Totally agree, me and my brother, now in our 60s watched it for old times sake expecting it to be badly dated, at the end we both said it was exactly how we remembered it. My brother used to quote all the great lines when we were teens...he still did that when we watched it again. what an incredible movie. one of Clint's very best. Elvis himself loved it so much he recorded this great closing song the same year.
I always was mad at Eastwood for not showing more motion but now I can understand better. He was a war vet that's all a lot of dying so it probably wasn't uncommon to him. An underrated movie. Another emotional Jeff Bridges movie was starman directed by John Carpenter
My dad took me to see this movie when I was eight years old at a small theater in Ocean City, Maryland called Showell's. It was on the boardwalk. I remember the experience well because the movie was so good, filled with action, emotion, great acting, and amazing visuals, and also because my mom was pissed off at my dad for taking me, an eight year old, to see an R rated movie.
Great post. Thx for sharing. Same thing happened to me but the movie with Joyce and my mom was not happy my dad took me to the classic movie that was the first movie I ever went to I was eight years old
Jeff Bridges should have won an oscar for his character in this movie and notice how Thunderbolt broke his cigar and just drops it in the ashtray?he doesn't feel much like celebrating now also looked like he was beginning to tear up.
It was definitely an oscar winning performance. Just hard to argue against De niro in the Godfather 2. I personally enjoy Thunderbolt and Lightfoot over Godfather 2.
i don't think Thunderbolt was going to last that much longer either, with everyone gone. He may have driven that beautiful white car off of a cliff at some point. At that point, what does money mean.
Heck yeah, he should have won for his performance as Lightfoot! But it wouldn't be until 2010 Bridges finally received his Oscar for Crazy Heart. But this ending here really made me tear up. If I was in Thunderbolt's place, I would definitely be heartbroken for losing this cool kid bro-like partner after the short time working together.
I loved the ending of this movie. The two of them finding the school just by chance, the fact that somebody finally wakes up with more than a headache when they get hit over the head, and the song fit the mood of the ending, perfectly.
Yes, it's the perfect contrast to the 007 movies where he frequently gets hit on the head or neck and has nothing more than a moderate concussion afterwards.
“Has it ever struck you that life is all memory, except for the one present moment that goes by you so quick you hardly catch it going?”― Tennessee Williams.
Agree George, and it's my favorite Clint movie AND my favorite movie of all. This was one of a very small amount of roles where Clint was neither a cop nor a cowboy, and he nails Michael Cimino's character perfectly. When I think of middle aged Clint, this (Thunderbolt) is who I think of.
I'm 51 former Marine. I watched this movie when I was a kid with my dad. RIP. I specifically looked up the end of this movie. And I knew it was going to hit me hard with snot and tears. It's magnificent!
@@AbeTheSigma007 Eastwood plays military vets in several roles. In actuality, he hated his stint in the army. He avoided going to Korea by becoming the lifeguard at Fort Ord Army Base. The guy always with a gun in his hand in the movies. Just shows you how actors can fake it
This has been my favourite film of all time for over 20 years, it has become part of who I am. No matter how many brilliant films I have watched since it still remains number one. A far deeper film than it appears to be on the surface.
I am there with you... this has been my favorite film for the longest time... and ironically it wasn't the first time I saw it. After my second viewing of it, it hit me like no other film... I even researched the filming locations and went to them in Montana... I've noticed several others have too. You don't do that sorta shit unless a film truly touches you. I love the film.
The film means that much to me too, Steven Williams. From the casting to the setting/photography (Montana is SO beautiful!!), plotting, direction, writing, acting, and fantastic bittersweet ending, this movie sums up the 70s (esp the male pov on post-Vietnam America) perfectly. I've seen it over 200 times btw (no exaggeration), tho I'm not old enough to have seen it in the theater. My favorite scenes are when Clint recounts to Jeff how they pulled off the robbery the first time (eat apples and drink beer, sit near tree overlooking river), the one where Clint and Jeff are walking toward the field near the end, bummed out from not getting the money from the robbery, and Clint sees the one room school house in the distance, and lastly, the one where they get away from Red and Goody after leaving the diner, drive down toward where they board the Idaho Dream, Lightfoot gives Clint some background on himself, and then they talk on the back of the boat while the camera follows them for a LONG, LONG way.
It’s just as heartbreaking every time I watch it. 😢 When Paul Williams’s great song comes on, and the credits roll, I mourn Lightfoot every time. Brilliant film.
