Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999)

A small-town beauty pageant turns deadly as it becomes clear that someone will go to any lengths to win.

Director:

Michael Patrick Jann

Writer:

Lona Williams

Stars:

Kirsten Dunst, Denise Richards, Ellen Barkin

2 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kirsten Dunst	...	Amber Atkins
Ellen Barkin	...	Annette Atkins
Allison Janney	...	Loretta
Denise Richards	...	Rebecca 'Becky' Ann Leeman
Kirstie Alley	...	Gladys Leeman
Sam McMurray	...	Lester Leeman
Mindy Sterling	...	Iris Clark
Brittany Murphy	...	Lisa Swenson
Amy Adams	...	Leslie Miller
Laurie A. Sinclair	...	Michelle Johnson (as Laurie Sinclair)
Shannon Nelson	...	Tess Weinhaus
Tara Redepenning	...	Molly Howard
Sarah Stewart	...	Jenelle Betz
Alexandra Holden	...	Mary Johanson
Brooke Elise Bushman	...	Tammy Curry

Storyline

In a small Minnesota town, the annual beauty pageant is being covered by a TV crew. Former winner Gladys Leeman wants to make sure her daughter follows in her footsteps. Explosions, falling lights, and trailer fires prove that. As the Leemans are the richest family in town the police are pretty relaxed about it all. Despite everything, main rival (but nice) Amber Atkins won't be stopped. There could well be more death and disappointment to come.

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Plot Keywords:

beauty pageant | small town | f rated | minnesota | murder | 

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Taglines:

The battle between the good and the bad is about to get ugly.

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Genres:

Comedy | Romance | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for irreverent and crude humor, sex-related material and language

Did You Know?

Trivia

The original title was "Dairy Queens", but it had to be changed after the corporation that owns the Dairy Queen ice cream chain filed a lawsuit.

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Goofs

Before performing the physical fitness routine, the girls say their step ladders are still wet with paint, but when the Vaseline is brought around to them, their hands are clean. Later, when they are on the stage, their hands are covered in paint.

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Quotes

Gladys Leeman: Our 2nd runner-up and winner of a $50 scholarship to the Vo-Tech of her choice is Leslie Miller.

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Crazy Credits

(referencing Hank's request to be freed from the car door) It is the policy of the documentary crew to remain true observers and not interfere with its subjects.

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Connections

Referenced in Tru Calling: Drop Dead Gorgeous (2004)

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Soundtracks

Downtown
Written by Tony Hatch
Performed by Petula Clark
Courtesy of GNP Crescendo Records

User Reviews

Good flick! Very funny.

This is a great film for anyone who hates beauty pageants, and enjoys dark humor. The "mockumentary" aspect was done greatly, and the performances were also great, especially by (the very hot) Kirsten Dunst. I really like films that poke fun at serious topics (like death and mourning), and this one did a great job of it without being completely tasteless.

Details

Country:

Germany USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 July 1999 (USA)

Also Known As:

Dairy Queens

Filming Locations:

Jordan, Minnesota, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$15,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$3,986,269, 25 July 1999

Gross USA:

$10,571,408

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$10,571,408

Company Credits

Production Co:

New Line Cinema, Capella International, KC Medien

Technical Specs

Runtime:

97 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1