ANDY WARHOL'S TV: JOHN WATERS, DIVINE, VAN SMITH
{WA.00.0211} (TV)
Summary
One in this series of talk/interview programs, loosely
adapted from Andy Warhol's Interview magazine. In this
edition, John Waters discusses his films as makeup
artist Van Smith works on the drag queen Divine, star of
Waters's movies. First is a clip from "Multiple
Maniacs" (1971), in which actor David Lochary introduces
Divine to an unsuspecting public in a circus sideshow.
Waters discusses the following topics, with comments
from Divine: his first amateur attempts and feature
films; his latest film, "Polyester" (1981), a "comedy
about alcoholism and divorce" which is atypically devoid
of obscene language; growing up as childhood neighbors
with Divine; and the influence of gory and low-budget
movies. Next is a clip from "Female Trouble" (1975), in
which Divine, as Dawn Davensport, throws a fit and
topples the family Christmas tree because she did not
get "cha-cha heels." Waters explains he gets his ideas
and dialogue from eccentric people he encounters, and
recalls troubles when filming risquŽ scenes on location
without permission. Next is a scene from "Pink
Flamingos" (1972) with Divine and Edith Massey as the
Egg Lady. Other topics discussed include: Divine's
"beauty gone berserk" look; the suburban aesthetic in
"Polyester"; working with Tab Hunter; the fact Waters's
films are still playing in movie houses; and his writing
and rehearsal process. Following a clip from "Desperate
Living" (1977) with Massey and Mink Stole, Divine
describes life's challenges as an obese transvestite.
Cataloging of this program was made possible by the
Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, 1999.
Details
- NETWORK: Manhattan Cable TV
- DATE: November 30, 1980
- RUNNING TIME: 0:28:23
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T:46105
- GENRE: Talk/Interviews; Magazine
- SUBJECT HEADING: Films - Production and direction; Transvestism
- SERIES RUN: Manhattan Cable TV/MSG - TV series, 1981-1984
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Andy Warhol … Executive Producer
- Vincent Fremont … Producer
- Sue Etkin … Production (Misc.), Production Manager
- Donald Munroe … Director
- Andy Warhol … Host
- Divine … Guest
- Van Smith … Guest
- John Waters … Guest
- Tab Hunter
- David Lochary
- Edith Massey
- Mink Stole