IMDb > Urban Cowboy (1980)
Urban Cowboy
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Urban Cowboy (1980) More at IMDbPro »


Overview

User Rating:
5.9/10   4,741 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 55% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
James Bridges
Writers:
Aaron Latham (story)
James Bridges (writer) ...
more
Contact:
View company contact information for Urban Cowboy on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
6 June 1980 (USA) more
Genre:
Drama more
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. full summary | add synopsis
Awards:
Nominated for 2 Golden Globes. Another 2 nominations more
NewsDesk:
(8 articles)
Travolta jurors 'to begin deliberations'
 (From digitalspy. 21 October 2009, 1:03 PM, PDT)

Patrick Swayze Dies at 57
 (From Manny the Movie Guy. 14 September 2009, 5:55 PM, PDT)

User Comments:
An entertaining period piece. Travolta shines. more (54 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

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
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Runtime:
132 min
Country:
USA
Language:
English
Color:
Color
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 more
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 more

Fun Stuff

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". more
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. more
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.
more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in Lady Killers (2003) more
Soundtrack:
Lookin' For Love more

FAQ

How does it end?
more
13 out of 15 people found the following comment useful.
An entertaining period piece. Travolta shines., 28 August 2003
Author: TOMASBBloodhound from Lincoln, NE USA

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.

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Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Urban Cowboy (1980)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
Sissy v. Pam bchelrprty
Always drives me crazy... mackrc420
IS THERE GOING TO BE A URBAN COWBOY 2 AND 3 MADE? mcberryman1
Sherwood Cryer catfishjones-2
guitar version of look what you've done to me dallas_cowboy_fan2005
sorry RR2rr
more

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