The Outsiders was released into theaters on March 25th, 1983. Filming locations include Owasso, Sperry and Tulsa, Ok. It was directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Coppola is one of the most well known and respected directors of all-time, directing films like Apocalypse Now, Bram Stoker's Dracula and The Godfather trilogy. The film was adapted from S. E. Hinton's 1967 novel of the same name. Hinton makes a cameo in the film as a nurse. The movie stars a number of future a-list actors, many in their feature film debut. Heather Langenkamp, of A Nightmare on Elm Street fame, also makes a small appearance in the film, although it's a deleted scene. In the poster for the film, the Greasers are shown laughing as Johnny is smirking. This was a candid shot, taken during the photo session in which the actors were supposed to look tough at the camera. What happened was, Leif Garrett (Bob, the Soc) was approaching the food table off-camera, and a stagehand said "Hey Leif, don't dig in yet. Save that for the actors." Then Ralph Macchio said "Yeah Leif, save that for the actors." This comment cracked up the cast, and the photo was used. The score was composed by Carmine Coppola, Francis Ford Coppola's father. The films first DVD release was on November 30th, 1999.
Movie theater - 10 S. Lewis Ave. Tulsa, Ok. 74104
(Circle Cinema)
The theater opened on July 15th, 1928. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 7th, 2003.
2020
DX gas station - E. Main St. and N. Oak St. Sperry, Ok. 74073
In 2019, the structure was refurbished. Part of this included a two-sided DX sign.
2020
Johnny Cade's house - 738 N. Rockford Ave. Tulsa, Ok. 74106
The house seen in the film was demolished at some point in the 2000's. The house that currently occupies the lot was constructed in 2012. This location is about a block west of the Curtis house, and a block east of the park where Johnny stabs Bob.
2020
Curtis house - 731 N. St. Louis Ave. Tulsa, Ok. 74106
(The Outsiders House Museum)
The 1,395 square foot house was built in 1940. In 2016, the house was purchased by Danny O'Connor, a founding member of the hip hop group House of Pain. O'Connor, a long-time fan of the novel and film, set out to restore the house to how it appeared in the film, while also creating a museum to share his extensive collection of Outsiders movie memorabilia. On August 9th, 2019, Danny O'Connor, C. Thomas Howell, and S. E. Hinton joined media, city and state government officials, volunteers and VIP fans to cut the ribbon that officially opened the museum. Fans can visit the museum by purchasing tickets for the filming locations bus tour.
All "Now" pictures taken in 2020.
Johnny stabs Bob - 1345 E. Independence St. Tulsa, Ok. 74106
(Crutchfield Park & Playground)
In the first screenshot, the Socs are driving south along N. Quaker Ave. The houses in the background have all undergone renovations, some more so than others. When they turn left to pull into the grass, the cross streets of N. Quaker Ave. and E. Independence St. are in the background. The fountain seen in the film is no longer there and was only constructed for the movie. Danny O'Connor has obtained a portion of the fountain that was used and plans to restore it and display it in the yard of The Outsiders House Museum.
All "Now" pictures taken in 2020.
Tastee-Freez - 10603 East 86th St. N. Owasso, Ok. 74055
At some point between 1995 and 2003 the structure was demolished. In 2007, a gas station was built on the lot. At the time of my visit, it was a Kum & Go. Ator Stadium is still visible in the distance, looking west.
2020
Bus stop - 1301 S. Boston Ave. Tulsa, Ok. 74119
The Boston Avenue United Methodist Church can be seen behind Ponyboy and Two-Bit.
2020
High school - 3909 E. 5th Pl. Tulsa, Ok. 74112
(Will Rogers High School)
The front west entrance is seen in the screenshot.
2020
