Urban Cowboy
After moving to Pasadena, Texas, country boy Bud Davis starts hanging around a bar called Gilley's, where he falls in love with Sissy, a cowgirl who believes the sexes are equal. They eventually marry, but their relationship is turbulent due to Bud's traditional view of gender roles. Jealousy over his rival leads to their separation, but Bud attempts to win Sissy back by triumphing at Gilley's mechanical bull-riding competition.
Critics Sentiment
Bud discovers Gilley's honky tonk bar and nightclub scene
Bud slaps Sissy and throws her out of their trailer
The film's biggest drop occurs when Bud becomes physically abusive toward Sissy, transforming him from sympathetic protagonist to problematic character that reviewers struggled to support.
Urban Cowboy starts strong with its authentic depiction of Texas honky tonk culture and Travolta-Winger chemistry, but struggles in its middle act as domestic violence makes the characters increasingly unlikable. While the Gilley's atmosphere and performances receive consistent praise, the film's treatment of relationships and its overlong runtime prevent it from achieving more than modest critical approval.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 51
John Travolta
Bud Davis
Debra Winger
Sissy
Scott Glenn
Wes
Madolyn Smith Osborne
Pam
Barry Corbin
Uncle Bob
Brooke Alderson
Aunt Corene
Cooper Huckabee
Marshall
James Gammon
Steve Strange
Mickey Gilley
Himself
Johnny Lee
Himself
Bonnie Raitt
Herself
Betty Murphy
Bud's Mom
Charlie Daniels
Himself
Ed Geldart
Bud's Dad
Leah Geldart
Bud's Sister
Keith Clemons
Bud's Brother
Howard Norman
Bud's Brother
Sheryl Briedel
Lou Sue
Sean Lawler
Willie
Gator Conley
Gator
Crew
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