A similar thing happened to a guy down the street from me. I arrived home late one evening and there was police tape blocking off one of the roads. Turns out, there had been a road rage incident. One guy had followed another after something dumb, like another guy cutting him off and hen he caught up with him, he clocked him across the head with a bat (no joke). The dude died 2 days later. I'm hoping who ever did the beating ended up doing some sort of time. That shit is uncalled for.
In the good old days when you used to get two movies for your £1 sterling, me and my mate got in the cinema at opening time and watched this movie which was the movie before Enter the Dragon. They never used to empty the cinema between shows then so we stayed there all day and watched both films twice lol. Value for money or what! Clint & Bruce, two of my childhood hero`s. Great closing tune.
This is the film when I first saw Jeff Bridges. Not in the theatres, but on TV in 1978. I was 11 then and did not fully understand it. Now I`m 56 and still impressed.
A great often overlooked film with a unforgettable ending. Love the Paul Williams song. The look on Clint's face at the end says a thousand words. Similar ending to Midnight Cowboy.
Both this and "Silent Running" brought me close to tears at the end. And I think it's no coincidence that Michael Cimino had a hand in writing both those 70s screenplays.
GK was great as 'Red' in this movie, but he wasn't better than JB as 'Lightfoot'. A LOT of actors could be bullies like 'Red', but few could pull of the role of 'Lightfoot', AND make Clint laugh!! JB was nominated for an Oscar for this btw.
I would tell Kennedy his character had to be beaten by Bridges, Cry and wet himself. If he walked get a cheaper actor. That old fatso being a much better fighter than a young fit guy pffft.
Lightfoot dying was poetic justice in the sense that you die by the very sword you live by,and his was a life of crime,but he was very much a character the audience sympathized with,unlike Red Leary,who got his comeuppance but in the most indirect of fashions.Eddie Goody's character was also one you could sympathize with as well,although he was no angel by any means.
:( he shouldn't have died. It was so cruel. but I don't know why Jeff is so underrated. everyone always goes on about Clint but Jeff is far superior and not that known.
Man, what a classic!! I've loved this movie since the very first time I saw it, about 15 years ago. This last scene always gets to me. Thanks for posting!! :~)
Love/Hate ending. Love it because it was very realistic they don't make movies like this anymore. Hate it because damn I wasn't expecting him to die like that or at all, Very likeable character.
Great movie, really sad ending. Clint Eastwood and Jeff Bridges had amazing chemistry in this film. I've always found it strange that they never worked together in a film again.
At the beginning of the film the character of Bridges bothered me, but as the film progressed I began to sympathize with him, when I saw the scene where he died it broke my heart, I don't know if the ending is a moral that the bad guys never get away with it, but in any case Clint's character must have died too. But I was left with the wonderful performance of Jeff, he should have won the Oscar
Always liked this movie since I was a kid. Great pairing of Eastwood & Bridges. Tough seeing Bridges die after having gone through so much with his friend.
This film brought me to the fabulous singing and song writing talents of Mr Paul Williams Wrote many songs for The Carpenters. Even Elvis covered his songs
Just saw this film today. I loved it. The plot is basic but the Bridges-Eastwood pairing made it work so well. I welled up when Lightfoot died, if any one of them was innocent, it was him. My favourite Jeff Bridges film will always be 'The Big Lebowski' but this was his best performance by far. This movie was exciting, hilarious and heartbreaking in equal measure and I'm shocked it doesn't have a bigger reputation.
An amazing film. Underrated, beautifully shot, amazing rapport, and one of my fave Eastwoods. Its like a 20th century western set in (then) modern times. Its sad such an exhuberant, full of life character like Lightfoot dies because of Leary but also in a way because of Thunderbolt..... But its also about the loss of the American Dream and moreover, loneliness (both the title characters). I'd like to think TB buried LFs body nearby, and after a while, moved on-he always would.....
This is a classic, they don't make em' like this. But I remembered the ending differently, still a good ending. God does Jeff Bridges look so young! Great death scene.
