David Robinson
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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.
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Saw original "Hairspray" with my daughter. I remember we had scratch cards with different and repulsive smells on them and numbers would come up on the screen to scratch and sniff such things as smelly trainers and maybe cheese gone off. I remembered it, not only because Johnny Waters is my best friend's cousin, but that it was fun anyway! Loved serial Mom as well. Never anger a mother!!
Carlyle Braden, Croydon, UK
I have not seen the musical but I have seen both films and both are brilliant in their own way. With all the horror/violent films about just now it is good to go to the cinema and just have a laugh and listen to some FUN music
Elizabeth Walker, Skelmorlie, UK
Fergus there is no need to be quite so patronising to Brian. Having seen all three I can say you are both correct, obviously the stage show was based on the film, however the new film has obviously been based on the show, specifically the musical aspect. Even the set of the new film has been made to look like the broadway version, more than original film. However all 3 are a delight to watch!!
Sarah, Milton Keynes,
Brian, the musical was based on the film, so this is (albeit once removed) still based on the original movie. I've yet to see the new one, but the original with the late, great Divine was one of the best parodies I've seen (a close second to Waters' other "mainstream" parody, Serial Mom with Kathleen Turner and yes, Ricki Lake again). I just hope the big budget hasn't obscured the original film's biting subtext.
fergus, london, UK
Haven't seen the new one the orignal wwas a "Hoot" and john waters is soooo off the wall, Isn't this one adapted from the musical thou, not the orignal movie/ an braodway hit was a bit DIf?
brian, phx., az.