Midnight Cowboy

John Schlesinger’s film was first rated R. After consulting a psychologist, United Artists executives were advised to take an X instead, on the grounds of its homosexual frame of reference and possible influence on youngsters. The R was later widened and its age limit raised from 16 to 17, and the film was re-rated R for the 1971 reissue. At the 42nd Academy Awards 7 nominations became 3 wins: picture, director, and the screenplay award then called writing based on material from another medium, for Waldo Salt. Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight were set against each other in one lead acting category, taken by John Wayne for True Grit. At the 23rd BAFTAs it won 6 of 7, tying Oh! What a Lovely War for the night’s most. Hoffman’s lead acting award was credited to John and Mary as well as this film. Voight worked for union scale to get the part. The Texan on screen grew up in Yonkers, while Hoffman, playing worn New York pavement, comes from Los Angeles. A good fit if you want both leads watched side by side knowing one category pitted them against each other. Not for anyone waiting on Joe Buck’s city plan; at a rest stop he bins the cowboy outfit and talks about a regular job in Miami.