I have always loved this film - can’t remember if I saw it on tv or the cinema. I was so impressed with Jeff Bridges’ performance especially as he deteriorated from his brain injury from his beating. It’s always been my fav and I recently saw it on Amazon Prime again. I realised this was one of Clint Eastwood’s best performances as he so underplayed his role. it was refreshing not to see that Dirty Harry character come out or any one of his squinting glaring growling persons that we now see him play. He was actually acting. Apparently he was very generous on retakes if Bridges had an idea but up to 3 takes. Lol. So old Hollywood but so pro! It’s an amazing film and it’s still great to watch. George Kennedy and Geoffrey Lewis were hysterical to watch. Amazing dialogue. Cimino’s directorial debut - what would it have been like if Eastwood directed it instead?
I have to watch this from start to finish; A friend of mine just put me onto this. Until yesterday I didn’t even know it existed... With so few good movies out anymore it’s so nice to run across pure gold!!!
I remember catching this on cable as a kid in the early 90s or something. The ending was so sad and pitiable. Really pathetic end. It's always stuck with me as one of the most pitiful ends to a great character. I'm sure some of my love of drama came from this (plus having a very rough life.) Thanks for posting this. Have your 800th like.
This was Michael Cimino's directorial debut(he later went on to direct the Deer Hunter). Previously when he was a script editor on Magnum Force he approached Eastwood with the original script for Thunderbolt and Lightfoot that he had written with Eastwood in mind as Thunderbolt. Cimino wanted to direct and Eastwood went for it even though Cimino had no directorial experience...the rest is cinematic history. I think it's definitely one of Clint's best performances.
Was a kool flik because it was detailed, it wasn't corny, it could have really happened. Love the part of the crazy fuc in the Fury and the guys overtaking him. A very worth the view entertaining motion picture, I never burn out on it and no four better actors to do it
one of my all time favorite films....The ending is very sad it always moves me, how basically "the Kid" got what he wanted...ie he hit the big time and it destroyed him.
this movie is so moving.i especially like the song "where do I go from here" in the beginning and in the end of the movie.this movie really hits a nerve with me.Jeff Bridges performance was unbelieveable.especially the last scene.the ending scene in this film has got to be one of the greatest endings I've ever seen (although sad,but it makes you think).rip Lightfoot.
This film and "Scarecrow" have the most upsetting endings of the 70's, precisely because of what happens to the jovial and lighthearted buddy of the pair, and you really don't see it coming ...
I remember back in the 70s when BBC2 used to show all the Clint Eastwood films and for some unknown reason that sticks out.George Kennedy was great in it too.
One of Clint Eastwood's most underrated films. I've watched this movie so many times over the years and it never gets old.
I have the same opinion.
i love this scence
Totally agree, me and my brother, now in our 60s watched it for old times sake expecting it to be badly dated, at the end we both said it was exactly how we remembered it. My brother used to quote all the great lines when we were teens...he still did that when we watched it again. what an incredible movie. one of Clint's very best. Elvis himself loved it so much he recorded this great closing song the same year.
@@phoenixents1557 Who is singing, "Where do we go from here?" at the end? My shazam does not give me an answer. Did Elvis do a version?
@@PeterRabbit70 Paul Williams
You have to appreciate the sad irony of this scene. Lightfoot passes away at the very moment he feels he's really accomplished something in his life.
Yeah i think he had cardiac arrest and died in that car his heart stop beating so sad 😢
"I feel proud of myself, man." Jeff Bridges is an excellent actor.
He was nominated for a Best Actor award for this role.
@@arthurbishop3173 Best Supporting Actor and *two* nominations by age 25 here!
I always was mad at Eastwood for not showing more motion but now I can understand better. He was a war vet that's all a lot of dying so it probably wasn't uncommon to him. An underrated movie. Another emotional Jeff Bridges movie was starman directed by John Carpenter
Yeah, well.. The Dude Abides, Man!
@@stirgy4312 Clint Eastwood is not a war vet. He was in the Army during the Korean War, but he spent his time in California.
Jeff played that scene so well. Has stayed with my for over 40 years.
Most pure existential ending ever. American films from 1966-1977 were the absolute best movies ever made. Atmosphere. Character. Nothing compares.
List them here from 1970's only. See if I missed any good ones.
@John Cornell damn forgot about Kellys Heroes.
Existential!
Also love Marathon Man, Three Days of the Condor, anything Bronson
Midnight cowboy had a similar ending
They don't make movies like this anymore
😰
Clint Eastwood does.
The sure don’t make enough like this anymore. Unless it’s Eastwood. Such good films 🎥
My dad took me to see this movie when I was eight years old at a small theater in Ocean City, Maryland called Showell's. It was on the boardwalk. I remember the experience well because the movie was so good, filled with action, emotion, great acting, and amazing visuals, and also because my mom was pissed off at my dad for taking me, an eight year old, to see an R rated movie.
