Outlaw Trail: The Treasure of Butch Cassidy
Encyclopedia
Outlaw Trail: The Treasure of Butch Cassidy is a 2006 American adventure film
, produced and directed by Ryan Little
. It is loosely based on legends arising from the fate of real-life Western outlaw Butch Cassidy
, the alias of Robert LeRoy Parker, whose gang robbed trains and banks in the 1890s. Cassidy fled to South America in 1901, where he is believed to have died in 1908.
The film continues the Butch Cassidy saga beyond the ending of the 1969 Robert Redford
–Paul Newman
hit film, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
, in 1908. The main protagonist, Cassidy's teenage grand-nephew, Roy Parker, sets out in 1951 to find the treasure he believes Cassidy left behind in Utah
. Overcoming his unforgiving grandfather's opposition, Roy and friends are involved in several chase scenes, pursued by criminals.
The film was produced on location in Utah by GO Films from a screenplay
by David Pliler. The music score was by Jay Bateman. The film stars Ryan Kelley
, Arielle Kebbel
, Dan Byrd
, and Brent Weber
, and features Bruce McGill
and James Gammon
. The film was released in North America in 2006 and is available on DVD.
scene set in Bolivia
in 1908. Butch Cassidy writes a letter to his family, enclosing a belt buckle engraved with a treasure map. Cassidy and his accomplice, Harry Longabaugh
(the "Sundance Kid"), attempt to elude capture when their hideout is surrounded by Bolivian police.
The film then shifts to Circleville, Utah
, in 1951, where Butch Cassidy's 16-year old great-nephew, Roy Parker, defends his infamous ancestor's reputation despite the opposition of Sam, his stern grandfather, Cassidy's younger brother. Sam resents Roy's interest in Cassidy, even acquiescing in the boy's brief jailing on a trumped-up charge, where he scolds him, "I spent the better part of my life trying to live down the reputation that your hero has laid out for the Parker name and you grow up worshipping him." Young Roy believes that Cassidy was trying to make amends by returning to the U.S. from Bolivia. He discovers the belt buckle left by Cassidy and learns that it is a map to the treasure buried by Cassidy somewhere in the Utah wilderness.
After Roy is rescued from jail by Jess, his best friend and fellow Boy Scout in Circleville Troop 14, they embark on a quest for the treasure. Joining the two in the hunt are Ellie, with whom Roy is becoming infatuated, and Martin, who reluctantly goes along after Roy takes his truck during the jailbreak. The four are pursued by Garrison, a corrupt museum official who will stop at nothing to get the treasure for himself. There are automobile chases, a desperate escape down a river in a raft without paddles, jumping onto the roof of a moving train, and even a harrowing biplane ride, interspersed by gun fights, as the undaunted youths vie to find Butch Cassidy's treasure first. Roy also embarks on a personal mission to learn the truth about his infamous ancestor's death.
Principal photography
began in 2005. Filmed on location in Utah, it received production incentives from the Utah Film Commission, a state agency providing funding to promote development of the film industry in the western state. The waterfalls scene was filmed at Utah's Bridal Veil Falls
. In addition to the towns of Circleville
and Kanab
, scenes were shot in Kane
and Tooele Counties
, as well as scenic Bryce Canyon
. The Stearman biplane used in the aerial sequences was provided by the Utah Wing of the Commemorative Air Force
. Costume designer Anna K. Findley used authentic, 1951-period Boy Scout uniforms
in the costuming of Roy Parker (Ryan Kelly), including such details as the 16-year old hero character's Life Scout badge.
The train sequence was filmed on Utah's Heber Valley Historic Railroad
, using 2-8-0 "Consolidation"-type
steam locomotive #618. The engine's original owner was the Union Pacific Railroad
– whose trains were sometimes the target of Cassidy's larcenous ways in the 1890s.
's Crystal Heart Award for independent filmmakers in 2006, for Outlaw Trail: The Treasure of Butch Cassidy.
Adventure film
Adventure films are a genre of film.Unlike pure, low-budget action films they often use their action scenes preferably to display and explore exotic locations in an energetic way....
, produced and directed by Ryan Little
Ryan Little
Ryan Little is a movie director, cinematographer and producer. He was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.-Awards and nominations:*Won, 2006, Heartland Film Festival's Crystal Heart Award for independent filmmakers, for Outlaw Trail: The Treasure of Butch Cassidy*Won, 2003, Viewer's Choice...
