Hairspray
1988 · Movie · PG · 92 min · ★ 6.8 · 88% critics
A determined teen finally lands a spot on a popular local dance TV show and becomes an unlikely hometown celebrity. As the spotlight grows, she uses her new platform to challenge segregation and push for integration, sparking a heated rivalry with the show’s established favorites and their influential supporters.
Also known as White Lipstick
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Streaming on Howdy.
2 hours to watch.
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Details
- Years
- 1988
- Release date
- 1988-02-26
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG
- Runtime
- 92 min
- Critic score
- 88/100
- TMDB rating
- 6.8/10 (447 votes)
About
You’ll likely enjoy this if you want a high-energy, retro dance-show comedy with a sincere message about integration and fame, in a campy style; Not for you if you dislike broad satire or dated humor like in True Stories.
Pros: energetic, catchy music; heartfelt message; campy fun | Cons: thin story; some dated stereotypes; resolves too easily
Themes
- bomb
- baltimore, usa
- civil rights
- romcom
- racial segregation
- integration
- interracial relationship
- hair
- racism
- detention
- girls' reformatory
- dual role
- +10 more
Cast & crew
Ricki Lake
as Tracy Turnblad
Divine
as Edna Turnblad / Arvin Hodgepile
Debbie Harry
as Velma Von Tussle
Vitamin C
as Amber von Tussle
Sonny Bono
as Franklin von Tussle
Leslie Ann Powers
as Penny Pingleton
Ruth Brown
as Motormouth Maybelle
Jerry Stiller
as Wilbur Turnblad
Michael St. Gerard
as Link Larkin
Clayton Prince
as Seaweed
Directed by John Waters