Happy, Texas (1999)

3 prisoners escape. 2 end up in Happy, Texas, where they're mistaken for a gay couple expected there to help with the small girls beauty pageant. As the 2 are paid $1000, they decide to stay until the heat is gone.

Director:

Mark Illsley

Writers:

Ed Stone, Mark Illsley

Stars:

Jeremy Northam, Steve Zahn, William H. Macy

6 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jeremy Northam	...	Harry
Steve Zahn	...	Wayne
William H. Macy	...	Chappy
Ally Walker	...	Joe
Illeana Douglas	...	Ms. Schaefer
M.C. Gainey	...	Bob Maslow
Ron Perlman	...	Nalhober
Mo Gaffney	...	Mrs. Bromley
Paul Dooley	...	The Judge
Jillian Berard	...	Madison
Scarlett Pomers	...	Jency
Melissa Arnold	...	Other Happy Girl
Cassie Silva	...	Other Happy Girl
Tiffany Takara	...	Other Happy Girl
Tim Bagley	...	David

Storyline

Two escaped convicts arrive in the town of Happy, Texas, where they are mistaken for a gay couple who is to host the town's Little Miss Fresh Squeezed beauty pageant. Enjoying the celebrity and using their skill as con-men, the two adopt their persona to take on the task. Of course, as the two are heterosexual, their interest in the involved ladies intensifies. Ally Walker is a banker, who is distrustful of men and has given up on love. Illeana Douglas plays the dowdy, badly dressed teacher.

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Plot Keywords:

gay | beauty pageant | escaped convict | texas | small town | 

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Taglines:

Escaped convicts disguised as beauty pageant experts? This could get ugly.

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Genres:

Comedy | Crime | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for language, sexual content and some violence

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 December 1999 (UK)

Also Known As:

Happy Texas

Filming Locations:

Lancaster, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$2,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$72,056, 3 October 1999

Gross USA:

$1,955,933

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$1,955,933

Company Credits

Production Co:

Marked Entertainment, Miramax

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Shot over a period of 22 days.

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Goofs

During the climax, Sheriff Chappy shoots nine shots out of his revolver without reloading.

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Quotes

Marshal Nalhober: [about Sheriff Dent] That is one big dick cop.

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Crazy Credits

Halfway through the credits we see the real beauty pageant experts calling their insurance company to report the theft of their van.

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Alternate Versions

The version shown on Comedy Central tones down some of the profanity and violence.

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Connections

References Trading Places (1983)

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Soundtracks

Me Neither
Performed by Brad Paisley
Written by Brad Paisley, Chris DuBois and Frank Rogers
Published by EMI April Music, Inc. / Sea Gayle Music (ASCAP)
(All rights for Sea Gayle Music controlled and administered by
EMI April Music, Inc.)
Brad Paisley appears courtesy of Arista Records, Inc.

User Reviews

Happy, Texas? No, Happy Universe, this film is hilarious!

Two prisoners (Jeremy Northam and Steve Zahn) escape their chain gang when a fracas starts because of a road kill armadillo! They make it to the small town of Happy, Texas where they discover that the gay beauty pageant experts everyone is waiting for, won't be coming after all. Figuring that they can hide in plain site with the right credentials, the duo steps into the world of little-girl beauty contests. Northam takes care of the behind the scenes activities while Zahn must teach the little gals their big dance number. Their methods are, to say the least, a bit unorthodox but the town embraces them mightily. However, posing as gay advisers has its disadvantages when the town's banker and the pageant assistant are both lovely ladies. How long will the convicts be able to keep up with appearances? This film is a darling and humorous gem. Zahn and Ilieana Douglas, especially, give all-out hilarious turns as the pageant advisers. Northam, a distinguished Brit in real life, charms the audience with his great looks and his commitment to his role as a "screw-up" from Texas. Ally Walker and William H. Macy, as well as the rest of the great cast, support the principals nicely. The small town Texas setting, the clever script, and the fun costumes complete one's fondest desires. Even if you've never heard of this film, don't pass it by. Although its gay undertones may be offensive to a few, its gleeful mirth and constant giggle-getting scenes mean a good time will be had by all who watch the film.