Even Cowgirls Get the Blues (1993)

Last updated:
August 28, 2025

Even Cowgirls Get the Blues is a 1993 film directed by Gus Van Sant, based on Tom Robbins’ cult novel of the same name. The movie is quirky, experimental, and unapologetically strange—just like its source material. It blends surreal comedy, counterculture philosophy, and romance into one offbeat road movie.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

Sissy Hankshaw’s Giant Thumbs

The protagonist, Sissy Hankshaw (played by Uma Thurman), is born with abnormally large thumbs. What might be seen as a disability actually becomes her gift—she turns into the world’s most skilled hitchhiker. Sissy uses her thumbs to travel across America, meeting eccentric characters along the way.

Encounter with The Countess

Sissy eventually finds herself working as a model for The Countess (John Hurt), an eccentric perfume mogul who surrounds himself with beauty, decadence, and strange philosophies. Sissy’s life in high fashion contrasts with her nomadic freedom, leaving her torn between two worlds.

The Rubber Rose Ranch and The Cowgirls

Sissy’s life takes another turn when she arrives at the Rubber Rose Ranch, a beauty spa for rich women that becomes the center of rebellion. The ranch is overrun by radical cowgirls led by Bonanza Jellybean (Rain Phoenix). They challenge authority, embrace free love, and defy social expectations.

Sissy’s Awakening

At the ranch, Sissy discovers a new sense of identity and belonging. She becomes involved with the cowgirls, particularly drawn to Bonanza Jellybean, with whom she shares a deep and passionate connection. This becomes the emotional core of the story—Sissy’s personal journey of love, independence, and acceptance of her uniqueness.

Movie Ending

The ending is bittersweet. The government and corporate interests attempt to crush the cowgirls’ rebellion at the ranch, leading to tragic consequences. Bonanza Jellybean, Sissy’s lover and the symbolic heart of the movement, dies during the conflict. Her death deeply impacts Sissy, but it also serves as a turning point.

In the aftermath, Sissy embraces her individuality and the lessons Bonanza and the cowgirls taught her—about freedom, love, and living authentically. The movie closes on the note that while the revolution may have been suppressed, the spirit of rebellion and self-discovery carries on in Sissy and in those touched by her journey.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, Even Cowgirls Get the Blues does not have a post-credits scene. Once the film ends, it ends.

Type of Movie

The film is best described as a surreal road comedy-drama with strong elements of romance, counterculture, and satire. It is quirky, philosophical, and often deliberately bizarre.

Cast

Uma Thurman as Sissy Hankshaw
John Hurt as The Countess
Rain Phoenix as Bonanza Jellybean
Keanu Reeves as Julian Gitche
Pat Morita as The Chink
Roseanne Barr as Madame Zoe
Lorraine Bracco as Delores Del Ruby
Buck Henry as Dr. Dreyfus

Film Music and Composer

The soundtrack was composed by k.d. lang and Ben Mink. The music matches the film’s offbeat tone—folk-influenced, whimsical, and tinged with melancholy. k.d. lang also performs several songs, adding to the film’s free-spirited atmosphere.

Filming Locations

The film was primarily shot in Oregon and New York. Oregon provided the vast open landscapes for the Rubber Rose Ranch sequences, emphasizing the wild freedom of the cowgirls. New York gave the contrasting urban backdrop for Sissy’s modeling career and her life with The Countess.

Awards and Nominations

The film did not receive major awards and was generally poorly received by critics. It was noted at the time for its cult cast and daring adaptation, but it struggled commercially and critically.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Gus Van Sant was a huge admirer of Tom Robbins’ novel and pursued adapting it for years.
The casting of Uma Thurman was controversial—many fans of the book had different expectations of Sissy.
The film’s experimental editing style was heavily criticized, but Van Sant stood by it, saying the movie was meant to feel dreamlike.
Keanu Reeves took the role of Julian Gitche at the height of his rising fame, surprising many of his fans with such an unconventional project.

Inspirations and References

The movie is a direct adaptation of Tom Robbins’ 1976 novel. The book’s themes of free love, rebellion, Native American spirituality, and counterculture heavily influenced the screenplay. Robbins’ surreal and playful narrative style is also reflected in the film’s eccentric tone.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There were extended ranch sequences filmed that did not make it into the theatrical release, reportedly making the story flow differently. However, no publicly released alternate ending exists—the tragic fate of Bonanza Jellybean is faithful to the book.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The novel is more expansive and philosophical, filled with digressions and social commentary that the movie could not fully capture.
The film focuses more narrowly on Sissy’s romance with Bonanza and her role at the ranch.
In the book, Robbins frequently breaks the fourth wall with playful commentary, which the film omits.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Sissy using her giant thumbs to effortlessly hitchhike across America.
The surreal and comical modeling sessions with The Countess.
The first encounter between Sissy and Bonanza Jellybean at the ranch.
The climactic rebellion at the Rubber Rose Ranch.

Iconic Quotes

“Don’t be afraid to let your freak flag fly.”
“The thumb is mightier than the sword.”
“Freedom isn’t something you’re given—it’s something you take.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The Countess’ perfume empire is a satire of 1980s luxury brands, poking fun at excess consumerism.
Gus Van Sant makes a brief cameo during a modeling sequence.
Native American symbolism appears subtly throughout the film, tying into themes of spiritual connection with nature.

Trivia

The film was a box-office flop despite its star-studded cast.
Uma Thurman read the novel multiple times to prepare for Sissy’s role.
k.d. lang’s music was praised even when the film itself was not.
Rain Phoenix’s role as Bonanza Jellybean is often cited as one of the most memorable performances in the film.

Why Watch?

If you enjoy offbeat, cult cinema that challenges traditional storytelling, this is worth watching. It’s not for everyone, but fans of surreal road movies and counterculture stories may find it fascinating.

Director’s Other Movies

Recommended Films for Fans

My Own Private Idaho (1991)
Naked Lunch (1991)
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)
Thelma & Louise (1991)
Buffalo ’66 (1998)

Even Cowgirls Get the Blues (1993)