Home
search
more | tips
IMDb > Hairspray (1988)
Hairspray
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotes
Overview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv schedule
Awards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage board
Plot & Quotes
plot summaryplot synopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotes
Fun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQ
Other Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDesk
Promotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo gallery
External Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clips

Hairspray (1988) More at IMDbPro »

Photos (see all 20 | slideshow)

Overview

User Rating:
6.8/10   7,685 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 15% in popularity this week. See rank & trends on IMDbPro.
Director:
John Waters
Writer:
John Waters (written by)
Contact:
View company contact information for Hairspray on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
26 February 1988 (USA) more
Genre:
Comedy | Drama | Music more
Tagline:
Baltimore, 1962. The heyday of hair-dos and hair-don'ts, Heartthrobs and hefty girls, hot dates and hip talkers, beatniks and hair hoppers, and one magical potion that keeps it all together. more
Plot:
A 'pleasantly plump' teenager teaches 1962 Baltimore a thing or two about integration after landing a spot on a local TV dance show. full summary | add synopsis
Awards:
7 nominations more
User Comments:
See This Movie! more

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Also Known As:
White Lipstick (USA) (working title)
more
Runtime:
92 min
Country:
USA
Language:
English
Colour:
Colour
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Ultra Stereo

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
"Tilted Acres" was based on "Gwynn Oak Amusement Park" in Baltimore County, MD, where racial problems occurred. more
Goofs:
Continuity: During the "Shake A Tail Feather" dance, the non-council members in the background are dancing along in close-up shots, but just watching in the long shots. more
Quotes:
L'il Inez: Segregation never, integration now. more
Movie Connections:
Featured in The Roots of 'Hairspray' (2007) (V) more
Soundtrack:
Limbo Rock more

FAQ

Both "Hairspray" films are rated PG. Why is this version more crude than the 2007 one?
Outline and a semi-official detailed chapter headings
more
21 out of 26 people found the following comment useful:-
See This Movie!, 31 January 2000
10/10
Author: lisado from USA

I saw it when it first came out, I've seen it several times since, and my last viewing was just a few weeks ago. It never seems flat or old.

It takes a look at an issue that doesn't necessarily seem to be a goldmine of laughs (racial difficulties in the early '60s) and turns it into just that without robbing it of any dignity or sense of importance. John Waters seems to have pulled out all the stops to insure this outcome, and it really paid off.

The "pleasingly plump" pre-talk show Ricki Lake turns in a great performance in a role that's an inspiration to "chunky" girls everywhere.

As always, Waters picks cameo and supporting actors that are dead-on perfect. His own turn as a psychologist is an absolute scream! Brimming with hysterical lines and set-ups, this is a comedy you need to see, if you haven't already.

Was the above comment useful to you?
more

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Hairspray (1988)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
Christina Applegate as Amber lillyplonker
Am I the only one who loved both versions (1988 + 2007)? BroadwayLovex3
Pia Zadora ahersh17
definitely not for kids! erokicki
The Two Du-Tones... 'The Bird'??? magic-dick
Outline and a semi-official detailed chapter headings annevejb
more

Recommendations

If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
- - - - -
Hairspray Cry-Baby Carrie Bend It Like Beckham Giant
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
Show more recommendations

Related Links

Full cast and crew Company credits External reviews
News articles IMDb Comedy section IMDb USA section
Add this title to MyMovies

You may report errors and omissions on this page to the IMDb database managers. They will be examined and if approved will be included in a future update. Clicking the 'Update' button will take you through a step-by-step process.