Urban Cowboy (1980)

User Rating:

5.9/10   

Director:

James Bridges

Writers:

Aaron Latham (story)
James Bridges (writer) ...

Release Date:

6 June 1980 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

Hard Hat Days And Honky-Tonk Nights.

Plot:

John Travolta stars as a young man from the country who learns about life and love in a Houston bar.

Plot Keywords:

Contest | Funeral | Wedding | Convicted Felon | Houston Texas

Awards:

Nominated for 2 Golden Globes. Another 2 nominations

US TV Schedule:

Sat. Nov. 14	5:00 PM	CMTV
Sun. Nov. 15	2:00 PM	CMTV

Cast

John Travolta	...	Bud
Debra Winger	...	Sissy
Scott Glenn	...	Wes
Madolyn Smith Osborne	...	Pam (as Madolyn Smith)
Barry Corbin	...	Uncle Bob
Brooke Alderson	...	Aunt Corene
Cooper Huckabee	...	Marshall
James Gammon	...	Steve Strange
Mickey Gilley	...	Himself
Johnny Lee	...	Himself
Bonnie Raitt	...	Herself
Charlie Daniels	...	Himself (as Charlie Daniels Band)
Taz Di Gregorio	...	Himself (as Charlie Daniels Band)
Charlie Hayward	...	Himself (as Charlie Daniels Band)
Betty Murphy	...	Bud's Mom

Runtime:

132 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

UK:12 (DVD rating) | UK:15 (re-rating) (1987) | UK:AA (original rating) | South Korea:15 | Australia:M | Canada:14A | Finland:K-16 | Norway:16 (1980) | Sweden:15 | USA:PG | Argentina:13

Filming Locations:

Houston, Texas, USA

Company:

Paramount Pictures

Trivia:

The soundtrack album was a major hit. It sold several million copies and featured the hit tunes "Looking for Love", "Can I Have This Dance?" and "All Night Long".

Goofs:

Errors in geography: The terrain of Houston/Pasadena Texas is very flat, yet as Bud and other characters are seen driving down his street in the trailer park, a significant range of hills is easily noticed in the background. The closest range of significant hills are near Austin - 160 miles away from Houston.

Quotes:

Sissy: I brought ya some coffee.
Bud: Get me a beer.
Sissy: Bud, if they smell beer on your breath at work -
Bud: JUST GET ME A BEER!
Sissy: Yessir.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Lady Killers (2003)

Soundtrack:

Lookin' For Love

An entertaining period piece. Travolta shines.

This film is a classic compared to the Latham/Bridges/Travolta misfire called PERFECT which came out in 1985.

This film showcases the Houston lifestyle of the oil boom in the early 1980s. We get an insider's view of their jobs, hangouts, and relationships as Travolta and the gang live out their daily lives.

There are some excellent supporting performances here, but make no mistake: THIS IS TRAVOLTA'S SHOW! Who would have thought at the time he'd make such a credible Texan? You almost have to remind yourself this guy was one of the Sweathogs from Welcome Back Kotter. We get to see him dance, fight, ride a mechanical bull, and score with a number of hot women. What more could you ask for? I think this is his best performance to date.

The soundtrack is one of the best I've heard. You won't hear any of this crappy pop-country that is en vogue today. It's just good old fashioned music you can dance or make love to.

This film displays the downfalls of couples who get married too quickly in a very realistic manner. Bud and Sissy resemble a lot of young couples without big bank accounts who have trouble getting along.

Scott Glenn makes a terrific villain, too.

Do yourself a favor and see this one. Or see it again if it's been a while. Travolta could use a hit movie like this one right about now in his career.

9 of 10 stars

So sayeth the Hound.