With the passing of Robert Redford on Tuesday, Hollywood lost one of its greatest performers and directors, and the world lost an enthusiastic environmental activist and film advocate. Redford filled the screen with his boyish good looks and subtle but engrossing stage presence.

He was a part of some of the greatest films of all time and was always the most popular actor in every scene he was in. He, of course, teamed with the great Paul Newman in two screen classics, 1969’s “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and 1973’s “The Sting.” Their chemistry was electric.

Throughout his career, Redford played a bank robber, a politician, a skier, a con man, a washed-up cowboy, and many other identifying characters. Trying to choose my ten favorite Robert Redford movies was a difficult task. I could not decide on my all-time favorites, so I listed them chronologically. Last time, we reviewed five films from the beginning of his movie career. I hope you enjoyed the list and the memories. Now we’ll take a look back at some of his outstanding later films.

Greg’s Favorite Robert Redford Films of All-Time

1976-All the President’s Men

This autobiographical, political thriller chronicles reporters Bob Woodward (Redford) and Carl Bernstein (Dustin Hoffman) of the Washington Post in their dogged pursuit to unravel the truth about the break-in at the Democratic National Committee Headquarters in the Watergate Complex in Washington, D.C. They are an unlikely pairing, as Woodward is a green, police beat reporter and Bernstein, a pain in the ass, rude staff reporter who is on the verge of being fired.

They team up to investigate what appears to be a routine break-in on the surface. We now know that this was the start of a bigger cover-up that eventually led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. The two face roadblocks and fierce opposition to their investigation, even within their own newsroom.

They are harassed and their lives are threatened as they pursue the story. The only real lead they have is someone who calls himself “Deepthroat,” who has abundant information about the conspiracy but is careful about how much he’ll impart to Woodward.

Woodward and Bernstein are supported by the Post’s craggy Managing Editor Ben Bradlee, who nicknames them “Woodstein.” While he supports them, he constantly reminds the two of what is at stake if they screw up. The tension builds as the story progresses to its nuclear conclusion. Jason Robards won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his spot-on portrayal of Bradlee. The movie took its name, its inspiration, and its storyline from the best-selling book by Woodward.

1977-A Bridge Too Far

Redford only has a small part in this epic, star-studded war film, but he captures the audience’s attention in all his scenes. The movie tells the story of “Operation Market Garden,” which was the Allies’ failed attempt to defeat Nazi Germany by seizing several bridges in Holland to enter German soil from there. The movie was based on a book by historian Cornelius Ryan, who himself was a London-based war correspondent during World War II.

Redford plays the real-life character, Major Julian Cook, whose battalion was tasked with a near-impossible mission. Cook and his men were one of the units charged with taking the bridge over the Waal River. They were forced to make a harrowing daytime crossing with Redford’s Cook saying “Hail May’s” as they made their way to the German side of the river. Redford plays the part with grit, wit, and sarcasm and captures the spirit of Major Cook, who was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery that day.

1979-The Electric Horseman

Another pairing with Jane Fonda. Redford plays it for fun this time in a tender story of a broken-down cowboy and the horse he is trying to save. Redford plays former rodeo champion Sonny Steele, who has been reduced to being a pitchman for Ranch Breakfast Cereal.

Even though the job pays well, Sonny hates it and continually tries to drown his sorrows to forget about what he has become. It’s up to his manager, Wendell, played spectacularly by first-time actor, singer Willie Nelson, and assistant Leroy, to get Steele sober and in shape to perform his act.

While preparing for a show in Las Vegas, Sonny notices that the horse he will be riding, former champion Rising Star, is being drugged with tranquilizers to calm him during the performance. This distresses Sonny so much that he steals the horse and rides down the Las Vegas Strip to escape authorities and nurse the horse back to good health.

Along the way, he is followed by a reporter, Hallie Martin (Fonda), who ends up being an accomplice to his plans. The optics of the Nevada and Utah desert are truly stunning, and don’t miss Valerie Perrine in a kooky turn as Steele’s ex-wife, Charlotta.

1984-The Natural

Redford starred in this ethereal charmer as Roy Hobbs, a Nebraska farm boy who was destined for greatness until he met the wrong woman. He gets one more chance for stardom, 16 years later, with the downtrodden New York Knights. He is signed ostensibly to ensure that the team blow their chances for the pennant so its owner can increase his share of ownership of the team. But Hobbs becomes an instant sensation with his magical bat “Wonderboy,” and he immediately improves the Knight’s position in the standings.

Things take a turn when Roy refuses a bribe from the owner to throw the season and meets a shady woman with an ulterior motive. He slumps badly after this, until a woman from his past comes to town with a secret to reveal. The forces that be plot to keep Hobbs out of the lineup, but he comes back to turn the tide in a climactic scene that carries a twist. The brilliant character actor Wilford Brimley plays Roy’s manager, Populus “Pop” Fisher, as only he can, in a subtle but cynical performance.

1990-Havana

My guilty pleasure on the list. Redford plays Jack Weil, a professional gambler looking for the big score in pre-Castro Cuba, in this smoky saga. He’s a “don’t get involved guy,” until he meets the temping revolutionary Roberta, who persuades Weil to help with the revolution. Jack’s main interest is Roberta, but his involvement grows deeper. There are some kidnappings, and Roberta’s husband, Dr. Arturo Duran, is reportedly killed by Cuban President Fulgencio Batista’s secret police.

Jack convinces Roberta that she is no longer safe in Havana, and she agrees to seek sanctuary with him in the States. He loses the big poker game because of the distractions, and Fidel Castro’s army enters Havana on New Year’s Eve, celebrating their overthrow of the Batista regime. The story eventually culminates in a “Casablanca” style ending. Jack is seen at the end of the film in Key West, waiting for a ferry with Roberta on board that will never arrive.

Closing

I hope you enjoyed the list. I have spent countless hours watching these movies many times over. If you haven’t seen some of them, I encourage you to start streaming.