Gay Top 10 Loved Camp Movies
Hey there, cinephiles! Get ready for a wild ride through the most iconic, over-the-top, and downright fabulous camp movies ever made. We're diving deep into the world of glitz, glamour, and a whole lot of drama in this top 10 countdown.
From the classic camp of All About Eve and Cabaret to the more modern masterpieces like Boys in the Band and The Ritz, we've got a mix of old and new that'll leave you gasping for air. And let's not forget the iconic Mommy Dearest - a campy classic that's sure to leave you howling with laughter.
So grab your popcorn, get comfy, and let's dive into the world of camp!
Don't Forget to Visit our Site
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for More Movies, Books, Shopping and More Enjoy Steve
Hey there, cinephiles! Get ready for a wild ride through the most iconic, over-the-top, and downright fabulous camp movies ever made. We're diving deep into the world of glitz, glamour, and a whole lot of drama in this top 10 countdown.
From the classic camp of All About Eve and Cabaret to the more modern masterpieces like Boys in the Band and The Ritz, we've got a mix of old and new that'll leave you gasping for air. And let's not forget the iconic Mommy Dearest - a campy classic that's sure to leave you howling with laughter.
So grab your popcorn, get comfy, and let's dive into the world of camp!
Don't Forget to Visit our Site
thegaydolls dot com
for More Movies, Books, Shopping and More Enjoy Steve
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Short filmTranscript
00:00Hi, this is Steve from The Gay Dials. Welcome to today's podcast.
00:04Today, we're going to embark on a journey through some most delightful,
00:08unapologetic camp movies in the history of cinema. Get ready to escape reality because in this podcast
00:14we're turning up the camp dial to 11. From outrageous costumes and dialogue and
00:20performances over-the-top that they defy gravity, these movies have left a glittering sequined mark on our hearts and the world of film.
00:30We'll begin counting down the top 10 camp classic movies, revisiting moments that made us laugh and gasp and wonder,
00:35did they really just do that? Spoiler alert, they absolutely did.
00:54Stay tuned to hear our number 1 through to number 10.
00:57I just want to say that not all these films are quite John Waters divine.
01:01So some of them are mainstream films that just, you know, a gay audience has fallen in love with.
01:06So let's start off with All About Eve, our number one.
01:11Of course, All About Eve is a timeless classic directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, released in 1950.
01:18This iconic film revolves around the cutthroat world of Broadway
01:22theatre and an insidious climb of an expiring actress named Eve Harrington, played by Anne Baxter.
01:27Eve cunningly manipulates her way into the life of an aging theatre star, Margot Channing, played by Bette Davis,
01:34under the guise of admiration.
01:36However, her true intentions are far from innocent and she schemes to replace Margot and become the new leading lady.
01:43Fasten your seatbelts. It's going to be a bumpy night.
01:47As the writer and director, our function is merely to construct a tower so that the world can applaud a light which flashes on top of it.
01:55And no brighter light has ever dazzled the eyes of Eve Harrington.
02:02Bette Davis delivers a career-defining performance as the formidable Margot Channing,
02:07and the movie features a stellar cast including George Sanders and Celeste Holm.
02:12All About Eve is known for its sharp and witty dialogue and compelling exploration of the entertainment industry's dark side.
02:20Some other cast members to mention would be Gary Merrill, who after this film became Bette Davis' husband,
02:26and later in her autobiography she said that Gary actually fell in love with Margot, not Bette.
02:31Hugh Marlow, who played Celeste Holm's playwright husband.
02:35Velma Ritter, who was just wonderful in this film, played Margot's assistant,
02:40and also includes an early performance of Marilyn Monroe in one of her first major films.
02:45I think to give this film its Camp Classic would have to be the very witty dialogue in this film.
02:52The screenplay was by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, who directed it as well, and it's based on a book by Mary Orr called The Wisdom of Eve.
02:59The famous line of course in this one is fasten your seatbelts,
03:03but there is some absolute classics from Bette Davis in this film, which if you haven't seen this film, you will just laugh.
03:10It is such a funny film. Her lines and the delivery, it's almost like she's a comedian in a straight dramatic film.
03:18So All About Eve, don't miss this one, you're going to love it.
03:21My number two, Behind the Candelabra, is a 2013 biographical drama film directed by Steven Soderbergh.
03:29The movie offers an intimate and revealing look into the life of the famous pianist and entertainer Liberace,
03:35played brilliantly by Michael Douglas, and his tempestuous relationship with Scott Thorson, played by Matt Damon.
03:41This film of course was released on HBO, but then did go on to cinema's release all around the world.
03:47I want to be everything to you Scott. Father, brother, lover, best friend.
03:53I'll do whatever you want.
03:55Clean and happy, I can't stand it when you have a face like that. Especially with the money I paid for it.
04:03No one has ever been closer to me than this young man.
