Outrageous! (1977)

Sorry, this movie sucks

What begins as a feel-good-human-interest story turns into a mystery, then a tragedy, and ultimately an outrage.

A film of deceptively outspoken contemporary relevance, this is cinema at its most alert, alarming and alive.

what a terribly boring film. I'm sorry but this is absolutely not deserving of best picture and will be forgotten quickly. Entertaining and engaging cinema? No. Nothing performances with flat faces and mistaking silence for subtlety.

Like others, over the years, I have watched and re-watched this delightful confection of a movie which possesses the rare combination of feeling almost like an indie/documentary/hand-held camera opus while also being very well made. Like art (or good wine) it wears/ages well, presenting a multi-level array of elements including a fun retro look at the gay/bar/fashion/hair scene of the '70's, the "easy to meet people", fun-loving, and not-yet-cynical attitude regarding social life and relationships, promiscuity as no big deal, and the message of self-love and self-acceptance over conformity. Craig Russell is perfect as the hairdresser looking for that "more" within himself and in life. He and his little coterie of friends create a warm, familiar, and almost cozy sense of affiliation/friendship despite the campy and sometimes abrasive repartee. This movie has a lot of heart and I "heartily" recommend it.

I am the co-author of the original short story that Outrageous was based on. We never expected nor intended a sequel be considered when the original first few books of short stories were published. One reviewer says Margaret was bi-polar, Margaret's way of removing the stigma of schizophrenia. The term did not exist 40 years ago! From her adolescence onwards, she had been hospitalized on a few occasions. During our marriage on several occasions Margaret went off her meds to prove she did not have schizophrenia with ensuing issues and short-term hospitalization to get her back on her meds. Comments by the other reviewers are interesting and mostly heartfelt. Craig became an excellent female impersonator. He would practise in front of a mirror, of course, and in front of his circle of friends. At the time I knew him, he never considered nor discussed serious acting. He liked performing. This explains why, in the TV programme Streets of San Francisco, Craig did not act. He did the voice-overs for all of the singing of the female impersonator character. With regards to his impersonation of Mae West, Craig was her personal secretary for a period of time. This was well before his drag career. 40 years ago is a long time to remember details.

This has been a favorite for years and years... it's touching, and basic, and about love and acceptance: multi-layered, it professes a simple lesson. Hollis Mc Laren is AMAZING in her role: she rips your heart out. Definitely should be part of any "gay" movie collection. (I question the label... this is 2006, after all, and personally I am tired of labels. Why can't we all just love? Let's have a Whatever Pride Parade!) Craig Russell demonstrates the bravery inherent in the early proclaimers of the gay movement, but his message speaks to everyone: be yourself, and society be damned! This is an unforgettable film, and highly worthy of your attention.

Outrageous! is a truly remarkable film, and an attest to the genius of Craig Russell. The film opened in Manhattan during the early fall of 1977 without so much as a trailer or publicity of any kind...just word of mouth. Within one week people were queuing up in droves to see it! Not coincidentally, Craig Russell, the film's star, was staging his brilliant one man show "A Man And His Women" right around the block from the cinema. This masterful stroke of showmanship made him the toast of Manhattan. Outrageous! is a film about human relationships and acceptance...of loving, supporting and encouraging those people whom you care about. It's filled with character studies that are rich and evocative. Craig Russell was truly a genius. He was in my opinion the greatest female "impressionist" of all time. By utilizing his own vocal talents, facial expressions and simple make-up and costume changes, he would transform into Mae West, Talulah Bankhead, Bette Davis, Judy Garland, Carol Channing or Peggy Lee (to name but a few) so seamlessly, one would easily forget they weren't witnessing the genuine article. His one man show "A Man and His Woman" which played at "Theatre East"in Manhattan allowed audiences to see the true extent of his talent that was only touched upon in the film. Outrageous! is a film that dramatically changed and enriched my life. The film should be restored and reissued both theatrically and on DVD. It sends a profoundly positive message that should be passed on to future generations.Cheers,R. Stephen Weber Burbank, CA