others may disagree. Regardless, while I don't consider this to be a bad film by any means, there were some scenes that could have been improved upon and for that reason I have rated this movie accordingly. Average.

Thomasine & Bushrod (1974) is a movie I recently watched on Tubi. The storyline for this picture follows a man who does his best to make ends meet until his former lover returns to town and challenges him to get a house, picket fence and some land to raise children. They decide the best way to do that is become notorious bank robbers. Will their lifestyle end in dreams coming true or go down in a blaze of glory?

This movie is directed by Gordon Parks Jr. (Super Fly) and stars Max Julien (The Mack), Vonetta McGee (Repo Man), George Murdock (Orange County), Glynn Turman (Super 8) and Herb Robins (The Funhouse).

This is a very well done character piece that contains a worthwhile storyline that is entertaining to watch unfold. The movie does a good job of depicting racism from this era. Some of the kill special effects were dated but the shootouts were fun. The car references and scenes in this are well done and the elements of hope were feel good moments; however, the ending felt very realistic and concludes this picture perfectly.

Overall this is a very unique addition to the western genre that is definitely worth your time. I would score this a 7.5/10 and strongly recommend it.