In the high-energy action comedy The Cowboy Way (released in theaters on June 3, 1994), childhood friends and rodeo stars Pepper Lewis (Woody Harrelson) and Sonny Gilstrap (Kiefer Sutherland) find themselves trading the open ranges of New Mexico for the concrete canyons of New York City.
The plot is set in motion when their friend Nacho Salazar disappears after traveling to the city to rescue his daughter, Teresa, from an illegal sweatshop.
Driven by a code of honor and a fair amount of reckless bravado, the duo saddles up—literally—to navigate the subway systems and penthouse suites of Manhattan.
While the impulsive Pepper revels in the city’s distractions, the more disciplined Sonny remains focused on the mission, highlighting the friction in their long-standing partnership.
The investigation leads them into the crosshairs of John Stark (Dylan McDermott), a ruthless businessman involved in human trafficking and high-end garment manufacturing.
As the cowboys struggle to adapt to city life, they find an unlikely ally in Sam “Mad Dog” Shaw (Ernie Hudson), a weary but capable NYPD officer who is initially baffled by their unorthodox methods.
Along the way, Pepper finds time for a flirtation with the sophisticated Margaret (Marg Helgenberger), further complicating their “shoot-first” approach to urban detective work.
The film reaches its peak with a spectacular chase through the streets of New York, culminating in a showdown that proves the skills learned on the ranch are just as effective against corporate villains as they are on the trail.
Luis Guzman, Tomas Milian and Allison Janney round out the cast.
Travis Tritt also makes a cameo in the film.
Kiefer Sutherland in The Cowboy Way (Photo/Universal Pictures)
Reception for The Cowboy Way
The Cowboy Way grossed $5 million on its opening weekend, finishing fifth at the box office.
The film would gross $20.3 million in its theatrical run.
The soundtrack included artists such as Bon Jovi, Travis Tritt, Gibson/Miller Band, The Allman Brothers Band, George Thorogood & The Destroyers, En Vogue and INXS.
Legacy
The Cowboy Way‘s legacy lies in its successful blend of the “buddy cop” formula with the timeless tropes of the Western genre.
The film served as a perfect showcase for the undeniable chemistry between Harrelson and Sutherland, who were both at the heights of their early stardom.
By placing authentic rodeo stars in the middle of a gritty 1990s New York, the movie created a unique visual juxtaposition that remains a nostalgic touchstone for fans of fish-out-of-water comedies.
It contributed to the “urban cowboy” trend of the era, illustrating that the Western hero’s moral compass remains relevant regardless of the setting.
