Thomasine & Bushrod (1974) User Reviews

"Somebody out there I gotta kill".

[classicsoncall · 7/10 · 21 March 2011]

At first I was intrigued by the title; then, when Thomasine (Vonetta McGee) makes her first appearance, I thought this was really going someplace with the concept of a female bounty hunter. This was the first time I ever ran across one after nearly five hundred Westerns, and the fact that she was black made it even more intriguing. However the film couldn't carry the momentum, and eventually settled into a standard genre flick, except the chases were done in early 1900 automobiles instead of on horses. Which begs the question, how did Bushrod (Max Julien) know how to drive a car? He and Thomasine hijack the president of the Tyler Bank following their robbery of same, and J.P. handled it like a pro, didn't even pop the clutch the first time. That was one of the first 'huh?' moments.

A couple more occurred when at least twice in the story, Marshal Bogardie's (George Murdock) chase vehicle closed distance within barely a hundred yards, and the outlaws still got away. But how did they do that? At least in most stories, you wind up with some idea how the bad guys reach safety, but not here. The picture simply transitions to another scene where Thomasine and Bushrod are doing something completely different oblivious of the law.

And then there's Mr. Jomo (Glynn Turman). Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the character, but a Jamaican cowboy? Speaking 'ya mon'? Next time provide a little context on how this could possibly be. But I sure was sorry to see Bogardie use the old rattlesnake torture on Jomo; that was a nasty piece of business.

Maybe the most surprising thing of all though, was when I pulled this title up on IMDb and found it came out in 1974. In some respects I think the cinematography got it better than the film it's often compared to. Any ardent film fan will pick up on the idea that the picture is setting us up for a 'Bonnie and Clyde' finale, and it almost gets there. And it also has some of 'The Quick and The Dead' to offer before the lights go out. Ultimately though, the film doesn't break any new ground in the genre, and is cautiously recommended primarily for Max Julien's take on black characters in the not so Old West.

Good for a laugh

[wllatimer · 5/10 · 30 November 2003]

This movie is very dated. It is so corny that we found ourselves laughing at the attempts to be "cool". The worst scene was when the couple played in a muddy river I expected to see them running through a grassy field in slow motion next. There isn't any resemblance to Bonny and Clyde except for the fact Thomasine is a female and Bushrod is a male. You might enjoy watching it as an example of the use of stereotypes in a movie or as a lesson in cinematic history. The photography was better than the rest of the movie.

The Story of Two Lovers Embarking on a Crime Spree

[Uriah43 · 5/10 · 2 January 2023]

This film begins in 1911 with a female bounty hunter by the name of "Thomasine" (Vonetta McGee) bringing a wanted criminal into the office of a small-town law enforcement official in Texas by the name of "Marshal Bogardie" (George Murdock) and requesting the posted bounty. While there she notices a poster of another wanted criminal named "J. P. Bushrod" (Max Julien) and after a few questions decides to search for him as well. Not long afterward, she meets up with Bushrod and it is then revealed that, not only did they know each other, but that they were once lovers as well. To that effect, they soon rekindle their feelings for one another and embark on a crime spree by robbing several banks in several of the small towns they come across. Unfortunately, they soon discover that Marshal Bogardie has now decided to become involved with their apprehension and he will not rest until they are either captured or dead. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this was a rather strange film that incorporated elements of the blaxploitation subgenre into a Western setting where automobiles were becoming more common. That is not to say, of course, that this was a brand-new concept as there had been other Black-Westerns made before--and several others have followed afterward. But what really stood out, in my opinion, was the introduction of the character named "Jomo J. Anderson" (Glenn Turman) who seemed more suitable for a pirate movie than a film of this type. But that's just my opinion and others may disagree. Regardless, while I don't consider this to be a bad film by any means, there were some scenes that could have been improved upon and for that reason I have rated this movie accordingly. Average.

Love Story with a western tilt

[Wearliejr · 10 February 2004]

This movie is about the relationship between the two main characters -Thomasine and Bushrod.Thomasine is a liberated woman who loves Bushrod. Bushrod is a reluctant outlaw who goes along with Thomasine to please his woman. Despite her propensity for making bad decisions Bushrod stays by her side until the bitter end.

If you like off-beat '70's Westerns - try this.

[The_Invisible_Dog · 7/10 · 17 January 2023]

Bonnie and Clyde out west. You know it's all on a downward spiral. Gets called a Blaxploitation movie and while it does have the themes, characters, attitudes and a style of acting that are all commonly associated with that genre, there is also an unexpected dimension of depth here. Mainly that is due to the relationship between the two leads. They were lovers in real life at the time that this picture was made and it shows. They bring a quiet humanity and personal feeling between them which elevates the movie beyond the limits of its script. I'd like to watch more of them as a duo, surviving and living out west without the obligation to descend into predictable violence. Vonetta McGee has great presence and plays surely one of the most memorable female lead roles in Westerns, ever. Overall - a cool, rare '70s western featuring some great early cars as well as stylish clothes and enjoyable music. It's a 6/10 movie but I give it 7 for it's extra levels of enjoyment.