. It is loosely based on legends arising from the fate of real-life Western outlaw Butch Cassidy
Butch Cassidy
Robert LeRoy Parker , better known as Butch Cassidy, was a notorious American train robber, bank robber, and leader of the Wild Bunch Gang in the American Old West...
, the alias of Robert LeRoy Parker, whose gang robbed trains and banks in the 1890s. Cassidy fled to South America in 1901, where he is believed to have died in 1908.
The film continues the Butch Cassidy saga beyond the ending of the 1969 Robert Redford
Robert Redford
Charles Robert Redford, Jr. , better known as Robert Redford, is an American actor, film director, producer, businessman, environmentalist, philanthropist, and founder of the Sundance Film Festival. He has received two Oscars: one in 1981 for directing Ordinary People, and one for Lifetime...
–Paul Newman
Paul Newman
Paul Leonard Newman was an American actor, film director, entrepreneur, humanitarian, professional racing driver and auto racing enthusiast...
hit film, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is a 1969 American Western film directed by George Roy Hill and written by William Goldman...
, in 1908. The main protagonist, Cassidy's teenage grand-nephew, Roy Parker, sets out in 1951 to find the treasure he believes Cassidy left behind in Utah
Utah
Utah is a state in the Western United States. It was the 45th state to join the Union, on January 4, 1896. Approximately 80% of Utah's 2,763,885 people live along the Wasatch Front, centering on Salt Lake City. This leaves vast expanses of the state nearly uninhabited, making the population the...
. Overcoming his unforgiving grandfather's opposition, Roy and friends are involved in several chase scenes, pursued by criminals.
The film was produced on location in Utah by GO Films from a screenplay
Screenplay
A screenplay or script is a written work that is made especially for a film or television program. Screenplays can be original works or adaptations from existing pieces of writing. In them, the movement, actions, expression, and dialogues of the characters are also narrated...
by David Pliler. The music score was by Jay Bateman. The film stars Ryan Kelley
Ryan Kelley
- Early life and career :Ryan was born and raised in a western suburb of Chicago, Glen Ellyn, Illinois. He has 14 siblings: 9 sisters and 5 brothers....
, Arielle Kebbel
Arielle Kebbel
Arielle Caroline Kebbel is an American model and actress. Arielle is perhaps best known for her roles in films such as American Pie Presents: Band Camp, John Tucker Must Die, Vampires Suck, and Aquamarine, as well as TV series including The Vampire Diaries, Gilmore Girls, and Life Unexpected, on...
, Dan Byrd
Dan Byrd
Daniel "Dan" Byrd is an American actor. His most prominent roles include the 2006 remake of The Hills Have Eyes, the CW original comedy series Aliens in America, A Cinderella Story alongside Hillary Duff, ABC's Cougar Town, and the 2010 movie Easy A.-Life and career:Byrd was born in Marietta,...
, and Brent Weber
Brent Weber
Brent Paul Weber is an actor and model. Weber was discovered for modeling when he brought his little sister to an open call. Brent started modeling at the age of sixteen, and has worked with such photographers as Bruce Weber and Herb Ritts...
, and features Bruce McGill
Bruce McGill
Bruce Travis McGill is an American actor who has an extensive list of credits in film and television. He is perhaps best known for his role as Jack Dalton on the television series MacGyver and as Daniel Simpson "D-Day" Day in National Lampoon's Animal House.-Early life:McGill was born in San...
and James Gammon
James Gammon
James Richard Gammon was an American actor, known for playing grizzled "good ol' boy" types in numerous films and television series.-Early life:...
. The film was released in North America in 2006 and is available on DVD.
Plot
The film starts with a prologuePrologue
A prologue is an opening to a story that establishes the setting and gives background details, often some earlier story that ties into the main one, and other miscellaneous information. The Greek prologos included the modern meaning of prologue, but was of wider significance...
scene set in Bolivia
Bolivia
Bolivia officially known as Plurinational State of Bolivia , is a landlocked country in central South America. It is the poorest country in South America...
in 1908. Butch Cassidy writes a letter to his family, enclosing a belt buckle engraved with a treasure map. Cassidy and his accomplice, Harry Longabaugh
Harry Longabaugh
Harry Alonzo Longabaugh , better known as the Sundance Kid, was an outlaw and member of Butch Cassidy's Wild Bunch, in the American Old West. Longabaugh likely met Butch Cassidy after Parker was released from prison around 1896...
