The good-natured film from director George Roy Hill, one of the most popular (and highest-grossing) westerns ever made, revived the careers of two ""golden-boy"" Hollywood actors:superstar Paul Newman (in most of his previous films, he had been a rebellious loner -The Hustler (1961),Hud (1963), andCool Hand Luke (1967))newcomer Robert Redford - who had previously appeared in stage plays and only a few films (i.[He is the son of a Joseph and Mary Deeds - an unusual Christ-like reference.] When told the "good news" about his inheritance by duplicitous, crooked lawyer John Cedar, he barely flinches, uninterested and unemotionally affected by the money.She describes he two-week old occupant of the rented room whose name is Carlotta Valdes: "I can""t imagine that sweet girl with that dear face.Then they f--k you! And when they""re done f--king you, along comes the insurance company and f--ks you some more! Ten dollars for a f--king aspirin that""s not even covered.