When released in 1980, "Urban Cowboy" was the third in a triumvirate of sorts: iconic films starring John Travolta within a four year period, each of which made a huge cultural impact due to its success. "Saturday Night Fever" (1970) was based upon an article in New York magazine. It foreshadowed and contributed to the disco music revolution, especially through the soaring vocals of the Bee Gees. "Grease" (1978) brought the popular stage musical to the big screen and introduced America-especially teens-to the music and cultural stylings of the 50s. "Urban Cowboy" (1980), adapted from an article in Esquire magazine, gave a boost to country music and brought cowboy chic to millions.Each of these films emphasized a distinctive dance style and helped popularize the idea that it's sexy for men to dance."Urban Cowboy" stars Travolta as Bud-a young man willing to work hard to finance his weekend entertainments and, eventually, his unknown future. Bud struggles with what it means to be a real man.Sissy (Debra Winger) is a young woman who also comes from the world of trailer homes and beer-fueled weekends. She struggles to find a place for her authentic self within a Texas culture where women are expected to be subservient and demure.The film has a very authentic feel and, in fact, is shot in some locations that actually are central to the urban cowboy trend, where men who no longer rope cattle still want to identify with the rough-and-tumble masculinity of the Marlboro man. Gilley's nightclub, in particular, was a filming location that became a Mecca for any who might seek the urban cowboy experience.The acting in this film is wonderful. Scott Glenn deserves mention for his portrayal of Wes, an ex-con who is Bud's antagonist. Steeped in the music of its time and especially country music, it's a well-written story that takes the viewer into another world makes him/her care about two people who love each other yet find it difficult to stay together. It's a classic that can be viewed over and over.

I hadn't seen this movie in over 20 years, but it was on TV this weekend and I sat down and watched it. I remembered why I loved it. It's not rocket science or brain surgery, but it is solid entertainment with some really great performances. The story is simple enough: Girl meets boy, Girl marries boy, Girl wants to ride the new mechanical bull at the local many-acred honky tonk, girl loses boy, boy..... well, you know what I mean. The plot is simple but effective. I loved the dynamic between the 4 leads. They were excellent. Scott Glenn has never looked better and seethed with bad boy sexuality. He'd be great for a one- night hookup, but he's a little too dangerous and cruel to keep, but oh boy, was he sexy as hell. Call the movie silly, a guilty pleasure, something to be dismissed, but it is great entertainment and the performances of all involved made it something special. To me, anyway.

Both the Mickey Gilley's bar and dressing up as Cowboys really became popular after this. As it also kind of help John Travolta who would go onto having a bad 1980s with this exception until Pulp Fiction helped to revive his career.He moves from the farm from his large family to the city to get a job in Houston with his aunt and uncle. And hang out at a bar owned by Mickey Gilley and meets sassy Debra Winger and they get married only a short time after they meet.He gets jealous of the way she flirts at ex-con Scott Glenn, who he in turn flirts with Madolyn Smith. As he learns that he really loves Sissy and vice versa with Sissy, as an upcoming bull riding contest could help resolve their marriage before it's too late.After this movie, dressing as cowboys and cowgirls and bull riding became very popular. As the film is really a good 1980s film. A classic to say the least.

I was the only person in Texas that did NOT want to and did not go to see this movie. I was also the only person in Texas to never own this soundtrack. I was not then nor ever have been a fan of country music or dancing. That said, I have since seen the movie many times. I is as stupid as I thought it would be, but somehow I end up watching it every time the satellite dish finds it. It makes one ashamed to be from Texas because of how stupid the cast sounds trying to be one of us, but in all honesty, that is about as true a depiction of life in Texas at that time as there ever was. Sadly, the cast members that actually were locals, were the worst impersonators of Texans in the whole show. Let's face it, in real life, Pam and her money would have won, period. It is, if nothing else, true to the times.