Hairspray marks Waters's entry into mainstream, after the outrages of films like Pink Flamingoes and Polyester; though he still films in his native Baltimore ("hair-do capital of the world") and retains his distinctive view of Americana.

Here Divine plays the mother of a daughter who promises to be as hefty as herself, and who is competing for a star spot on the local television pop show. The rival is a minx pushed on by ambitious parents, played by Sonny Bono (of the former Sonny and Cher) and Debbie Harry.

It is absurd and jolly, parodying not only the worst conventions of the teen film but also the Sixties social-conscience movie, with an anti-racist sub-plot. In her film debut, schoolgirl Ricki Lake has life and charm enough to make it credible that such a fat girl could be voted Baltimore's dance queen.

Sadly, this was the last and best film appearance of the 25-stone Divine (Harris Glenn Milstead, 1935-1988), who plays a dual role: the eternal mother with her ironing board and flowery frocks; and the nasty racist television sponsor, Mr Hodgepile.

BACKGROUND

• Hairspray

• Hairspray - Sunday Times Review

• Hairspray, review of the 1988 film

• Travolta as you've never seen him

• Obituary of Divine

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Related Internet Links

• 2007 London Film Festival coverage

• Times Online Film Trailers

BACKGROUND

• Hairspray at Shaftesbury Theatre review

• Hairspray: The Musical

• It’s not over till...

• Hairspray - Sunday Times Review

• Hairspray, review of the 1988 film

Related Links

• Obituary of Divine

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