Cast
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Clint Eastwood
as Philo Beddoe
Sondra Locke
as Lynn Halsey-Taylor
Geoffrey Lewis
as Orville Boggs
Manis
as Clyde
Beverly D'Angelo
as Echo
Walter Barnes
as Tank Murdock
George Chandler
as Clerk at D.M.V.
Roy Jenson
as Woody
James McEachin
as Herb
Bill McKinney
as Dallas, Treasurer Biker
William O'Connell
as Elmo, Sergeant-At-Arms Biker
John Quade
as Cholla, The Biker Leader
Dan Vadis
as Frank, Assistant Head Biker
Gregory Walcott
as Putnam
Hank Worden
as Trailer Court Manager
Crew
Director
- James Fargo
Writer
- Jeremy Joe Kronsberg
Producer
- Robert Daley
Reviews
John Chard
I think he's spending too much time with Clyde.
Every Which Way But Loose is directed by James Fargo and written by Jeremy Joe Kronsberg. It stars Clint Eastwood, Sondra Locke, Geoffrey Lewis, Beverly D'Angelo and Manis The Orangutan.
It surprised the studio executives, even had them sweating about the release, but the adventures of Philo Beddoe (Eastwood) and his pet Orangutan proved to be a smash hit at the box office.
Beddoe is a trucker who also happens to make money by bare knuckle fighting, and he's very good at it. Clyde the orangutan is a full on personality himself, and between them they wind up being trailed by vengeful coppers and a very incompetent motorcycle gang. Philo's brother Orville (Lewis) is along for the ride and polar opposite love interests come into play via Lynn Halsey-Taylor (Locke) and Echo (D'Angelo).
Plot is very thin on the ground, we are in fact viewing a series of events that are mined for comedy purpose - which totally work. Action comes by way of the punch ups Philo gets into, with Eastwood as always proving to be one of the better punch throwing actors of his generation, while Lewis shines bright as the best friend and voice of reason to Philo.
The love story sub-plot involving Lynn and Philo - and its subsequent revelations - feels a touch out of place, since this is such a chilled and relaxed comedy picture. Which is the key, the makers know what they are doing, they are having fun and ask the audience to do the same. The public lapped it up and ensured that a sequel of similar tropes would follow. That also proved to be popular since it was more of the same.
Open the beer and popcorn and just run with it, it was never meant to be high art etc. 7/10
Nov 17, 2019
r96sk
A bit forgettable, if nothing terrible.
Clint Eastwood is solid enough, while the supporting Geoffrey Lewis, Sondra Locke and Ruth Gordon have a couple of moments. The plot is a little meandering and doesn't hold enough entertainment, even with an orangutan being present throughout <em>'Every Which Way but Loose'</em>.
I found the pacing to be slower than I would've liked and the characters opposite the lead to be boring, whether it be John Quade & Co. or the pair of police officers. I will say that I actually did enjoy the music used, which is arguably the film's main plus if I'm honest.
I can't say I'm expecting much from <em>'Any Which Way You Can'</em>, the sequel, but I'll give it a chance no doubt.
Jan 19, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Every Which Way but Loose examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director James Fargo brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1978, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Every Which Way but Loose took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $5.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 110 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 155 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1978, when this film was released:
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Every Which Way but Loose shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu - Day of the Departed, which focuses more on action than character development, Every Which Way but Loose subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Paulie Go! and Joe Bullet explore similar territory, Every Which Way but Loose stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 16, 1978
- Runtime: 1h 50m
- Budget: $5,000,000
- Revenue: $85,196,485
