BAND OF (THE) OUTSIDERS | THE CLASSIC COPPOLA TEEN ANGST FILM
*
*
The Outsiders is a movie I grew up on– a tight-knit group of greaser misfits from Tulsa, Oklahoma (circa 1966) just trying to survive the only way they knew how. The film was originally released to mixed reviews– a lot of people seemed upset that Coppola would choose to do a movie about teen angst– but Coppola never truly meant it to be about that at all — his intensions were probably not what you’d think. What inspired Coppola was, believe it or not, a middle school class (who were fans of The Godfather) that wrote to him about making a new sort of gangster film — based on novel they had read, The Outsiders. Coppola read the book himself, and was moved to not only do The Outsiders– he also adapted Rumble Fish, starring Micket Rourke and Matt Dillon, into a movie the year after. It’s a classic that launched a lot of guy’s careers. It’s also a must-see for vintage, tough as nails, greaser-style, denim looks.
*
*
After the rumble… Emilio Estevez as Two-Bit, Rob Lowe as Soda Pop, C. Thomas Howell as Ponyboy, Patrick Swayze as Darry, and Tom Cruise as Steve Randle. Cruise thought the chipped tooth looked tough, and was pretty proud of it. It was actually his idea to give Randle the chipped tooth, worn with pride — kinda like flipping the bird to the perfect world with their high ideals and perfect chompers. Local guys were used as extras in the film’s rumble scene. According to Swayze it got “…a little too real. One guy cold-cocked me square in the face, so I knocked him out. I really didn’t mean to.“
*
*
Two-bit was the lovable psycho, and one of my favorite characters. Too bad Emilio couldn’t have strung together a few good roles after The Outsiders. He could have really been somebody. No, The Breakfast Club doesn’t count — unless you’re a chick.
*
Coppola had Swayze, Howell and Lowe live together in the house during filming to forge their bond.
*
“Stay Gold” Ponyboy.
*
The Outsiders publicity still
The Outsiders publicity still
*
The Outsiders publicity still
*
The Outsiders publicity still
*
*
*
The original ‘Curtis house’ is still standing– barely.
*
*
Classic flick! I was just talking about this film the other day. The Stevie Wonder title song is good as well.
This makes me want to get in fights. But good fights. Not bad ones.
-Voyno
Great movie. Rumble Fish is one of my favorites!
dianne lane… yum.
got the 40th anniversary (feel old yet) edition of the book last year.
two things that i CAN’T BELIEVE you didn’t mention:
the Soc’s and their beautiful madras shirts.
Tom Waits is the barkeep.
Love this film. MM (:
Trivia- The photo showing Matt Dillon in the hospital bed, the nurse in the photo is S.E. Hinton, Author of “The Outsiders”
zachary matthews
greaser
tulsa, ok
One of the greatest movies ever! The scene in the hospital when “the Curtis Brothers” (Rob Lowe, C. Thomas Howell & Patrick Swayze) reunite puts tears on my cheeks every time. Classic Directing and the acting makes it not a movie at all but a slice in time from a spectator point of view. Those were simpler but awesome times of motorcycles, leather jackets, fast cars, good buddies, drinking, fighting – living.
Scott Watters
“Greaser for Life”