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IMDb > Hairspray (1988)
Hairspray
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Hairspray (1988) More at IMDbPro »

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Overview

User Rating:
6.8/10   8,005 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 10% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writer:
John Waters (written by)
Contact:
View company contact information for Hairspray on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
26 February 1988 (USA) more
Genre:
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 Reviews:
Waters' talent undeniable. more (54 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)
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Additional Details

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

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
The role of Velma Von Tussle was originally offered to Mamie Van Doren. more
Goofs:
Audio/visual unsynchronized: When Corny introduces himself at the auto show, the audio is not in sync with his lips. more
Quotes:
Prudence: Penny Pingleton, you know you are punished. From now on you're wearing a giant P on your blouse EVERY DAY to school so that the whole world knows that Penny Pingleton is permanently, positively, punished. more
Movie Connections:
Featured in The Roots of 'Hairspray' (2007) (V) more
Soundtrack:
Mama Didn't Lie 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
20 out of 32 people found the following review useful.
Waters' talent undeniable., 2 May 1999
9/10
Author: Hermit C-2 from Marietta, GA, USA

After an abomination like 'Pink Flamingos' it was a surprise for me to learn that this guy had talent. Like Spike Lee or Oliver Stone, you've got to admit that John Waters, like him or not, is a born moviemaker. Also like those two (and ultimately all great directors) he knows how to speak with his own voice and translate his vision to the screen.

His writing is most impressive here as he manages to point up the evils of racism and segregation while not abandoning his wacked-out comedic style. And his eye for period detail is uncanny (as long as the period wasn't too long ago!) 'Hairspray' is great entertainment, fun to watch and edifying, too. Who would have thought that?

Was the above review useful to you?
more (54 total)

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Hairspray (1988)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
Line from this film used in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles zeno1138
FILMED AT MY HIGH SCHOOL!!! joymariah
definitely not for kids! ironicshowchoir
Pia Zadora ahersh17
Am I the only one who loved both versions (1988 + 2007)? BroadwayLovex3
The Two Du-Tones... 'The Bird'??? magic-dick
more

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