Behind the Scenes of the Iconic Bicycle Scene in ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’

The bicycle scene in the 1969 film ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’ remains one of cinema’s most memorable stunts, not only for its on-screen charm but also for the behind-the-scenes antics. Filmed in late 1968 in Grafton, Utah, the scene was a last-minute addition by director George Roy Hill to introduce a romantic and playful break in the film. Initially, a stunt double was hired, but he couldn’t handle the tricky maneuvers on the antique bicycle. Paul Newman, known for his athleticism, took over most of the stunts himself, including riding with his feet on the handlebars, leaving only the final crash and backward tumble to others. Cinematographer Conrad L. Hall performed one of the stunts when Newman could not. The scene’s finale involved a bull named Bill, who required a mild irritant to motivate him to chase Newman. The chemistry between Newman and Katharine Ross was authentic, partly fueled by Ross’s real-life relationship with Hall, who let her operate a camera for a small shot, frustrating the director. Additionally, the inclusion of the pop song “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” was initially controversial but later won an Oscar. The scene exemplifies the blend of creativity, spontaneity, and risk-taking that made the film a classic.