Your Dad sounds like an awesome guy.
Good times.
I had a similar experience when I saw Jerimiah Johnson at age 14.
That's. Cool saw this movie with my dad in Columbia Maryland when I was 11
Great post. Thx for sharing. Same thing happened to me but the movie with Joyce and my mom was not happy my dad took me to the classic movie that was the first movie I ever went to I was eight years old
Insanely good death scene by Bridges. Oscar worthy. Showed everyone what he would become.
His second nomination at only 25 years old
RIP Lightfoot.......and RIP George Kennedy. The best underrated film ever!
+MrMcap70 Seriously, truly overlooked flm. Bad Company and The Good are my other favourites. Watch Bridges shine in Bad Company. What a film.
And now RIP Cimino.
I love this movie!
Jeff bridges is alive man(:
@@russellbreeden223 love how the police allow the dog to chew on Leary at the end--poetic justice
so underrated. Jeff is such a good actor.
Jeff Bridges should have won an oscar for his character in this movie and notice how Thunderbolt broke his cigar and just drops it in the ashtray?he doesn't feel much like celebrating now also looked like he was beginning to tear up.
He SHOULD HAVE WON-you're right.
It was definitely an oscar winning performance. Just hard to argue against De niro in the Godfather 2. I personally enjoy Thunderbolt and Lightfoot over Godfather 2.
i don't think Thunderbolt was going to last that much longer either, with everyone gone. He may have driven that beautiful white car off of a cliff at some point. At that point, what does money mean.
His only friend in the whole world just died, couldn’t imagine a lonelier existence.
Heck yeah, he should have won for his performance as Lightfoot! But it wouldn't be until 2010 Bridges finally received his Oscar for Crazy Heart.
But this ending here really made me tear up. If I was in Thunderbolt's place, I would definitely be heartbroken for losing this cool kid bro-like partner after the short time working together.
It's got to be one of the saddest endings in movie history.
Broke my heart when i first saw it.
For me the interest in the film is the frequent reference to Korea. See my channel.
I was just a young man when I first saw this but I cried at the end! Jeff Bridges remains one of my favourite actors!
indeed
It broke my heart when he had that hurt face when Clint Eastwoods friend died next to him in car I had tears in my eyes.
Why did he die out of nowhere?
"Ride?"
"Where you headed?"
"See what's over the next mountain."
I loved the ending of this movie. The two of them finding the school just by chance, the fact that somebody finally wakes up with more than a headache when they get hit over the head, and the song fit the mood of the ending, perfectly.
Yes, it's the perfect contrast to the 007 movies where he frequently gets hit on the head or neck and has nothing more than a moderate concussion afterwards.
What is the name of the song?
@@soklotWhere do I go from here?
“Has it ever struck you that life is all memory, except for the one present moment that goes by you so quick you hardly catch it going?”― Tennessee Williams.
Whoa.... Tennessee Williams... Yes!
For my money, this is the best film Eastwood made... and so few know about it.
George Miller .....it was a great movie and they don't make em like that anymore but The Outlaw Josey Wales is hard to beat ....
Agree George, and it's my favorite Clint movie AND my favorite movie of all.
This was one of a very small amount of roles where Clint was neither a cop nor a cowboy, and he nails Michael Cimino's character perfectly.
When I think of middle aged Clint, this (Thunderbolt) is who I think of.
George Miller I first discovered this movie as a 10 year old in 1988. Great movie!
i know
You'll get some arguments, but it's all about someone's state of mind. Eastwood and the whole cast were awesome.
I'm 51 former Marine. I watched this movie when I was a kid with my dad. RIP. I specifically looked up the end of this movie. And I knew it was going to hit me hard with snot and tears. It's magnificent!
Eastwood never looked as devastated in any of his films as he did in this scene. Too real…
@@AbeTheSigma007 Eastwood plays military vets in several roles. In actuality, he hated his stint in the army. He avoided going to Korea by becoming the lifeguard at Fort Ord Army Base. The guy always with a gun in his hand in the movies. Just shows you how actors can fake it
@@michaelconnor5378 The best part is the fact that in nearly every “Dirty Harry” film, the villain or villains are all Vietnam Veterans. Be well…
Two actors at the top of their game.