Am I the only person watching this that thinks....

[thedesertraven · 4/10 · 3 May 2021]

..... that from his first line uttered, the lead character played by Max Julien isn't doing much acting.

Without commenting much on the movie itself, with its limited resources and production values, Max's character and that of the lead actress are, however, attractive and likable enough.

But I just don't see any talent or anything that moves me to get into his character. In fact I'm almost dumbfounded by the lack of aparent talent.

And I'm not that picky- it's just a movie that came up on Cinevault, and I'm just looking for a little entertainment.

Perhaps it's somewhat the result of his being involved in the script and production, wherein the acting direction was left out, but this is not a good movie. A poor Bonnie and Clyde genre flick.

I see here that he got good reviews elsewhere, but I can't give them here.

black Bonnie and Clyde

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 25 June 2022]

It's 1911 Texas. Thomasine is a loner bounty hunter. Her next target is fugitive J. P. Bushrod for the $1000 reward. They have a history and she's not actually trying to bring him in. She's joining him in his bank robberies while he gives away much of the loot.

It's a blaxploitation version Bonnie and Clyde. I could do with fewer slow-motion montages and more action. I do like the pervasive racism for the story. The actors are good. It's better than most blaxploitation fare but it could still be much better.

Much like a black version of "Bonnie & Clyde"

[planktonrules · 3/10 · 4 April 2022]

During the 1970s, the 'blaxploitation' film movement produced a lot of great, near great and downright bad films....just like any other genre. However, unlike traditional movies, these featured very strong black American characters...characters who were sick of being on the socioeconomic bottom rung. So unlike the 'nice' black people in 1930s-60s film, these people were fighting mad...which made them very popular at inner city theaters. And, among the many blaxploitation films, many were pretty much remakes of white characters...with black characters instead. This explains why there is a black "Exorcist" ("Abby"), a black "Frankenstein" ("Blackenstein") and, in the case of "Thomasine & Bushrod" you have a black version of the big hit, "Bonnie & Clyde".

The film is set out west in 1911...well after the old west period you see in films. Bushrod (Max Julien) is a criminal and Thomasine (Vonetta McGee), because she's in love with him, joins him in his bank robbing spree. They are in love but also not entirely happy. Bushrod sees himself as the Robin Hood-type...stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. But Thomasine is tired of living in poverty and insists they keep at least some of the money for themselves! Clearly, she is the more practical of the two! What's coming next? See the film...and find out if they meet the same sort of end as Bonnie & Clyde or, perhaps, they manage to get away with this lifestyle.

Despite the subject matter, "Thomasine & Bushrod" is not nearly as exciting as it should have been. The film lacked the great music of a heist film, the sustained excitement, excellent direction and fine acting. Here, instead, you have two relative newcomers (McGee and Julien) and a flat script where it SHOULD have been much more interesting. Not a bad film...but one that clearly could have been so much more...and had more lasting appeal.

By the way, if you do see the film, note Glynn Turman who played 'Jomo'. He has the distinction of having starred in the most ridiculous blaxploitation film ever made, "JD's Revenge"...a film that is so bad, so silly and so over-the-top that you just have to see it to believe it! He was a fine actor....but even the best actor couldn't have made this movie work.

An overlooked gem!

[cableaddict · 8/10 · 22 February 2006]

Wow, this movie is far, FAR better than I expected.

First of all, it has been referred to as being of the "blacksploitation" genre. This is not appropriate, IMO. It has none of the braggadocio of that genre, nor does it portray whites as complete bumbling idiots. This is simply an excellent western that just happens to have two black leads. (FWIW, I'm white.)

There is plenty of action, but much more emphasis on the characters feelings, as any good movie should have. This isn't a zany romp, like (say) Buck & the Preacher, but a serious look at two complicated individuals.

The film is excellent. It reminds me more of Butch Cassidy than Bonnie & Clyde. The two leads are excellent actors, and have great chemistry between them. Vonetta McGee literally gives an Oscar-worthy performance. Seriously. She pulls a great range of emotions out of what would otherwise be an average script.

The plot is well worked-out, considering the genre, with no clichés to be found. The cinematography and score are both first rate. While I wouldn't call this a "must see" film (how many of those are there, really?) it is a fine piece of work.

I gave it an 8. If the screenplay had been just a little better (the low-point of the entire production) this could have been a 9 - 10.

Don't pass this up if you get a chance to see it.

