The movie was Urban Cowboy, based on the life and loves of Pasadena's own Dew Westbrook, whose fortunes have come full circle since Aaron Latham wrote the “Urban Cowboy” story for Esquire magazine in 1978 as well as the screenplay for the 1980 movie that featured the world's most famous mechanical bull.

Did John Travolta really ride the bull in Urban Cowboy?

John Travolta had a mechanical bull installed in his house two months before production began. He became so good that he was allowed to dismiss the stunt double and do the takes himself.

Are you a real Cowboy line from Urban Cowboy?

Quotes. Sissy : You a real cowboy? Bud : Well that depends on what you think a real cowboy is? Sissy : Know how to do 2-step?

What happened to Gilley's bar?

Gilley won the court case, and Cryer was ordered to pay Gilley $17 million. The dispute permanently closed Gilley's, ending an 18-year run that saw country music become mainstream in large part due to the club's widespread fame. On July 5, 1990, a fire quickly spread throughout the main building, destroying the club.

Did John Travolta and Sissy Spacek get along?

Spacek had appeared in the 1976 adaption of Stephen King's Carrie as the title character with Travolta in a smaller role. Reunited on the set of Urban Cowboy, the two actors could not get along and Spacek was let go.

CMT Docs - Urban Cowboy: The Rise and Fall of Gilley's - Trailer

How old was John Travolta when he made Urban Cowboy?

In the summer of 1979, the Houston news and gossip circles were dominated by the presence of one John Travolta, who lived in the city while filming Urban Cowboy in nearby Pasadena. It was only the fourth leading role for the 25-year-old actor, but he was already arguably the world's biggest movie star.

Who turned down John Travolta's role in Grease?

Hollywood star Henry Winkler revealed on Thursday the surprising reason he turned down John Travolta's star-making role as Danny Zuko in Grease. The comedian, 77, told Kyle and Jackie O that he declined the role of the cheeky greaser because it felt too similar to his iconic Happy Days character The Fonz.

Did they ever rebuild Gilleys?

But the mechanical bull tells visitors they're in the new version of Gilley's, the rowdy honky-tonk made famous by John Travolta's 1980 movie "Urban Cowboy" -- the saloon that made country cool. "People have never forgotten about Gilley's," said Doug Keller, the new club's general manager.

What caused Gilley's to burn down?

The hype ruined the club for Gilley's regulars and started a rift between Cryer and Gilley. The club closed after the two broke up their partnership and an arson fire later destroyed the huge structure in 1989.

Why did Gilley's in Texas close?

Cryer had to give up much of his real estate to pay the debt. The club operated under Gilley briefly after the lawsuit, until the judge ordered it closed in 1989 due to loss of profits. Gilley rescued the tapes of the live shows before a suspicious fire burned the club down in 1990.

Was Urban Cowboy filmed in Texas?

The majority of the scenes from Urban Cowboy were shot in Houston, Texas, which provided a unique backdrop for the film. The city's expansive skyline of downtown buildings juxtaposed with the lush countryside of nearby ranches gave a stunningly beautiful contrast that could be seen throughout the movie.

What town was Urban Cowboy based on?

The movie was Urban Cowboy, based on the life and loves of Pasadena's own Dew Westbrook, whose fortunes have come full circle since Aaron Latham wrote the “Urban Cowboy” story for Esquire magazine in 1978 as well as the screenplay for the 1980 movie that featured the world's most famous mechanical bull.

How did Urban Cowboy end?

The fight causes Wes to drop his gun, and the stolen money falls from his jacket. Bud overpowers Wes and after punching him several times, pins him down on the floor. Gilley's staff, having discovered the robbery, apprehend Wes. Bud and Sissy, reconciled, go home together.

Is Gilley's in Houston still open?

Welcome to Gilley's

Though the club is no longer in operation there are three other Gilley's, in Las Vegas Nevada, Dallas Texas and Durant Oklahoma. The club was a phenomenon back in the day and spawned a movie called the Urban Cowboy featuring John Travolta and Debra Winger.

What bar was Urban Cowboy filmed in?

Yes, the movie was filmed in the Houston area, much of it at Gilley's, a honky-tonk that had room for 6,000 people — and one very popular mechanical bull. The entrance to the original Gilley's nightclub in Pasadena. It was named after co-owner and country music star Mickey Gilley.

Who auditioned for Sissy in Urban Cowboy?

Travolta turned down another movie, American Gigolo, to work on Urban Cowboy. (The Gigolo role went to Richard Gere.) Michelle Pfeiffer auditioned for the part of Sissy before it went to Debra Winger, becoming her first starring role.

What year did Gilley's nightclub close?

When the "Urban Cowboy" trend faded, so did Gilley's stardom. The nightclub closed in 1989 amid a dispute between Gilley and his partner. A year later, it was destroyed in an arson fire.

Where is the mechanical bull from Urban Cowboy?

A major piece of movie memorabilia from the 1980 John Travolta film "Urban Cowboy" has found a home at a new club in Woodbury, the Woodbury Patch reports.

What happened to Mickey Gilley's son?

Indianapolis, Indiana - It brings us incredible sadness to say that Greg Gilley, talented singer, writer, & guitarist for MISERY, has passed away. Greg was the son of legendary country music singer and songwriter Mickey Gilley. His untimely passing has been a devastating blow to those who knew and loved him.

Who owns Gilley's in Las Vegas?

Gilley's Saloon, Dancehall and Bar-B-Que is a restaurant, bar and dance hall in Las Vegas, Nevada in the United States. It serves barbecue and has a Western theme. It's owned by and located at Treasure Island Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip.

Who owns Gilley's in Dallas?

Gilley sold the naming rights to Dallas-based developer Matthews Southwest, and Gilley's Dallas opened in 2003. It's currently owned by Don Nelson.

Who was first choice for Sandy in Grease?

According to Vanity Fair, the iconic role of doe-eyed Sandy was almost given to late Star Wars actor Carrie Fisher, who died in 2016 at the age of 60.

Did John Travolta have a wig in Grease?

If we had to make an educated guess, Travolta more than likely got a quality wig for the momentous occasion, as it would've been impossible to truly look like Danny Z. without his signature flow. Lace-front wigs for men are amazing as they're completely undetectable, so chances are, that's what Travolta went for here.

Who was first choice for Danny in Grease?

Henry Winkler was offered the role of Danny Zuko.

Henry Winkler's "Happy Days" character, Fonzie, basically was Danny Zuko, so he was a natural first thought for the film. But Winkler had been playing the ABC role for a decade, so he passed on "Grease."