(the "Sundance Kid"), attempt to elude capture when their hideout is surrounded by Bolivian police.
The film then shifts to Circleville, Utah
Circleville, Utah
Circleville is a town in Piute County, Utah, United States. The population was 505 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Circleville is located at ....
, in 1951, where Butch Cassidy's 16-year old great-nephew, Roy Parker, defends his infamous ancestor's reputation despite the opposition of Sam, his stern grandfather, Cassidy's younger brother. Sam resents Roy's interest in Cassidy, even acquiescing in the boy's brief jailing on a trumped-up charge, where he scolds him, "I spent the better part of my life trying to live down the reputation that your hero has laid out for the Parker name and you grow up worshipping him." Young Roy believes that Cassidy was trying to make amends by returning to the U.S. from Bolivia. He discovers the belt buckle left by Cassidy and learns that it is a map to the treasure buried by Cassidy somewhere in the Utah wilderness.
After Roy is rescued from jail by Jess, his best friend and fellow Boy Scout in Circleville Troop 14, they embark on a quest for the treasure. Joining the two in the hunt are Ellie, with whom Roy is becoming infatuated, and Martin, who reluctantly goes along after Roy takes his truck during the jailbreak. The four are pursued by Garrison, a corrupt museum official who will stop at nothing to get the treasure for himself. There are automobile chases, a desperate escape down a river in a raft without paddles, jumping onto the roof of a moving train, and even a harrowing biplane ride, interspersed by gun fights, as the undaunted youths vie to find Butch Cassidy's treasure first. Roy also embarks on a personal mission to learn the truth about his infamous ancestor's death.
Cast
- Ryan KelleyRyan Kelley- Early life and career :Ryan was born and raised in a western suburb of Chicago, Glen Ellyn, Illinois. He has 14 siblings: 9 sisters and 5 brothers....
as "Roy Parker": The 16-year old great-nephew of Butch Cassidy
- Arielle KebbelArielle KebbelArielle Caroline Kebbel is an American model and actress. Arielle is perhaps best known for her roles in films such as American Pie Presents: Band Camp, John Tucker Must Die, Vampires Suck, and Aquamarine, as well as TV series including The Vampire Diaries, Gilmore Girls, and Life Unexpected, on...
as "Ellie": Roy Parker's romantic interest.
- Dan ByrdDan ByrdDaniel "Dan" Byrd is an American actor. His most prominent roles include the 2006 remake of The Hills Have Eyes, the CW original comedy series Aliens in America, A Cinderella Story alongside Hillary Duff, ABC's Cougar Town, and the 2010 movie Easy A.-Life and career:Byrd was born in Marietta,...
as "Jess", Roy's best friend and fellow Boy Scout in Circleville Troop 14, whose outdoor survival skills help the quartet of treasure hunters overcome various wilderness challenges in their search for gold.
- Brent WeberBrent WeberBrent Paul Weber is an actor and model. Weber was discovered for modeling when he brought his little sister to an open call. Brent started modeling at the age of sixteen, and has worked with such photographers as Bruce Weber and Herb Ritts...
as "Martin", the arrogant son of the mayor and Roy's nemesis
- Bruce McGillBruce McGillBruce Travis McGill is an American actor who has an extensive list of credits in film and television. He is perhaps best known for his role as Jack Dalton on the television series MacGyver and as Daniel Simpson "D-Day" Day in National Lampoon's Animal House.-Early life:McGill was born in San...
as the unscrupulous villain, "Garrison", who uses his position as a museum curator to steal archeological artifacts and then gives chase to Roy Parker on the trail of the Cassidy treasure.
- James KarenJames KarenJames Karen is an American character actor of Broadway, film and television.-Life and career:Karen was born Jacob Karnofsky in Wilkes-Barre, in northeastern Pennsylvania, the son of Russian-born Jewish immigrants Mae and Joseph H. Karnofsky, a produce dealer. As a young man, Karen was encouraged...
as "Butch Cassidy", whose real name is LeRoy Parker
- James GammonJames GammonJames Richard Gammon was an American actor, known for playing grizzled "good ol' boy" types in numerous films and television series.-Early life:...
as "Sam Parker", LeRoy's youngest brother and Roy's grandfather
- Shauna Thompson as "Lorraine", Roy's mother
- Rick MacyRick MacyRichard "Rick" Franklyn Macy is a Latter Day Saint actor who has played the role of Joseph Smith, Sr. in several films and has also played other roles in LDS Church produced films, in Mormon cinema and in films produced in Utah or by Latter-day Saints aimed at a wider audience.In 2006, Macy had a...
