City Slickers, released on June 7, 1991, is a refreshingly intelligent and genuinely hilarious film that masterfully blends slapstick humor with heartfelt introspection. The movie takes a witty look at middle-aged malaise and the enduring power of friendship.
The story follows Mitch Robbins (Billy Crystal), a New York advertising executive facing a midlife crisis. Feeling unfulfilled and restless, he and his two best friends, Phil Berquist (Daniel Stern), a put-upon grocery store manager, and Ed Furillo (Bruno Kirby), a sporting goods salesman, decide to shake things up by embarking on a two-week cattle drive from New Mexico to Colorado.
Their idea of a “vacation” quickly turns into a grueling yet transformative journey under the tutelage of Curly Washburn (Jack Palance), a grizzled, no-nonsense trail boss.
As they navigate the challenges of the open range and the complexities of cattle wrangling, the three urbanites confront their fears, reassess their lives, and ultimately discover a deeper understanding of themselves and their bonds.
Crystal is at his comedic best as Mitch, delivering a constant stream of neurotic observations and witty one-liners that perfectly capture the essence of a man overwhelmed by life. Stern and Kirby are fantastic as his equally flailing friends, providing a relatable and hilarious ensemble dynamic. Their banter and shared anxieties are a major source of the film’s charm.
Palance, however, is the film’s undeniable standout as Curly. With his gravelly voice, piercing gaze, and profound wisdom, he commands every scene he’s in, earning his Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. His interactions with Crystal are particularly memorable, offering both comedic gold and moments of surprising tenderness.
Helen Slater is Bonnie Rayburn, the only woman on the cattle drive.
Walker Brandt shines as Kim, Ed’s wife.
Noble Willingham as Clay Stone adds to the authentic Western atmosphere.
Josh Mostel and David Paymer star as sibling ice-cream entrepreneurs Barry and Ira Shalowitz.
Lindsay Crystal and Jake Gyllenhaal appear as Crystal’s children Holly and Danny Robbins.
Ron Underwood’s direction is sharp and assured, skillfully balancing the film’s comedic set pieces with its more poignant moments. He beautifully captures the vastness of the Western landscape, which serves as a stark contrast to the characters’ urban anxieties.
The screenplay, by Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel, is exceptionally well-crafted, filled with memorable dialogue, relatable struggles, and a plot that moves seamlessly between laughter and genuine emotion.
The film’s central theme of finding one’s “one thing” (the true purpose or passion in life) is explored with humor and sensitivity, making it more than just a simple comedy.
Jack Palance and Billy Crystal in City Slickers (Photo/Columbia Pictures)
Reception for City Slickers
City Slickers grossed $13 million on its opening weekend, finishing No. 1 at the box office, besting Backdraft ($6.4 million).
The film would gross $179 million worldwide.
Roger Ebert gave the film three and a half out of four stars in his review, saying “City Slickers comes packaged as one kind of movie – a slapstick comedy about white-collar guys on a dude ranch – and it delivers on that level while surprising me by being much more ambitious, and successful, than I expected.”
There would be a sequel, City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly’s Gold in the summer of 1994.
Legacy
City Slickers is a triumphant blend of comedy and heart that resonates with anyone who’s ever felt lost on the journey of life. It’s a testament to its brilliant cast, intelligent writing, and a story that celebrates the simple joys of friendship and the courage to seek new horizons. It remains a beloved classic for its enduring humor and its surprisingly profound message about finding meaning in the unexpected.
