Desperate Living
After killing her husband, Peggy Gravel and her murderous maid Grizelda wind up in the crazy town of Mortville, where Queen Carlotta presides over a sleazy collection of misfits.
Critics Sentiment
Mole McHenry wins Maryland Lottery for sex change surgery
Mole cuts off disgusting penis with scissors after surgery
The film drops from its highest point with Mole's lottery win to its lowest with the graphic penectomy scene that many found gratuitously disgusting.
The film starts strong with Mink Stole's praised manic performance and Waters' imaginative world-building of Mortville. While some gross-out moments and constant screaming tested viewers' patience, the inventive production design and Edith Massey's memorable Queen Carlotta kept audiences engaged. The anarchic finale successfully delivered the outrageous payoff that Waters' fans expected.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 43
Mink Stole
Peggy Gravel
Jean Hill
Grizelda Brown
Susan Lowe
Mole McHenry
Liz Renay
Muffy St. Jacques
Edith Massey
Queen Carlotta
Mary Vivian Pearce
Princess Coo-Coo
Brook Yeaton
Bosley Jr. (as Brook Blake)
Karen Gerwig
Beth
Jay Allan
Kid
Al Strapelli
Dr. Evans
George Stover
Bosley Gravel
Turkey Joe
Motorcycle Cop
Willie Brooks
Pieman
James Yeaton
Dead Bum
Ed Peranio
Lieutenant Wilson
Steve Butow
Lt. Grogan
Pirie Woods
Babysitter
H.C. Kliemisch
Big Jimmy Dong
Steve Parker
Goon
Pete Denzer
Goon
Crew
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