This has been my favourite film of all time for over 20 years, it has become part of who I am. No matter how many brilliant films I have watched since it still remains number one. A far deeper film than it appears to be on the surface.
I am there with you... this has been my favorite film for the longest time... and ironically it wasn't the first time I saw it. After my second viewing of it, it hit me like no other film... I even researched the filming locations and went to them in Montana... I've noticed several others have too. You don't do that sorta shit unless a film truly touches you. I love the film.
The film means that much to me too, Steven Williams.
From the casting to the setting/photography (Montana is SO beautiful!!), plotting, direction, writing, acting, and fantastic bittersweet ending, this movie sums up the 70s (esp the male pov on post-Vietnam America) perfectly.
I've seen it over 200 times btw (no exaggeration), tho I'm not old enough to have seen it in the theater. My favorite scenes are when Clint recounts to Jeff how they pulled off the robbery the first time (eat apples and drink beer, sit near tree overlooking river), the one where Clint and Jeff are walking toward the field near the end, bummed out from not getting the money from the robbery, and Clint sees the one room school house in the distance, and lastly, the one where they get away from Red and Goody after leaving the diner, drive down toward where they board the Idaho Dream, Lightfoot gives Clint some background on himself, and then they talk on the back of the boat while the camera follows them for a LONG, LONG way.
“After all, we won didn’t we?”
“I guess we did for the time being.”
“No, we made it.... we made it”
One of my all time favorites ❤
It’s just as heartbreaking every time I watch it. 😢 When Paul Williams’s great song comes on, and the credits roll, I mourn Lightfoot every time.
Brilliant film.
Credit to Paul Williams. WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE is a devastating song for this moment.
Little Enos from Smokey and the Bandit.
an awesome song.
A rolling stone gathers no moss...!
So sad the new generations don't ever get to be this legendary..
Oh well I lived it ..
The old generation can do their best to keep the good movies, TV shows, traditions, poets, authors, etc alive. Thanks for your comment.
A similar thing happened to a guy down the street from me. I arrived home late one evening and there was police tape blocking off one of the roads. Turns out, there had been a road rage incident. One guy had followed another after something dumb, like another guy cutting him off and hen he caught up with him, he clocked him across the head with a bat (no joke). The dude died 2 days later. I'm hoping who ever did the beating ended up doing some sort of time. That shit is uncalled for.
Probably the first movie I saw as a kid where the ending made me tear up.
In the good old days when you used to get two movies for your £1 sterling, me and my mate got in the cinema at opening time and watched this movie which was the movie before Enter the Dragon. They never used to empty the cinema between shows then so we stayed there all day and watched both films twice lol. Value for money or what! Clint & Bruce, two of my childhood hero`s. Great closing tune.
This is the film when I first saw Jeff Bridges. Not in the theatres, but on TV in 1978. I was 11 then and did not fully understand it. Now I`m 56 and still impressed.
My Dad ❤ this movie 🎥 he’s 85 yrs old, Anna big fan of Clint Eastwood.
A great often overlooked film with a unforgettable ending. Love the Paul Williams song. The look on Clint's face at the end says a thousand words. Similar ending to Midnight Cowboy.
The most underrated and amazing movie of early 70s when men were men and women were women...Clint and Jeff killed it in this Movie...one of my favs..😊
I love this film, and of course its Clint who could not love the film, Jeff Bridges is very underrated.
Brilliant movie, the ending breaks my heart every time
i saw this when i was 10 and it really made me sad. unforgetable scene from a great movie
Damn... that hit me in the guts.
I knew since his arm went numb in the schoolhouse something was wrong. This is one of the best movies I've ever seen
One of the 1970s endings that made ya cry.
This is probably the only movie ever made where Clint Eastwood actually smiled
Starguard ! And it took Jeff Bridges to make it possible
That may be true. But he actually cries in THE OUTLAW JOSEY WALES.
Only movie where he wouldn't just take the gun away from Kennedy when he tried to pistol whip them.
He smiles in Million Dollar Baby
@@stephensandin451 “I don’t want your watch. I want your friendship man!!”
One of my favorite films ever, so many amazing actors in this one!
Both this and "Silent Running" brought me close to tears at the end. And I think it's no coincidence that Michael Cimino had a hand in writing both those 70s screenplays.
A beautiful scene to a genuinely terrific and underappreciated film. Thanks...
