To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar (1995)
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Three New York City drag queens embark on a road trip to Hollywood after winning a local contest.
The story
After winning a local competition in New York City, drag queens Noxeema Jackson and Vida Boheme win a trip to Hollywood to compete in the 'Drag Queen of America' pageant. They decide to bring along an inexperienced 'drag princess' named Chi-Chi Rodriguez as their protégé. The trio sets off in a yellow convertible, carrying an iconic autographed photo of Julie Newmar. Their journey takes them through the countryside, where they encounter various challenges, including a breakdown and a confrontation with local authorities, as they navigate the road toward their ultimate goal in Los Angeles.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
After winning a local contest, Noxeema Jackson and Vida Boheme take the inexperienced Chi-Chi Rodriguez on a road trip to Hollywood in a 1967 Cadillac DeVille. They carry a prized autographed photo of Julie Newmar. Along the way, they are harassed by a sheriff and eventually find themselves stranded in the small town of Snydersville after their car breaks down. While there, they befriend the locals, help a woman named Carol Ann, and perform a makeover for the town's women. They eventually reach Los Angeles, where Chi-Chi wins the 'Drag Queen of the Year' title, and the crown is presented by Julie Newmar herself.
- First release year
- 1995
- Runtime (minutes)
- 105
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Beeban Kidron
- Writers
- Douglas Carter Beane · writer
- Cast and characters
- Wesley Snipes · Noxeema Jackson; Patrick Swayze · Vida Boheme; John Leguizamo · Chi-Chi Rodriguez
- Genres
- comedy-drama; road; satirical
- Themes
- identity; friendship; artifice; queer experience
- Tone and mood
- comedic; sentimental; camp
- Premise and plot tags
- road trip; drag queens; buddy film
- Reception
- Critical response was mixed, with criticism regarding the plot and familiar elements, but the lead performances were highly praised. It has become a cult favorite in the LGBTQ+ community.
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 48% · scale: percentage · review count: 46; Metacritic · score: 60 · scale: weighted average · review count: 24
- Awards and nominations
- Golden Globe Award · Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy · 1996 · Nomination; Golden Globe Award · Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture · 1996 · Nomination; GLAAD Media Awards · Outstanding Film · 1996 · Nomination
- Production trivia
- The title refers to an autographed photo of Julie Newmar.; The script was originally envisioned as a stage play.; The film was once considered for a title change to 'Ladies' Night' or 'She's a Lady'.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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