Desperate Living 1977
"The world may never be the same again!"
John Waters' wild 1977 comedy-crime romp Desperate Living drops Peggy Gravel and her murderous maid Grizelda into Mortville, a bizarre town ruled by the eccentric Queen Carlotta.
Director: John Waters
Cast
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desperate Living (1977) about?
Desperate Living follows Peggy Gravel and her murderous maid Grizelda as they flee to the surreal town of Mortville after Peggy's violent act. There, they encounter Queen Carlotta and an eccentric cast of misfits in a story that mixes crime with boundless absurdity.
Who directed Desperate Living?
Desperate Living was directed by John Waters, the legendary filmmaker known for his bold, subversive storytelling and cult classics.
Who stars in Desperate Living?
The film stars Mink Stole, Jean Hill, Susan Lowe, Liz Renay, and Edith Massey, with Mary Vivian Pearce rounding out the main cast.
Is Desperate Living (1977) worth watching?
If you love John Waters' signature outrageous humor and indie-edge storytelling, Desperate Living delivers with its campy energy and satirical bite. While not mainstream, it's a cult favorite worth tracking down for its unique style and unforgettable characters.
How long is Desperate Living?
Desperate Living has a runtime of 91 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Desperate Living (1977) — John Waters' wild cult comedy full of crime and chaos
John Waters' wild 1977 comedy-crime romp Desperate Living drops Peggy Gravel and her murderous maid Grizelda into Mortville, a bizarre town ruled by the eccentric Queen Carlotta. With its neon-soaked chaos, offbeat humor, and a parade of grotesque yet unforgettable characters, the film blends crime with pure Waters-style absurdity. Peggy's flight to escape justice after her husband's demise spirals into a surreal odyssey where every corner of Mortville oozes rebellion and mayhem.
Desperate Living (1977) delivers a satirical punch, skewering societal norms through a lens of campy excess and dark humor. Mink Stole and Susan Lowe anchor the chaotic energy as Peggy and Grizelda navigate a world where crime is ordinary and chaos feels like home. With its vivid visuals, relentless wit, and a roster of Waters' favorite outsiders, this cult classic remains a must-watch for fans of boundary-pushing cinema.