Man, Jeff Bridges acts the shit outta this scene, it breaks my heart everytime
Yeah. This is one of the saddest endings. Bridges is great and I'm not sure what it is, but those wide landscapes make it even sadder.
great movie. George Kennedy "brained" him with those heavy punches.
Kicks
No punches thrown. He pistol whips them then kicks Lightfoot in the head multiple times.
Another great movie Kennedy played support actor & outshines the lead roles.This & cool hand luke were great movies.
"Kid....go fuck a duck!"
GK was great as 'Red' in this movie, but he wasn't better than JB as 'Lightfoot'. A LOT of actors could be bullies like 'Red', but few could pull of the role of 'Lightfoot', AND make Clint laugh!!
JB was nominated for an Oscar for this btw.
I would tell Kennedy his character had to be beaten by Bridges, Cry and wet himself. If he walked get a cheaper actor. That old fatso being a much better fighter than a young fit guy pffft.
Lightfoot dying was poetic justice in the sense that you die by the very sword you live by,and his was a life of crime,but he was very much a character the audience sympathized with,unlike Red Leary,who got his comeuppance but in the most indirect of fashions.Eddie Goody's character was also one you could sympathize with as well,although he was no angel by any means.
:( he shouldn't have died. It was so cruel. but I don't know why Jeff is so underrated. everyone always goes on about Clint but Jeff is far superior and not that known.
@James Young Exactly! He's The Dude!
Man, what a classic!!
I've loved this movie since the very first time I saw it, about 15 years ago. This last scene always gets to me.
Thanks for posting!!
:~)
Love/Hate ending.
Love it because it was very realistic they don't make movies like this anymore.
Hate it because damn I wasn't expecting him to die like that or at all, Very likeable character.
Best movie of 1974 still watch it on DVD
Great movie, really sad ending. Clint Eastwood and Jeff Bridges had amazing chemistry in this film. I've always found it strange that they never worked together in a film again.
A memorable line was when Lightfoot said he had a dream that George Kennedy's character said hello to him. That cracked me up!
It was a dream that he said "Hello" to him, not smiled.
Red Leary gave Lightfoot bad internal injuries to his head, Lighttfoot's skull was... cracked...
I was just a kid when I saw this movie. I was very sad at the end. Gotta say Jeffs acting was awesome.
At the beginning of the film the character of Bridges bothered me, but as the film progressed I began to sympathize with him, when I saw the scene where he died it broke my heart, I don't know if the ending is a moral that the bad guys never get away with it, but in any case Clint's character must have died too. But I was left with the wonderful performance of Jeff, he should have won the Oscar
Always liked this movie since I was a kid. Great pairing of Eastwood & Bridges. Tough seeing Bridges die after having gone through so much with his friend.
emotional and heartbreaking ending poor Lightfoot
That's called A 70's Ending. Love it!
This is a forgotten classic. Deserves to be more widely known. Man the 70s were stacked full of great movies.
This film brought me to the fabulous singing and song writing talents of Mr Paul Williams Wrote many songs for The Carpenters. Even Elvis covered his songs
I saw this on TV as a youngster in the '70s & I think it may be the first movie that made me cry.
2:48 You can just make out Thunderbolt saying 'Oh, no.'
Very subtle acting from Eastwood.
First time I saw this movie was back in 1979! I Love It!
This scene really upset me. That just proves what a fine actor Jeff bridges is
Just saw this film today. I loved it. The plot is basic but the Bridges-Eastwood pairing made it work so well. I welled up when Lightfoot died, if any one of them was innocent, it was him. My favourite Jeff Bridges film will always be 'The Big Lebowski' but this was his best performance by far. This movie was exciting, hilarious and heartbreaking in equal measure and I'm shocked it doesn't have a bigger reputation.
An amazing film. Underrated, beautifully shot, amazing rapport, and one of my fave Eastwoods. Its like a 20th century western set in (then) modern times. Its sad such an exhuberant, full of life character like Lightfoot dies because of Leary but also in a way because of Thunderbolt..... But its also about the loss of the American Dream and moreover, loneliness (both the title characters). I'd like to think TB buried LFs body nearby, and after a while, moved on-he always would.....
I somehow missed this gem, really great flick. I'd guess he had a stroke or aneurysm after the head kick. Kennedy was really great in this one too.
I used to write em off as a nepotism kid, but he has real acting ability
One of those movies that just works really well. Great film!
This is a classic, they don't make em' like this. But I remembered the ending differently, still a good ending. God does Jeff Bridges look so young! Great death scene.
