The read
Scores higher than 92% of the 1,003 1980s comedy movies in this catalog.
Synopsis
'Pleasantly plump' teenager Tracy Turnblad achieves her dream of becoming a regular on the Corny Collins Dance Show. Now a teen hero, she starts using her fame to speak out for the causes she believes in, most of all integration. In doing so, she earns the wrath of the show's former star, Amber Von Tussle, as well as Amber's manipulative, pro-segregation parents. The rivalry comes to a head as Amber and Tracy vie for the title of Miss Auto Show 1963.
Ratings
IMDb7/10
Rotten Tomatoes98%
Metacritic77/100
463 audience votes
Key crew
- John WatersDirector
- Kenny VanceOriginal Music Composer
- John WatersWriter
Cast
- Ricki LakeTracy Turnblad
- DivineEdna Turnblad / Arvin Hodgepile
- Debbie HarryVelma Von Tussle
- Vitamin CAmber von Tussle
- Sonny BonoFranklin von Tussle
- Leslie Ann PowersPenny Pingleton
- Ruth BrownMotormouth Maybelle
- Jerry StillerWilbur Turnblad
- Michael St. GerardLink Larkin
- Clayton PrinceSeaweed
- Mink StoleTammy
- Shawn ThompsonCorny Collins
Stills
Movies like Hairspray
Themes
bombbaltimore, usacivil rightsromcomracial segregationintegrationinterracial relationshiphairracismdetentiongirls' reformatorydual role
The Best Movies of 1988
Hairspray is #23 of 60
