March 25: The Outsiders

Milestone Years

45th Anniversary: March 25, 2028
50th Anniversary: March 25, 2033
75th Anniversary: March 25, 2058

Inspiration Behind the Movie

The film is based on S.E. Hinton’s 1967 novel, which she wrote as a teenager. Inspired by the real-life rivalries between Greasers and Socs in her Oklahoma high school, Hinton sought to tell an authentic story about class struggles and teenage angst. Coppola directed the film after a group of students wrote to him, asking for an adaptation of the book.

You Might Not Know

The cast lived like real Greasers and Socs – Coppola had the Greasers stay in rundown conditions while the Socs got luxury treatment.
Matt Dillon nearly didn’t get cast – He had to be pulled from an audition for another film just to try out for Dallas Winston.
S.E. Hinton was on set daily and formed close bonds with the cast, even appearing in a small cameo.
The film launched multiple Hollywood careers, featuring a young ensemble of actors who became 1980s superstars.
A longer “Complete Novel” cut was released in 2005, restoring 22 minutes of footage and adding new music.

Food Ideas

Greaser Burgers & Fries – Classic American diner-style cheeseburgers.
Socs’ Country Club Sandwiches – A fancier contrast to the Greasers’ food.
Chocolate Cake for Breakfast – Inspired by the Curtis brothers’ love for cake.
Cherry Valance Soda Floats – A nod to the character Cherry and 1960s soda fountains.
Johnny’s Campfire S’mores – Inspired by the boys hiding out in the church.

Watch on Amazon

Release Date: March 25, 1983

Summary:
Set in 1960s Tulsa, The Outsiders follows Ponyboy Curtis and his Greaser friends as they navigate class struggles against the wealthy Socs. After a tragic altercation, Ponyboy and Johnny go into hiding, forcing them to confront loyalty, identity, and loss. Based on S.E. Hinton’s novel, Francis Ford Coppola’s adaptation captures the raw emotions of youth, brotherhood, and the fight to belong.

Genre(s) and MPAA Rating: Drama, Crime, PG

Key Cast Members:

C. Thomas Howell as Ponyboy Curtis
Matt Dillon as Dallas “Dally” Winston
Ralph Macchio as Johnny Cade
Patrick Swayze as Darrel “Darry” Curtis
Rob Lowe as Sodapop Curtis
Emilio Estevez as Two-Bit Mathews
Tom Cruise as Steve Randle
Diane Lane as Cherry Valance

Ways to Celebrate

Watch The Outsiders and its extended cut back-to-back.
Host a 1960s-themed party with Greaser vs. Soc attire.
Read S.E. Hinton’s novel and compare it to the film.
Visit The Outsiders House Museum in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Have a poetry reading of “Nothing Gold Can Stay” by Robert Frost.

Filming Locations

Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA – Most of the film was shot here, where the novel takes place.
The Outsiders House Museum – The Curtis family home has been restored and turned into a museum.
Crutchfield Park – The park where Johnny and Ponyboy are attacked by the Socs.