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Clint Eastwood's Orangutan Co-Star: A Forgotten Hit
12 Feb
Summary
- Every Which Way But Loose, starring Clint Eastwood and an orangutan, was a 1978 box office success.
- The orangutan, Clyde, is considered the true star, providing significant comedic relief.
- The film features bare-knuckle boxing, a disappearing country singer, and incompetent neo-Nazi bikers.
Released in 1978, "Every Which Way But Loose" achieved the status of Clint Eastwood's most profitable movie to date, a success that may surprise audiences accustomed to his more serious roles. The film's plot centers on Philo Beddoe, a truck driver and bare-knuckle boxer, who becomes infatuated with a country singer named Lynn. When Lynn disappears, Philo embarks on a quest to find her.
Central to the film's unique appeal is Clyde, an orangutan who accompanies Philo, having been won in a fight. Clyde is portrayed as the film's true star, injecting considerable personality and humor, including drinking beer and antagonizing neo-Nazi bikers. The orangutan's presence elevates the action-comedy, offering ample laughs alongside numerous bare-knuckle boxing sequences.
The movie also features a comical portrayal of a neo-Nazi motorcycle gang, The Black Widows, led by Cholla. This group, known for their matching tattoos and jackets, is depicted as highly incompetent. Their vendetta against Philo, stemming from him selling their motorcycles, leads to a series of absurd and Benny Hill-esque encounters.
Adding a twist to the narrative is the "love story" element. The country singer, Lynn, orchestrates her own disappearance and is hesitant to be found by Philo. Despite their reunion, which includes a brief intimate encounter, she expresses frustration with his persistence, creating an unexpected turn that enhances the film's unconventional appeal. Though not universally considered a top Eastwood film, "Every Which Way But Loose" remains a beloved, albeit somewhat forgotten, 1970s gem.
