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Hairspray (1988)

6.7
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Ratings: 6.7/10 from 11,467 users   Metascore: 76/100
Reviews: 59 user | 33 critic | 13 from Metacritic.com

A 'pleasantly plump' teenager teaches 1962 Baltimore a thing or two about integration after landing a spot on a local TV dance show.

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Title: Hairspray (1988)

Hairspray (1988) on IMDb 6.7/10

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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Ruth Brown ...
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Velma Von Tussle (as Debbie Harry)
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Michael St. Gerard ...
Leslie Ann Powers ...
Clayton Prince ...
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Storyline

'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. Written by Jean-Marc Rocher <rocher@fiberbit.net>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

The 60's Comedy That Shows No Mercy! See more »

Genres:

Comedy | Music | Romance

Certificate:

PG | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

26 February 1988 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

White Lipstick  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Box Office

Budget:

$2,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$6,671,108 (USA)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The role of Edna Turnblad was originally written for famed transsexual Christine Jorgensen. However, when the role of Tracy had to be rewritten, John Waters also rewrote the role of Edna in order to keep his friend and muse Divine in the production. See more »

Goofs

When the two kids in the red car pull to the curb, two boys in blue pants walk by twice. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Tracy Turnblad: Come on! Come on!
Penny Pingleton: Okay, all right.
Tracy Turnblad: Will you hurry up?
See more »

Crazy Credits

During the ending credits, there are footsteps moving to the beat of the song playing in the background. See more »

Connections

Referenced in Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy (2010) See more »

Soundtracks

"Limbo Rock"
Written by Jon Sheldon and Billy Strange
Performed by Chubby Checker
Courtesy of Dominion Entertainment Inc.
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

Delicious!
5 August 2003 | by (Texas) – See all my reviews

As a HUGE fan of John Waters films, I have nothing but praise for this film. So fun, so campy, so enjoyable ( and you know...there IS a real plot inside the film. It's not just music and hair! ) The characters are at once silly and loveable, esp. Divine as Edna Turnblatt. And who can't love Ricki Lake as the voluptous teen sensation, Tracy Turnblatt!?! It's such a great movie. The one liners alone make me howl, as well as the great 60's look they were able to COAT the film with ( like hairspray? ) The clothes, the furniture, the makeup, EVERYTHING. Stellar pseudo B-movie casting ( Debbie Harry, Sonny Bono ). It's a favorite!!!


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