I have always loved this film - can’t remember if I saw it on tv or the cinema. I was so impressed with Jeff Bridges’ performance especially as he deteriorated from his brain injury from his beating. It’s always been my fav and I recently saw it on Amazon Prime again. I realised this was one of Clint Eastwood’s best performances as he so underplayed his role. it was refreshing not to see that Dirty Harry character come out or any one of his squinting glaring growling persons that we now see him play. He was actually acting. Apparently he was very generous on retakes if Bridges had an idea but up to 3 takes. Lol. So old Hollywood but so pro! It’s an amazing film and it’s still great to watch. George Kennedy and Geoffrey Lewis were hysterical to watch. Amazing dialogue. Cimino’s directorial debut - what would it have been like if Eastwood directed it instead?
damn good movie sad sad ending classic...
great piece of acting by Bridges
Saw this movie in Kabul in 1977 in a Farsi dubbed version as a kid. Made a big impact on me. My favorite Eastwood movie to this day.
I have to watch this from start to finish; A friend of mine just put me onto this. Until yesterday I didn’t even know it existed... With so few good movies out anymore it’s so nice to run across pure gold!!!
I remember catching this on cable as a kid in the early 90s or something. The ending was so sad and pitiable. Really pathetic end. It's always stuck with me as one of the most pitiful ends to a great character. I'm sure some of my love of drama came from this (plus having a very rough life.) Thanks for posting this. Have your 800th like.
My favourite film of all time
mine too
BEST MOVIE EVER MADE..... PERIOD
ill second that mark c
GREAT movie...one of the best from that decade.
This was Michael Cimino's directorial debut(he later went on to direct the Deer Hunter). Previously when he was a script editor on Magnum Force he approached Eastwood with the original script for Thunderbolt and Lightfoot that he had written with Eastwood in mind as Thunderbolt. Cimino wanted to direct and Eastwood went for it even though Cimino had no directorial experience...the rest is cinematic history. I think it's definitely one of Clint's best performances.
A Brilliant film
SICKLY underrated
Was a kool flik because it was detailed, it wasn't corny, it could have really happened. Love the part of the crazy fuc in the Fury and the guys overtaking him. A very worth the view entertaining motion picture, I never burn out on it and no four better actors to do it
One of the best movies I ever watched...thans for posting
Scary how well Bridges plays dead
One of my favorite buddy movies of the 70's along with Scarecrow and Midnight Cowboy!
one of my all time favorite films....The ending is very sad it always moves me, how basically "the Kid" got what he wanted...ie he hit the big time and it destroyed him.
What a great ending to a movie. Jeff Bridges did a good job... he has every right to be proud of himself!!!
Great movie. Great song at the end
Movies are fucking great aren't they.Glad you and your friend had such a kick ass time.What a memory to treasure.Peace.
I remember this movie when it first came out a year after I was born,sorry 2 hear George Kennedy had passed away
Definitely one of the greatest guy movies ever......Eastwood AND Jeff Bridges were so legendary .....
this movie is so moving.i especially like the song "where do I go from here" in the beginning and in the end of the movie.this movie really hits a nerve with me.Jeff Bridges performance was unbelieveable.especially the last scene.the ending scene in this film has got to be one of the greatest endings I've ever seen (although sad,but it makes you think).rip Lightfoot.
This film and "Scarecrow" have the most upsetting endings of the 70's, precisely because of what happens to the jovial and lighthearted buddy of the pair, and you really don't see it coming ...
Excellent movie. Thanks for posting the ending. Saw it the first and only time when I was channel surfing oh so long ago in the mid eighties.
1:08 Keep your eyes on the road Clint. You're going to drift into the guard rail.
Red was jealous of Lightfoot.
That film just keeps playing in my head and the final scene.
Interesting how Thunderbolt drives off to the lyric "where does a fool go?"
Clint Eastwood - An iconic legend....
Whenever I watch this great film I really hope the ending will be different and the kid survives..!
I remember back in the 70s when BBC2 used to show all the Clint Eastwood films and for some unknown reason that sticks out.George Kennedy was great in it too.
That 1973 Eldorado convertible looks like the Pace Car at the 57th Indy 500 Classic.
www.schmitt.com/inventory/ds-1973-cadillac-eldorado-convertible-2/
This has been one of my alltime favorite films since I first saw it at a drive-in theatre in 1977.