Little Fauss and Big Halsy * (1970, Robert Redford, Michael J Pollard, Lauren Hutton, Noah Beery Jr, Lucille Benson) – Classic Movie Review 6022

Director Sidney J Furie’s 1970 motorcycle buddy movie Little Fauss and Big Halsy stars Robert Redford, who teams up with brief star Michael J Pollard (from Bonnie and Clyde) for this lethargic flop drama about a pair of bikers touring the race circuit.

Redford bravely but unsuccessfully goes for an unsympathetic part as womanising Halsy Knox, the exploiter of his inept, unsuspecting sidekick Little Fauss (Pollard). Redford strains his likeabilityas an actor in this role. And unfortunately neither screen-writer Charles Eastman nor serious-minded director Furie is interested in delivering any action thrills. The stars are out-acted by Noah Beery Jr and Lucille Benson as Pollard’s parents, Seally and ‘Mom’ Fauss.

It is a shaky star vehicle and lacks energy and inspiration in almost every department. But the one shining light is distinguished director of photography Ralph Woolsey’s great widescreen cinematography, as well as the songs by Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, and Carl Perkins. Other notable work is the art direction by Lawrence G Paull and the production by Albert S Ruddy.

Also in the cast are Lauren Hutton, Ray Ballard Erin O’Reilly and Linda Gaye Scott.

Little Fauss and Big Halsy is directed by Sidney J Furie, runs 97 minutes, is released by Paramount, is written by Charles Eastman, is shot by Ralph Woolsey, is produced by Albert S Ruddy, and is designed by Lawrence G Paull, with a soundtrack by Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan and Carl Perkins.

The one shining light: Ralph Woolsey

RIP distinguished director of photography Ralph Woolsey (1914–2018).

© Derek Winnert 2017 Classic Movie Review 6022

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