Talk with Sundance Kid

Sundance Kid, a notorious American outlaw and Wild West bandit, was a member of Butch Cassidy's Wild Bunch, infamous for their daring train and bank robberies in the late 19th century.

Avatar

Who is Sundance Kid?

The Sundance Kid, whose real name was Harry Alonzo Longabaugh, was an iconic American outlaw and member of the Wild Bunch, a collection of bank and train robbers that roamed the American West during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Sundance Kid is best known for his close association with another famous outlaw, Butch Cassidy. Together with Butch Cassidy and other members of the Wild Bunch, he participated in numerous high-profile robberies.

Longabaugh likely earned his nickname, "Sundance," after serving a jail term for horse theft in Sundance, Wyoming. He joined Butch Cassidy's gang in the late 1890s, and together they carried out a string of robberies across several states, becoming the subjects of intense pursuit by law enforcement.

In an attempt to escape the law, Sundance, Butch Cassidy, and Etta Place (believed to be Sundance’s companion) fled to South America in the early 1900s, where they continued their criminal activities. Their lives were famously romanticized in the 1969 film "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," starring Paul Newman as Butch Cassidy and Robert Redford as the Sundance Kid, which has helped to perpetuate their legend.

Historical records about the death of Sundance Kid and Butch Cassidy are ambiguous, but it is widely believed they were killed in Bolivia in 1908 during a shootout with the Bolivian army, although other accounts suggest they may have survived and returned to the United States under assumed identities.

Are there any existing photographs of Sundance Kid?

Yes, there are existing photographs of the Sundance Kid. Perhaps the most famous one is the "Fort Worth Five" photograph, which shows Sundance Kid posing with his fellow members of the Wild Bunch gang, including Butch Cassidy. This photograph was taken in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1900 and is notable for featuring several well-known outlaws of the time.

Which states did Sundance Kid primarily operate in?

Sundance Kid, whose real name was Harry Alonzo Longabaugh, was primarily active in the Western United States. He is famously known for his activities in states such as Wyoming, Colorado, South Dakota, and Montana. His involvement with Butch Cassidy's Wild Bunch gang often saw him participating in various robberies and outlaw activities in these areas, particularly robbing banks and trains which were common targets during the late 19th century in the American West.

What was Sundance Kid's relationship status?

Sundance Kid, whose real name was Harry Alonzo Longabaugh, is most commonly associated with Etta Place as his romantic partner. Etta Place was involved with the Wild Bunch gang and is often depicted traveling with Sundance and Butch Cassidy, particularly during their time in South America. The true extent of their relationship, like many aspects of the lives of those in outlaw circles, is somewhat shrouded in mystery and largely pieced together from photographs and various historical accounts.

Did Sundance Kid ever get caught by law enforcement?

Yes, the Sundance Kid, whose real name was Harry Alonzo Longabaugh, did have encounters with law enforcement and was arrested at least once. His most notable arrest occurred in 1887 in Sundance, Wyoming, for stealing a horse, saddle, and gun. He was captured, tried, and sentenced to 18 months in jail, which he served in the Sundance jail. This is where he earned his nickname, "Sundance Kid." After serving his sentence, he was released, and subsequently, he became more deeply involved in a life of crime, primarily as a member of the Wild Bunch gang led by Butch Cassidy.

Were there any famous confrontations involving Sundance Kid?

Yes, Sundance Kid, whose real name was Harry Alonzo Longabaugh, was involved in several notable confrontations and criminal activities as part of the Wild Bunch, a gang of outlaws. One of the most famous confrontations involving Sundance Kid, along with Butch Cassidy and the other members of the Wild Bunch, was the shootout in Winnemucca, Nevada in 1900. During this event, the gang robbed a bank, which led to a violent confrontation with law enforcement.

Another significant incident was the 1908 shootout in San Vicente, Bolivia, where it is believed that Sundance Kid and Butch Cassidy met their end. They were surrounded by Bolivian soldiers and police in a small boarding house after being suspected of being involved in a payroll robbery. According to accounts, a fierce shootout ensued, ending with the outlaws being killed, although there are some debates and myths surrounding their actual fates. These confrontations were part of the notorious reputation that followed Sundance Kid and his gang during their era.

What happened in Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid?

"Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" is a classic Western film released in 1969, starring Paul Newman as Butch Cassidy and Robert Redford as the Sundance Kid. Directed by George Roy Hill and written by William Goldman, the movie is based loosely on the real lives of two outlaws, Butch Cassidy and his partner, the Sundance Kid, who were part of a band of outlaws known as the Wild Bunch.

The plot revolves around Butch and Sundance as they rob trains and banks in the American West. Despite their criminal activities, the film portrays them as charismatic and somewhat sympathetic characters who charm their way through close shaves and narrow escapes. As the law starts catching up with them and their heists become more challenging, they decide to flee to Bolivia in search of a more peaceful life where they continue their careers as robbers.

In Bolivia, they manage to pull off some heists but eventually find themselves increasingly cornered by local authorities. The film culminates in a famous and dramatic shootout where Butch and Sundance, heavily outgunned, decide to go out in a blaze of glory rather than surrender. The movie ends on a freeze-frame of the pair charging out into the open, guns blazing, leaving their ultimate fate ambiguous, though historically it is believed they were killed in this encounter.

The film is celebrated for its blend of adventure, humor, and chemistry between its leads, as well as its memorable score by Burt Bacharach.

Where to watch Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid?

You can watch "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" on various streaming platforms or purchase it through online retailers. It's often available on services like Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. You can also check if it's available on a streaming subscription service you are already a member of, such as Netflix or Hulu. Availability can vary based on your location, so it's good to search the specific services accessible to you.

Is Sundance Kid based on a true story?

Yes, the Sundance Kid, originally named Harry Alonzo Longabaugh, was a real person. He was an American outlaw and member of Butch Cassidy's Wild West gang, known as the Wild Bunch. The Sundance Kid is most famous for his involvement in train and bank robberies across the American West in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His life and exploits have been portrayed in various books, films, and television shows, notably in the 1969 film "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," where he was portrayed by Robert Redford.

Find more on Gab AI like Sundance Kid

Discover and learn about people that are similar to Sundance Kid.

Explore our Characters