The joke where he is on his way to Australia is somewhat funny on its surface, but I've always wondered if I'm missing something. Is there some kind of additional meaning related to the era in which the movie was released (1969)? Is the joke referencing something that was commonly known at that time?
shareThe joke is he is always talking about going to Australia, and is only in town as a stopover, but he every move he makes in town just sets roots deeper. We know he will never leave for Oz.
shareIs there some kind of additional meaning related to the era in which the movie was released (1969)? Is the joke referencing something that was commonly known at that time?
I don't think it has to do with 1969; there actually was an Australian Gold Rush in the 1880s, and heading to Australia gave Jason a trace of eccentricity.
Later in 1969, the closing scene of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid also references Australia, and for the same reason, I think - the Australian Gold Rush and the fact that it was far, far away.
I agree with the other commenters but I want to add my own take.
The West was not wild enough for for the Sheriff so he wanted to go to Australia which he considered to be wilder. The excuse was to search for gold even though there was plenty of gold to be found in the USA.
"I thought this was the last of the frontier, and we were pioneers?"
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