Manhattan drag queens Vida Boheme and Noxeema Jackson impress regional judges in competition, securing berths in the Nationals in Los Angeles. When the two meet pathetic drag novice Chi-Chi Rodriguez — one of the losers that evening — the charmed Vida and Noxeema agree to take the hopeless youngster under their joined wing. Soon the three set off on a madcap road trip across America and struggle to make it to Los Angeles in time.
Acting
Swayze commits so hard you'll forget he was Johnny Castle.
Costume
Every frame is a fashion moment — Oscar-nominated for reasons.
Writing
One-liners that deserve their own drag brunch recitations.
Director
Beeban Kidron
Patrick Swayze
Vida Boheme
Wesley Snipes
Noxeema Jackson
John Leguizamo
Chi-Chi Rodriguez
Stockard Channing
Carol Ann
Blythe Danner
Beatrice
Arliss Howard
Virgil
Jason London
Bobby Ray
Chris Penn
Sheriff Dollard
Melinda Dillon
Merna
Beth Grant
Loretta
Alice Drummond
Clara
Marceline Hugot
Katina
Jennifer Milmore
Bobby Lee
Jamie Harrold
Billy Budd
Mike Hodge
Jimmy Joe
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The title comes from an autographed photo Julie Newmar actually sent the producers — she makes a silent cameo at the end.
Released months before The Birdcage, this was mainstream Hollywood's first big-budget drag road movie — and Swayze fought hard for the role over studio objections.
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