Bunny O'Hare

Bunny O'Hare is a 1971 American comedy film that offers a blend of humor, adventure, and a touch of rebellion against the establishment. Directed by Gerd Oswald, the movie stars the indomitable Bette Davis as Bunny O'Hare, a down-on-her-luck widow, who finds herself at a crossroads in life after her home is unceremoniously repossessed by an unfeeling bank. With gumption and a bit of desperation, Bunny embarks on an unconventional journey that turns her into an unlikely outlaw.

Ernest Borgnine co-stars as Bill Green, a roguish but charming drifter with a knack for scheming and an appetite for excitement. Bunny crosses paths with Bill under peculiar circumstances, igniting the spark for their quirky partnership. Jack Cassidy brings in another layer of performance as Lieutenant Greeley, a lawman with a somewhat inflated sense of self-importance who is on the trail of the budding criminals.

The movie unfolds in the Southwest, painting a vivid portrait of the early 1970s American landscape - a period characterized by a countercultural movement that often challenged traditional American values. Bunny O'Hare is a reflection of this era, as the lead characters find common ground in their disillusionment with the establishment and their resulting disdain for banks - institutions they consider emblematic of the system that has failed them.

The dynamic between Bunny O'Hare and Bill Green is the heart of the film. Bette Davis's portrayal of Bunny infuses the character with a potent mix of vulnerability, determination, and a hint of joy in her newfound life of crime. Ernest Borgnine's Bill is both a foil and a complement to Davis's Bunny, providing street smarts and a laid-back charisma that balances Bunny's more driven persona. Together, they don unlikely disguises and utilize Bill's ingenuity to pull off a string of bank heists that are as humorous as they are daring.

Their criminally creative modus operandi leader them to disguise themselves as a variety of characters, from hippies to elderly folk, skillfully evading the authorities while perpetrating their escapades. This chameleon-like ability to adapt to different roles adds a layer of farcical comedy to the movie, as the audience is treated to the sight of Davis and Borgnine immersed in an array of humorous get-ups, defying their age and stereotypes with infectious zest.

Throughout their adventure, Bunny and Bill strike a blow for the 'little guy', robbing banks that they feel represent the same sort of financial institutions that have been oppressing the average citizen. Through their eyes, the duo becomes an embodiment of a Robin Hood-like fantasy, fighting against societal injustices in their own peculiar way. This narrative of sticking it to the man appeals to the underground and anti-authoritarian sentiments that permeated much of the counterculture during the time of the film's release.

As the two bandits bungle and charm their way through each heist, the chase heats up with the entrance of Jack Cassidy's character, Lieutenant Greeley. His commitment to catching the unconventional bank robbers is as much about upholding the law as it is about inflating his professional reputation. Greeley is earnest in his quest, yet his attempts to apprehend Bunny and Bill often add to the humor of the film, as they consistently manage to stay one step ahead of the law.

Bunny's role as a middle-aged woman who vastly deviates from the expected behavior of a widow during this era is significant. It’s an exploration of themes such as empowerment, the redefinition of identity, and the pursuit of happiness on one's own terms. Bette Davis throws herself into the part with gusto, proving that her capabilities as an actress extended well into her later years, and lending credence to the notion that it's never too late to start anew.

While Bunny O'Hare is very much a product of its time, the film's message resonates beyond the period of its creation, speaking to the universal desire for freedom, control over one's destiny, and the lengths to which individuals might go when pushed to their limits. Its blend of light-hearted wit, social commentary, and the magnetic performances of its lead actors makes it a less conventional entry into the genre of heist films.

In essence, Bunny O'Hare serves as a vehicle for audiences to enjoy a caper, laugh with its characters, and perhaps secretly root for the antiheroes as they bid to outfox their pursuers. It's an entertaining romp through a stylized version of early '70s America, imbued with the spirit of rebellion, the charms of its leading stars, and an undercurrent of heart beneath the hijinks and robberies. It shows that sticking it to the man never gets old—especially when it's done with such style and panache as by the inimitable Bette Davis and the ever-charismatic Ernest Borgnine.