Based on the young adult novel by S.E. Hinton, the Outsiders is one of the best coming of age stories I've ever read, or watched. The film introduced us to some of the best screen actors of a generation, while giving us a glimpse into the life of teens in 1950's/60's Tulsa, Oklahoma.
From the first time that I read the book, to the first time I saw this film, I can remember that it always made me think of my uncles and their friends. The friendships, commodore, the willingness to sacrifice yourself for your friends or family. As I grew, I started to see more of myself, and my friends in those roles. This was a story that grew along side of me, and became a part of me. It's definitely unforgettable, and still very moving.
Two rival gangs, the Soc's and the Greaser's, square off on a consistent basis over their turf in Tulsa. The Greaser's are mainly made up of Darrell Curtis (Patrick Swayze), Sodapop Curtis (Rob Lowe), Ponyboy Curtis (C. Thomas Howell), Dallas Winston (Matt Dillon), Johnny Cade (Ralph Macchio), Two-Bit Matthews (Emilio Estevez), and Steve Randle (Tom Cruise). A cast that would surely be way out of budget in today's cinema!
The film follows Ponyboy and Johnny as they try to escape Tulsa after Johnny kills one of the Soc's, Bob (Leif Erickson), in self defense after a fight in a local park. Ponyboy comes from a devastated home where he is supervised by his two older brothers, Darrell and Sodapop, after their parents are killed in a car accident. Johnny's home life is filled with abuse, so he tried to stay away as much as possible anyway.
Turning to the only person they know can help them, Dallas, they are able to find an abandoned church, far away from Tulsa, to take shelter in. While there, the best friends try their best to hide their identity and keep themselves occupied, as Ponyboy buys a copy of the novel "Gone with the Wind" to read aloud to help pass the hours. After spending many days at the church, they decide to turn themselves in to authorities. This decision is heavily protested by Dallas, who eventually agrees to bring the two home.
While Ponyboy, Johnny, and Dallas enjoy a long overdue lunch, the church is visited by a group of young children on a field trip. During their visit, a poorly extinguished cigarette from Johnny sparks a fire, trapping some of the children. Our trio returns to find the church ablaze and teachers frantically searching for the lost young ones. The three instantly jump into action, running into the church in an effort to save the kids. While saving the kids, Johnny is struck by a falling beam and is severely injured. Ponyboy suffers smoke inhalation and minor burs, as does Dallas.
The fire, and injuries, decide the fate of the three Greasers as they are transported to the hospital. As Ponyboy waits to hear the news on Johnny, his brothers make the reunion trip to bring their brother home, where they face a hearing from social services and Ponyboy and Johnny face a court trial.
At the trial, many people testify on Ponyboy and Johnny's behalf, including several members of the Soc's, including leader Randy (Darren Dalton) and Cherry Valance played wonderfully by Diane Lane. The testimonies set free both Pony and Johnny, however, when Pony goes to the hospital to tell Johnny the good news, he arrives to witness Johnny's death. Before dying, johnny whispers, "Stay gold Ponyboy", a quote from "Gone with the Wind".
The death of Johnny triggers Dallas in a way that makes him seek death, and he finds it after robbing a local store. As he flees, the shop owner manages to hit Dallas with a couple of bullet rounds. Shortly afterward, Dallas is mowed down by police, under a lone street light as his friends run to his aid.
The deaths of Pony's closest friends has a life changing effect on his life and he vows to make a change. Social Services decide to keep the brothers together and Pony starts to become more active is his scholastic life. As he begins to re-read "Gone with the Wind", Pony finds a letter from Johnny hidden inside. The letter explains the "Stay Gold" quote and inspires Pony to write a story based on his account of the events that had recently transpired in his life.
This is a great film that actually has a newer cut, "The Complete Novel Edition", which is basically just an extended cut. I love this version so much more than the original one. This film served as an introduction to most of these actors and I found the performances to be profound and dead on. Two-Bit was definitely my favorite character, although he had little screen time. Matt Dillon, as Dallas, was simply superb in his final scenes. Dillon also becomes the "Go to" actor for other film adaptations of Hinton's novels, "Tex" and "Rumble Fish".
It has always been such a surprise to me that a female writer could so accurately capture the feelings and friendship between two adolescent males. That is, however, exactly what Hinton did with this story. This book is usually read in the eighth grade and I would suggest this film to anyone that age or older. Beautifully directed by Francis Ford Coppola, this film can be cherished by people of any age.
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