Kid Blue (1973)

Kid Blue Poster

Bickford Waner, an apparently naive young man from Fort Worth, arrives in the tiny Texas town of Dime Box and takes on a variety of menial jobs. He's befriended by Reese Ford and his wife Molly, but before long Molly has seduced Bickford. Only with the arrival of Bickford's former girlfriend Janet Conforto is it revealed that Bickford is actually the notorious train robber Kid Blue. Humiliated by a scandal arising from his affair with his friend's wife, Bickford gives up on going straight and plots a crime.

Background
"Kid Blue" is a 1973 American Western film directed by James Frawley. Set in the early 20th century, the movie explores the story of Bick Waner, a previous criminal trying to adjust to a new life without criminal activity. Amongst the cast consists of Dennis Hopper, Warren Oates, Peter Boyle, and Ben Johnson. The screenplay was composed by Bud Shrake.

Plot Summary
The film starts with Bick Waner, depicted by Dennis Hopper, trying to rob a train, a criminal offense he's done multiple times in the past. However, he stops working and decides his criminal days are over, calling himself "Kid Blue". He transfers to Dime Box, Texas, meaning to lead a responsible life and fit in with society.

Battles in a New life
In dealing with his brand-new life, Kid Blue gets a job at the town's factory, but discovers the modification and shift far from criminal activity difficult. He is vulnerable to clumsiness, causing mishaps and frequently losing jobs. Regardless of this, Blue tries hard to maintain a straight course but begins drinking exceedingly due to the pressures of his new lifestyle.

Interactions and Relationships
Kid Blue engages with different notable characters in the town of Dime Box, consisting of the sheriff, "Mean John" Simpson (Ben Johnson), and a regional preacher Reece Ford (Peter Boyle). Nevertheless, these interactions typically result in drama and difficulty, primarily due to the fact that the town's residents are as dysfunctional as Kid Blue himself. Reece is an extremist preacher who frequently turns to utilizing dynamite to eliminate perceived social injustice, while Sheriff Simpson treats his authority with a bullish arrogance.

Meanwhile, Kid discovers friendship with an adventurous couple, Molly (Lee Purcell) and her partner, Les (Warren Oates). Les, a former killer turned blacksmith, is in some way jealous of Kid's previous life as a criminal and imagine a similar life for himself.

Climax
Blue keeps making every effort to live an honest life until the town's individuals, driven by their bias and blinded by their misconceptions about his past, refuse to accept him. Kid Blue goes back to his old ways when he's pushed over the edge by the townsfolk, causing an abrupt turmoil amongst the citizens. In the chaos, Les gives up his fantasies of being a criminal and selects to secure his wife, Molly.

Conclusion
The movie ends with the majority of the town's individuals abandoning Dime Box after the catastrophe, leaving Kid Blue in the exact same state as when he first got here, alone. However, he remains resolute in leaving his past behind, showing the constant struggle he might deal with in dealing with society and himself.

General Review
"Kid Blue" provides a commentary on societal prejudices and the challenges experienced when trying to change one's life. The film incorporates elements of comical drama, Western, and action genres and showcases the social disputes and private battles accurately. Despite the character's flaws, the film recommends an intrinsic desire for redemption in everyone and presents a fascinating plot filled with fascinating characters.

Top Cast

  • Dennis Hopper (small)
    Dennis Hopper
    Bickford Waner
  • Warren Oates (small)
    Warren Oates
    Reese Ford
  • Peter Boyle (small)
    Peter Boyle
    Preacher Bob
  • Ben Johnson (small)
    Ben Johnson
    Sheriff 'Mean John' Simpson
  • Lee Purcell (small)
    Lee Purcell
    Molly Ford
  • Janice Rule (small)
    Janice Rule
    Janet Conforto
  • Ralph Waite (small)
    Ralph Waite
    Drummer
  • Clifton James (small)
    Clifton James
    Mr. Hendricks
  • José Torvay (small)
    José Torvay
    Old Coyote
  • Mary Jackson (small)
    Mary Jackson
    Mrs. Evans
  • Jay Varela
    Mendoza