One of my favorite films of all time is Urban Cowboy. Maybe it's the western gear, or the relationship between Bud and Sissy (Travolta and Winger), but I can't watch it enough. I found some really interesting trivia on the film. Can you believe it was made in 1980? Where has the time gone? Do you have any memories or likes of the film?
--Patrick Swayze's wife and mother (Lisa Niemi and Patsy Swayze) choreographed the dance sequences.
--John Travolta had a mechanical bull installed in his home two months before production began. He became so good that he was allowed to dismiss the stunt double and do the takes himself.
--The scene where Wes chews up and swallows the worm after drinking the bottle of tequila was not scripted, but a joke done for the dailies.
--At the time the film was shot, Gilley's, used as the film's main nightclub location was the largest nightclub in the world in terms of available space for the patrons, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
--Michelle Pfeiffer auditioned for the role of Sissy and was producer Robert Evans' preferred choice.
--Patrick Swayze taught John Travolta how to do the two-step for the movie.
--Studio executives were against casting Debra Winger in the lead role at first. Director James Bridges threatened to quit the film unless she was cast. They eventually approved the casting.
--The script twas originally written for Dennis Quaid.
--Robert Evans sent Debra Winger back from location because he did not think she was attractive enough for the lead; it was only at the insistence of director James Bridges that she did the role.
--The soundtrack album was a major hit. It sold several million copies and featured the hit tunes "Looking for Love", "Can I Have This Dance?" and "All Night Long".
--The 1967 Ford Mustang that Sissy drove in this movie now resides in Evans City, PA (near Pittsburgh). It is owned by two brothers and is often seen in local car shows.
--According to Debra Winger's book, she only got the part after Sissy Spacek, who originally was cast, had a falling out with Travolta.
--The prison rodeo scene is authentic and was shot at the Huntsville Texas state prison. The prison held a rodeo from 1931 to 1986.
--Rene Russo screentested for the female lead.
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