Butch and the Sunset Kid

Remember these guys - coming out all guns blazing in the climax of Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid? Or in The Sting, taking a big-time gambler to the cleaners with a laconic smile?

Sure, they're older now, a little more careworn, a little more lined, but it's still the same team.

It is more than 20 years since their partnership last lit up the screen - but for film fans of a certain age there's still something magical about a rare Paul Newman (Butch Cassidy) and Robert Redford (The Kid) reunion.

The occasion was the 25th anniversary of Robert Redford's Sundance Institute, founded by the star when he was at the height of his fame to encourage independent film makers.

Asked what had brought him out for a rare public appearance Newman, 81, wearing a sweatshirt on which he appeared to have written I Never Had A Crappy Gig Until Tonight, answered with one word: "Redford."

Redford, 69, and his work also drew a host of A-listers, including Uma Thurman, to the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York for the event.

The evening, organised by Glenn Close, saw the star guests serve drinks.

This may have been a sound, democratic idea - the sort of thing reflected in films backed by the Sundance Institute - but these were Hollywood stars.

Which is perhaps why Claire Danes quickly tumbled head first into a pack of reporters while carrying a tray of cocktails.