as "Mayor Blanding" of Circleville, Utah
- James D. Hardy as "Stewart"
- Brian Peck as "Clay"
- Ron Melendez as "Vince"
Production
Principal photography
thumb|300px|Film production on location in [[Newark, New Jersey]].Principal photography is the phase of film production in which the movie is filmed, with actors on set and cameras rolling, as distinct from pre-production and post-production....
began in 2005. Filmed on location in Utah, it received production incentives from the Utah Film Commission, a state agency providing funding to promote development of the film industry in the western state. The waterfalls scene was filmed at Utah's Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls (Utah)
Bridal Veil Falls is a double cataract waterfall in the south end of Provo Canyon, in Utah, United States. An aerial tramway service to the top of the falls was built in 1967 and the small, six-passenger tramway functioned as a recreational attraction and as the only access to a restaurant built...
. In addition to the towns of Circleville
Circleville, Utah
Circleville is a town in Piute County, Utah, United States. The population was 505 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Circleville is located at ....
and Kanab
Kanab, Utah
Kanab is a city in and the county seat of Kane County, Utah, United States. The area was first settled in 1864 and the town was founded in 1870 when ten Mormon families moved into the area. The population was 3,564 at the 2000 census...
, scenes were shot in Kane
Kane County, Utah
As of the census of 2000, there were 6,046 people, 2,237 households, and 1,628 families residing in the county. The population density was 2 people per square mile . There were 3,767 housing units at an average density of 1 per square mile...
and Tooele Counties
Tooele County, Utah
Tooele County is a county located in the U.S. state of Utah. As of 2000, the population was 40,735 and by 2005 was estimated at 51,311. Its county seat and largest city is Tooele....
, as well as scenic Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is a national park located in southwestern Utah in the United States. The major feature of the park is Bryce Canyon which, despite its name, is not a canyon but a giant natural amphitheater created by erosion along the eastern side of the Paunsaugunt Plateau...
. The Stearman biplane used in the aerial sequences was provided by the Utah Wing of the Commemorative Air Force
Commemorative Air Force
The Commemorative Air Force , formerly known as the Confederate Air Force, is a Texas-based non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and showing historical aircraft at airshows primarily throughout the U.S. and Canada...
. Costume designer Anna K. Findley used authentic, 1951-period Boy Scout uniforms
Uniform and insignia of the Boy Scouts of America
The uniform and insignia of the Boy Scouts of America gives a Scout visibility and creates a level of identity within both the unit and the community. The uniform is used to promote equality while showing individual achievement...
in the costuming of Roy Parker (Ryan Kelly), including such details as the 16-year old hero character's Life Scout badge.
The train sequence was filmed on Utah's Heber Valley Historic Railroad
Heber Valley Historic Railroad
The Heber Valley Historic Railroad is a heritage railroad based in Heber City, Utah. It operates passenger excursion trains along a line between Heber City and Vivian Park, which is located in Provo Canyon. The HVRR carries over 94,000 passengers a year....
, using 2-8-0 "Consolidation"-type
2-8-0
Under the Whyte notation for the classification of steam locomotives, 2-8-0 represents the wheel arrangement of two leading wheels on one axle , eight powered and coupled driving wheels on four axles, and no trailing wheels...
steam locomotive #618. The engine's original owner was the Union Pacific Railroad
Union Pacific Railroad
The Union Pacific Railroad , headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, is the largest railroad network in the United States. James R. Young is president, CEO and Chairman....
– whose trains were sometimes the target of Cassidy's larcenous ways in the 1890s.
Release
The film was released in 2006 by GO Films and then as a direct to video movie on DVD in 2007. Film critic David Cornelius rated it one of the ten best direct-to-video movies of 2007, saying, "Those seeking old fashioned family fun should look no further than this rip-roarin’ tale of Butch Cassidy’s teenage nephew, caught up in a wild race to find hidden gold".Awards
Ryan Little and Adam Abel won the Heartland Film FestivalHeartland Film Festival
The Heartland Film Festival is a film festival held each October in Indianapolis, Indiana. First held in 1992, its goal is to "recognize and honor filmmakers whose work explores the human journey by artistically expressing hope and respect for the positive values of life."In May 2007, Heartland...
's Crystal Heart Award for independent filmmakers in 2006, for Outlaw Trail: The Treasure of Butch Cassidy.