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This week has been so incredibly hectic that I did not have time to post my usual "Film Friday" article on schedule. As a result, we are having instead a "Film Sunday," in which I am celebrating Robert Redford's 80th birthday, which was on Thursday, by telling you a little bit about one of the films that he is most widely associated with. Directed by George Roy Hill, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) tells the story of notorious bank robber Butch Cassidy (Paul Newman), the leader of the Hole in the Wall Gang, and his loyal companion, the Sundance Kid (Robert Redford). As they return to they hideout in Hole-in-the-Wall, Wyoming, they discover that the rest of the gang, annoyed at Butch's long absences, have selected Harvey Logan (Ted Cassidy) as their new leader. Butch contests this decision, leading Harvey to challenge him to a fight, which Butch quickly wins by distracting his opponent. Still, Butch embraces Harvey's idea to rob the Union Paci...

To celebrate Natalie Wood's 78th birthday, which was on Wednesday, this week on «Film Friday» I bring one of the films that she is best remembered for. Directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins, West Side Story (1961) revolves around the tensions between the Jets, a self-styled «American» gang, and the Sharks, a group of young Puerto Ricans. The leader of the Jets, Riff (Russ Tamblyn), swears to drive the Sharks, led by Bernardo (George Chakiris), from the streets of the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Despite warnings from Lieutenant Schrank (Simon Oakland) and Office Krupke (William Bramley), Riff decides to challenge Bernardo to a rumble that night at a dance at the gym. For support, Riff turns to Tony (Richard Beymer), a young Polish-American boy and co-founder of the Jets who now works at a drugstore owned by Doc (Ned Glass). Tony, who has lost interest in promoting violence, reluctantly agrees to accompany Riff out of friendship.   Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Rita Moreno, G...