John Travolta's 'Urban Cowboy' 40th Anniversary – Hailed As The Film That Rescued His Career

Jun 08, 2020

When you have back to back blockbuster hits in your early twenties, with the likes of "Grease" and "Saturday Night Fever," it's no wonder actor John Travolta needed some time out at the age of 26, after a less well-received film . After this break he starred in "Urban Cowboy," which came out 40 years ago, and has been hailed as Travolta's comeback movie.

After the film "Moment by Moment" was dubbed a flop at the box office in 1978, Travolta went through a dip in his career. This came as a shock to everyone, as previous to that his hit musical films were a huge success and flaunted his incredible acting, singing, and dancing talent.

“Urban Cowboy” was released in movie theaters in June 1980. Travolta played leading man Bud Davis, who was a refinery construction worker by day, but by night he dazzled at the Gilley's Club with his sensational dance moves. It was this performance that put him back on the map, and after this lots more roles flooded in. In classic fashion, the film features an on/off romance between Travolta and actress Debra Winger, who played Sissy, the fiery lady who shares the dance floor with him.

The soundtrack to the film had loads of big hits which helped the success of the film, such as  “Stand By Me,” “Lookin’ for Love,” “Look What You’ve Done to Me,” “Love the World Away,” and “All Night Long.” According to The Boot, the soundtrack produced three country No. 1 hits and six Top 40 singles.

Despite the film now celebrating its 40th anniversary, it has left a lasting legacy. Director James Bridges, who died in 1993, said that he saw the film as "a treatise on a modern-day 'mechanized' West, though the poster was pure Travolta-as-Marlboro-Man," reports USA Today. The movie had a huge impact on pop culture, influencing both the lifestyle, music, and fashion of the era.

What do you think of "Urban Cowboy"? Maybe it's time to rewatch it, and share this story with anyone who hasn't seen it yet!