FLURRY OF FILTH presents DESPERATE LIVING

From May 10th - 18th The historic Paradise Theatre presents FLURRY OF FILTH: A John Waters Retrospective- spanning 35 years of artistic output from the Pope of Trash himself. This week-long descent into celluloid atrocities is presented by Weird Alice of Drag Me to the Movies.

John Waters’ is known for transgressive controversial films, many designed to shock and disgust viewers, but none more divisive than his early trans-lesbian masterpiece - DESPERATE LIVING (1977).

The film foregrounds Peggy Gravel (Mink Stole), a rich housewife who was recently released from a psychiatric facility. Peggy is a conservative hypochondriac who gives a new meaning to the term hysterical. She lives in a constant state of moral panic and outrage, and believes everyone is out to get her and convert her to their horrendous ways. Her nursemaid Grizelda (Jean Hill) accidentally kills Peggy’s husband by sitting on him and suffocating him, thus leading her and Peggy to go on the lam. A seedy cop tells them the only place they can go if they want to avoid jail is a shanty town called Mortville - a homeless community in a garbage dump composed of society’s finest outcasts including murderers, nudists, and homosexuals.

Rarely screened in the city, this is your chance to witness a movie that was so divisive it was protested by members of the queer community upon its release. An absolute must-watch and for anyone who needs to know - this is Weird Alice’s favourite of John’s early work.

Join us on Friday May 17th for our double bill depicting women and crime on screen starting with DESPERATE LIVING, followed by a screening of SERIAL MOM.

(Courtesy of Warner Bros.)

This event is 18+.

Friday May 17th, 7 PM/6:30 PM Doors

General Admission $12.50 plus HST + eventbrite fees | Door Entry $15.00 + HST

Looking for pre or post show snack or sip? Check out our amazing options right next door!

Osteria Rialto | Bar Biltmore | Blue Door Wine Shop | Café Paradise