I can definitely say this is one of my favorite movies. The characters and the script shine through as utterly hilarious and shockingly original. Mink Stole and her outrageous, shrieking portrayal of Peggy Gravel is one of the best performances in any of John Waters' movies. Seriously, when she accuses her (9 year old) children of having sex and then informs her husband that their daughter is now pregnant.. let me just say that clip was on my answering machine for at least a month. When Grizelda the alcoholic maid and Peggy make off after murdering Peggy's husband, they are pulled over in the woods by another great Waters character, Turkey Joe, the motorcycle cop who wears womens panties. You have not lived until you hear him moan in a thick Baltimore accent about fitting his "Big business" into Peggy's panties . The real fun begins in Mortville, however, where all the trash of Baltimore run to escape the law. Queen Carlotta, portrayed by the unbelievable Edith Massey, runs rampant over some seriously depraved subjects, and still finds time to have (unconvincingly simulated) disgusting sex with slimy leatherboys whom she instructs to bathe more regularly because there is a "most unpleasant odor about your BODY". I have read other posts that comment on the wonderful colors in this movie and I could not agree more. The sets and costumes are also excellent. Even though Divine is not in this one, some of the other Dreamlanders (Waters crack troop of actors from the early days) get a chance to shine. Mink Stole and Edie in particular give great performances. If you have to choose between this one and "Pink Flamingos", see this one first. It is truly a choice slice of vintage Waters from opening credits to the end. I want to go watch it right now!
