In that same Texas Monthly article, John Travolta explains how “Urban Cowboy” became so popular — it offered an immersive experience: “You could watch it, and then you could go experience it. You could buy a cowboy hat, get on a mechanical bull, go country dancing. You could live this movie.”

Was Urban Cowboy a success?

Urban Cowboy is a 1980 American romantic Western film directed by James Bridges. The plot concerns the love-hate relationship between Buford Ewing "Bud" Davis (John Travolta) and Sissy (Debra Winger). The film's success was credited for spurring a mainstream revival of country music.

What is the point of Urban Cowboy?

Urban Cowboy is the story of how a mechanical bull can make or break a relationship. It follows the on-again-off-again romance between Bud—who had just moved to Houston in search of work—and Sissy, who meet and fall in love at a honky tonk called Gilley's.

When was Urban Cowboy popular?

The Urban Cowboy movement became the first pop-culture craze of the eighties. In the 35 years since, regard for the film has declined substantially, particularly in Nashville, where the movie's title has long been synonymous with a watered-down sound.

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.

EXCLUSIVE: John Travolta Looks Back on 'Urban Cowboy' 35 Years Later

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 was John Travolta's job in Urban Cowboy?

Synopsis. Bud Davis (John Travolta) moves to Houston for a job in the city's oil refinery industry. He hopes to save enough money to move back to his hometown of Spur, Texas and buy some land. Bud stays with his Uncle Bob (Barry Corbin) and his family, with whom Bud is close.

Who auditioned for Urban Cowboy?

Michelle Pfeiffer auditioned for the part of Sissy before it went to Debra Winger, becoming her first starring role. Patsy Swayze, actor Patrick Swayze's mother, taught Travolta how to dance the Texas two-step for the movie.

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.

How old was John Travolta in Grease?

John Travolta, who starred as Danny Zuko in Grease, famously stood out as younger than much of the rest of Grease's principal cast during filming in summer 1977 at age 23.

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 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.

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.

Who was the rich girl in Urban Cowboy?

Attractive actress who has played Sadat's wife and Gloria Swanson in the TV miniseries' "Sadat" (1983) and "The Kennedys of Massachusetts" (1990) respectively. Smith's feature career began auspiciously with the role of John Travolta's rich girlfriend in "Urban Cowboy" (1980).

Who inspired Urban Cowboy?

NEW YORK (AP) — Country star Mickey Gilley, whose namesake Texas honky-tonk inspired the 1980 film “Urban Cowboy” and a nationwide wave of Western-themed nightspots, has died. He was 86. Gilley died Saturday in Branson, Missouri, where he helped run the Mickey Gilley Grand Shanghai Theatre.

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.

What year was Bud's truck in Urban Cowboy?

The white Texas BUD and SISSY License Plates are produced as seen in the back window of the black 1978 F-250 driven by Bud Davis (played by John Travolta) in the 1980 romantic Western film directed by James Bridges, Urban Cowboy.

Who was the bouncer in Urban Cowboy?

Mickey Gilley, left, with "Killer" David Ogle, Gilley's Club bouncer who was featured in the movie "Urban Cowboy".

Where was the trailer park in Urban Cowboy?

Scenes from Bud and Sissy's trailer home in “Urban Cowboy,” released in 1979, were shot at a Pico Rivera trailer park. A scene from the 1988 movie “Tequila Sunrise,” starring Mel Gibson, was shot in a riverbed in Pico Rivera. And a scene from “Collateral” in 2004 was shot in Pico Rivera.

What does Urban Cowboy mean slang?

Noun. Urban Cowboy (plural Urban Cowboys) A person living in the city who dresses in clothes that suggest a film of the western genre. (music, uncountable) Pop-styled country music which became popular during the early 1980s, following the release of the movie Urban Cowboy (1980).

Is there going to be a remake of Urban Cowboy?

Paramount Plus revealed Tuesday it is moving forward on developing TV series remakes of classic '80s movies “Urban Cowboy” and “Flashdance,” bringing on “Dear White People” creator Justin Simien to write and direct the latter project.

What country singers were in Urban Cowboy?