Urban Cowboy [DVD] (1980)

I played the role of Marshallene in "Urban Cowboy" and so to answer one of your reviewers, what was Sissy's last name? well here is the way it was. We didn't have last names; at least not assigned to us when we got our scripts. I actually made mine up when I needed one quickly in the Dolly Parton Look-a-like contest. You might recall that Marshallene was caught in the trailer with Wes, the convict. This film is such a "cult favorite" that it plays every day somewhere;my residuals attest to the fact that this film is loved by many. It made a fashion statement, (people went out and bought jeans and hats and boot and belts) it gave a boost to the Club business - where more and more C/W clubs sprang up all over the country and Canada. I had a motor coach bus and opened shows for Mickey Gilley and Johnny Lee and others for about 8 years - well into the late 80's. It was a magical time for all of us! It was a fun time for me and for fans. This movie is legendary and will last well beyond. Hope you enjoy viewing it as much as I enjoyed playing in it.By the way, there are a lot of versions of it. The edited for TV version actually is so different - (I have several more scenes in it) - and it shows Sissy and Bud actually"dating" before they got married. The scenes were shot on location on the grass of Buffalo Bayou in Houston, Texas. I actually like that version because the original had them meeting one night at Gilley's and getting married the next afternoon!!!Connie Hanson

Although many folks laught this flick off, I have to admit that I am extremely fond of "Urban Cowboy." My wife and I watch it just about every time it comes on television. Granted, Bud slaps around Sissy and that may turn off some folks, but deep inside, there is more love between those characters than most of the couples in film and television these days.

With a giant honky-tonk as the primary setting, you get the expected rowdy crowds and rambunctious country music needed to set the stage. The entire story revolves around the trials and tribulations of a young couple brought together by the bull...mechanical bull that is, and how they're almost torn apart by it. They get "Bud" and "Sissy" license plates for Bud's truck. They are ecstatic over a new trailer house. They are pure white trash, and I love'em for it. Colorful characters such as Bud's aunt and uncle, Gator, the ex-con Wes, Jessie, Mickey Gilley and even the Charlie Daniel's Band make for a great movie. You couldn't make a film about a honky-tonk these days with characters like that. First of all, you'd anger someone for making the working man look like an idiot. Secondly, people will scream about spousal abuse. Lastly, there aren't many real country stars like they had back in those days. Can you imagine Tim McGraw onstage with back hair coming out of his vest instead of the incomparable Johnny Lee? I think not.

Others say the acting is bad, that may be, but it is so bad that it is wonderful to see on screen. Travolta's bathtub scene where he fusses at Sissy(Debra Winger) for not being home when he needs her is just hilarious. Winger is at her sexiest as the somewhat tomboyish Sissy. She's probably the main reason I watch this movie over and over. When Bud's aunt enters the Dolly Parton lookalike contest, her entire character becomes the focus of the film for a few brief, funny moments. Barry Corbin was perfectly cast as Bud's well-meaning uncle. You couldn't have picked a better cast.

Also, the characters are real. Admit it, you've seen a drunk guy at the local bar fall off of his barstool. In this movie, Gator just happens to fall off of a mechanical bull. There are always one or two fights at the bar. Also, I've seen plenty of angry drunks at the local Pitt Grill(an after-honky-tonk hangout with a great breakfast buffett at 3AM) throw fits like Bud did when Sissy gets a hat tipped to her by Wes.

Watch this movie for the time trip it is. It's a perfect rainy-day, holdin' you're better half type of movie. Add it to your collection now.

DVD version. This is a great film and I have seen it many times. Forget what other reviewers think. This movie was hot in when it came out and I was only about 6 or 7 years old, but my parents went to this movie at the drive in with us kids about 7 or 8 times and we loved every minute of it. What is so good is that it shows the classic theme of "Love conquers all". They fight, they flip each other off, they hit, curse and yell at each other but in the end the license plate goes back in the window at the end.
The DVD is well worth the beautiful look and the movie is great for the music. I also encourage you to buy the soundtrack. Keep your mind open and realize this was the in thing after disco. I agree with another reviewer who said "Pam" and "Sissy" are well worth seeing this movie. The DVD does not contain much extra footage or extras, but I am just glad it is out on DVD. Pick it up and prepare to two step with your favorite cowgirl.