Blaxploitation western

[Stevieboy666 · 7/10 · 23 November 2022]

Set in 1911 Texas this is a tale of female bounty hunter Thomasine and bandit Bushrod who team up, robbing from the rich and generously giving to the poor, Robin Hood meets Bonnie and Clyde. It is a mixture of black exploitation, Western, action and humour, though don't be fooled into thinking that this is a spoof. It does have some funny moments but this is more than counter balanced by racist language and violence. Max Julien not only stars as Bushrod but he also wrote and co-produced this movie, obviously a talented guy. His character is wanted for murder but he has a good heart. His partner (in more ways than one) Thomasine is played by the very attractive Vonetta McGee, their onscreen magic no doubt helped by the fact that the two were in a real life relationship. I felt that the movie started off really well, then it slows down for a while before culminating in a very powerful finale. Very catchy theme tune that stayed in my head long after the closing credits.

Blaxploitation spin on a road classic

[Leofwine_draca · 5/10 · 6 January 2023]

A blaxploitation version of BONNIE AND CLYDE, THOMASINE & BUSHROD tells of a couple of unassuming characters who, tiring of the inherent racism in their back roads society, decide to take the fight to the man...with mayhem ensuing. It's a gritty little western-style story made on an obviously low budget and with an unfamiliar-to-me cast, but it has a certain charm. The characters make no apologies for who they are and the white characters are certainly villainous, particularly that horrible guy who likes using a spear. The film follows a familiar narrative and the climax, when it comes, is entirely predictable but nonetheless relatively powerful.

This is a very unique addition to the western genre that is definitely worth your time

[kevin_robbins · 8/10 · 31 May 2022]

Thomasine & Bushrod (1974) is a movie I recently watched on Tubi. The storyline for this picture follows a man who does his best to make ends meet until his former lover returns to town and challenges him to get a house, picket fence and some land to raise children. They decide the best way to do that is become notorious bank robbers. Will their lifestyle end in dreams coming true or go down in a blaze of glory?

This movie is directed by Gordon Parks Jr. (Super Fly) and stars Max Julien (The Mack), Vonetta McGee (Repo Man), George Murdock (Orange County), Glynn Turman (Super 8) and Herb Robins (The Funhouse).

This is a very well done character piece that contains a worthwhile storyline that is entertaining to watch unfold. The movie does a good job of depicting racism from this era. Some of the kill special effects were dated but the shootouts were fun. The car references and scenes in this are well done and the elements of hope were feel good moments; however, the ending felt very realistic and concludes this picture perfectly.

Overall this is a very unique addition to the western genre that is definitely worth your time. I would score this a 7.5/10 and strongly recommend it.

thomasine and boring

[mossgrymk · 5/10 · 19 July 2022]

A film where all the Caucasians are scum and all the African Americans are angels. D. W. Griffith would roll over in his grave...and bump up against Gordon Parks and Max Julien.

Dull blaxploitation take on "Bonnie & Clyde"

[Wizard-8 · 26 March 2004]

Max Julian probably got this screenplay of his produced because of his success in "The Mack" the previous year, though the studio seems to have still had some reluctance because it was obviously made with a limited budget. Julian himself doesn't help things; he gives a really bland performance here, enough so that it may explain why he didn't act again in a motion picture for more than 20 years later! Vonetta McGee shows talent, though she never really gets to break out, even though the screenplay focuses much more on her character than Julian's. Perhaps she was beaten down by the drab storyline; there's not much exciting or really interesting here. Possibly it was originally even more long and dull, since the movie seems to have been extensively reworked in the editing room (take that long sepia-colored montage sequence, for example.) Pretty unmemorable - goes to show it's not always music rights that have prevented a video or DVD release of a movie.

Black Love.

[quineydwaynerolax · 10/10 · 26 July 2022]

This movie is very intense in a subtle way that shows the irrational hate white people have against Black Americans just because We want to have a Life Free of terrorism from white people who profess to be Christians but are nothing but oppressors stealing and killing.

Great Movie

[poortax3435 · 8 January 2007]

I saw the movie when it originally came out in 1974, and it was very entertaining. I can't believe it is not available for purchase. I know Max Julien wrote and produced it, but where's the movie? Max if you read this, please make this movie available. (not enough lines) repeat.... saw the movie when it originally came out in 1974, and it was very entertaining. I can't believe it is not available for purchase. I know Max Julien wrote and produced it, but where's the movie? Max if you read this, please make this movie available.

saw the movie when it originally came out in 1974, and it was very entertaining. I can't believe it is not available for purchase. I know Max Julien wrote and produced it, but where's the movie? Max if you read this, please make this movie available.

It is Blaxploitation, but nothing wrong with that.

[drtturner · 27 August 2011]

Amazing how you can see a movie, not think of it for a decade or even 2, but then remember some parts. The ending was so special and I called it right before it happened making me think I saw it years ago. My claim that it is blaxploitation comes in way of looking at the clown white sheriff and looking at how our 2 heroes can ride in a car that goes 4 miles per hour and escape all bullets as if mythical characters, a trademark of blaxploitation super hero films. Even though Glenn Thurman is in this one, the film would have had a bigger push, following and lasting impact had a James Earl Jones or Rosie Grier been secured in the lead role. As it stands, the actors involved did an admirable job.