The small town of Sperry, Oklahoma holds a special place in cinema history through its connection to Francis Ford Coppola’s 1983 adaptation of S.E. Hinton’s “The Outsiders.” Multiple locations in this quiet community served as backdrops for the beloved coming-of-age film, and today visitors can step into these authentic movie settings.
What makes Sperry’s film locations particularly compelling is their careful preservation and restoration. These aren’t just historical markers—they’re functioning attractions where visitors can experience the world of “The Outsiders” firsthand and connect with the story that captivated generations of readers and moviegoers.
The DX Gas Station: An Iconic Movie Location
The DX gas station stands as Sperry’s most famous connection to “The Outsiders.” This location served as the backdrop for memorable scenes featuring the film’s young stars, including C. Thomas Howell as Ponyboy Curtis, Ralph Macchio as Johnny Cade, Matt Dillon as Dallas Winston, Rob Lowe as Sodapop Curtis, and Tom Cruise as Steve Randle.
The station has been carefully restored to match its 1960s appearance from the movie. Period-appropriate elements like vintage gas pumps, a two-sided DX sign, and authentic details transport visitors back to the film’s 1965 setting.
Today, the DX station welcomes visitors from around the world. Movie fans can explore displays of film memorabilia, retro gas station items, and props that recreate the atmosphere of this iconic location.
The Old Drug Store: A Hidden Movie Connection
Directly across from the DX station sits another piece of “The Outsiders” history. The former Rexall Drug Store houses a movie connection that remained largely unknown to casual Outsiders fans.
While the drug store doesn’t appear in the theatrical release of “The Outsiders,” a deleted scene was filmed at this location. This footage appears in some uncut versions of the movie, making the drug store a genuine piece of the film’s production history.
The restored drug store maintains its vintage soda shop aesthetic while serving visitors today. Guests can sit in the same spots where the movie’s characters once filmed their scene, enjoying milkshakes and sodas in an authentic 1960s atmosphere. The experience blends movie history with classic American dining, creating a unique attraction that goes beyond typical tourist stops.
International Recognition and Appeal
Sperry’s “Outsiders” attractions draw visitors from around the world. The DX station’s guest book reveals signatures from tourists who have traveled from Australia, Argentina, Japan, Thailand, and countless other countries to experience this piece of movie history firsthand.
This global appeal speaks to the enduring popularity of both S.E. Hinton’s novel and Coppola’s film adaptation. For international visitors, these authentic filming locations offer a tangible connection to American literature and cinema that can’t be replicated elsewhere.
A Piece of Oklahoma’s Cultural Heritage
Sperry’s filming locations represent an important piece of Oklahoma’s contribution to popular culture. S.E. Hinton set her groundbreaking novel in Tulsa, and the state’s authentic locations provided the perfect backdrop for Coppola’s film adaptation.
These preserved sites allow visitors to experience the world that inspired one of young adult literature’s most influential works. Walking through the same spaces where iconic scenes were filmed creates a direct connection to the story that has resonated with readers and viewers for decades.
Visiting Sperry’s Outsiders Locations
Both the DX station and The Old Drug Store welcome visitors year-round. The DX station operates as a free museum where guests can view movie memorabilia, retro gas station items, and displays related to the film. The Old Drug Store functions as a working restaurant, coffee, and ice cream shop where visitors can enjoy food and drinks while experiencing the vintage atmosphere.
These attractions work perfectly as part of a broader “Outsiders” tour that includes other filming locations throughout the Tulsa area. Sperry’s location makes it an easy addition to any film location itinerary, while the town’s additional attractions provide more reasons to explore this charming community.
For movie fans, literature enthusiasts, and anyone interested in authentic pieces of cinema history, Sperry offers genuine filming locations where the magic of “The Outsiders” continues to live on.