04:07Set primarily in the 1970s and the 80s, the film explores the extravagant world of Liberace,
04:13known for his flamboyant performances and opulent lifestyle.
04:16Michael Douglas gives a memorising performance, capturing both Liberace's charisma and his inner complexities.
04:23Matt Damon also shines as Scott Thorson, depicting the rollercoaster of emotions in a relationship often hidden from the public eye.
04:30Of course, most people know that Liberace spent a lot of his time in Las Vegas,
04:34and was considered to be one of the highest paid entertainers in the world.
04:37He did tour the world, and of course at one stage he sued an English newspaper who claimed that he was a homosexual,
04:43and he won the case while he was travelling with Scott as his companion.
04:48So, quite a funny situation.
04:51The film received much critical acclaim and numerous awards, including several Emmy Awards.
04:55Ultimately, Behind the Candelabra is an engrossing portrait of a unique and captivating artist
05:01and a tumultuous love affair that defined a significant part of his life.
05:05It offers viewers a glimpse into the highs and lows of the legendary performer's world,
05:09making it compelling and you will just love the comedy here.
05:13Michael Douglas just delivers some lines here with just pure classic comedy.
05:18You will love his character.
05:20And Liberace, even though Scott Thorson in the book of course was supposed to be 16,
05:24he is portrayed older in the film, so that's of course up for debate.
05:28But that's just a very funny camp film with a very camp character. You'll love him.
05:34Number 3 is Cabaret.
05:36Cabaret is a film that pops up in a lot of my lists.
05:39It was one of my most loved films.
05:41Just to give you some details, Cabaret was made in 1972.
05:44It's a musical drama film directed by the fantastic Bob Fosse.
05:48Based on the 1966 Broadway musical of the same name,
05:51it's set in Berlin during the 1930s as the Nazis rise to power.
05:56The film follows the lives of an aspiring English novelist, Brian Roberts, played by Michael York,
06:01and an American cabaret performer, Sally Bold, performed by Lise Minelli,
06:06who works at a seedy Kit-Kat club in Berlin.
06:09Also starring Joel Grey as the MC of the cabaret, which was a standout performance.
06:15Joel Grey of course won Best Supporting Actor, and of course Lise Minelli won Best Actress.
06:39Don't you think I'm an international woman of mystery?
06:44The powerful film explores the decadence and the political turmoil of Germany in the late 1930s,
06:49through the eyes of Brian and Sally.
06:51The film's musical numbers, choreography by Fosse, are the highlight,
06:55with including classics like Cabaret, Money, and Welcome, Maybe This Time.
07:01Cabaret brilliantly poses the allure of the cabaret world while encroaching darkness of Nazism,
07:07making it a stark and thought-provoking commentary on the social shifts of the time.
07:12The film's enduring relevance and capturing performance of the cast
07:15have solidified it as a status as a classic in both music and cinematic history.
07:20As Cabaret was made in the 70s, it also tackled sexuality.
07:24Brian is a bisexual having an affair with a man who's having an affair with Lise,
07:28so we have a threesome going on there.
07:30Of course Sally's general attitude towards life is very camp and very funny.
07:36She has no issues with anybody doing anything, including drugs, sex, whatever you like.
07:40So this is, once again, a great film, and I would consider this to be pretty camp,
07:45but the film itself is just wonderful.
07:52Mummy Dearest was made in 1981 and is a biographical drama film directed by Frank Perry,
07:57based on the autobiography of Christina Crawford,
08:00the adopted daughter of the legendary Hollywood actress Joan Crawford.
08:04Faye Dunaway delivers an unforgettable performance as Joan Crawford,
08:08portraying her as a domineering, erratic and abusive mother.
08:11I'm already laughing just thinking about this film.
08:14The film delves into an unbelievable relationship between Joan and her children,
08:19particularly her adopted daughter Christina, played by Diana Skarwit.
08:23It highlights Joan's obsessive quest for perfection,
08:26which often leads to emotional and physical abuse.
08:30The iconic scene featuring Joan's explosive No Wire Hangers triad
08:34has become a pop-cultural reference.
08:36And of course, if you look into this film,
08:39Christina Crawford did sue Paramount because they did start to promote the film as a comedy,
08:44and of course originally it was this horrendous drama about child abuse
08:48that turned into a camp classic.
09:00Hello, everybody.
09:02Tina! Bring me the axe!
09:05Mommy, please!
09:13Mommy Dearest is a controversial film,
09:16known for its campy, over-the-top portrayal of Joan Crawford's life
09:19and her troubled relationship with her children.
09:21While the film was initially critically panned,
09:24it has gained a cult following over the years due to its unintentional humour
09:28and Faye Dunaway's melodramatic performance.
09:31Now, Faye Dunaway has distanced herself from this film for many, many years.
09:35It will be interesting to see if she will finally turn around
09:39and perhaps do a Paddy Duke with Valley of the Dolls and just say,
09:42well, look, the fans love it, so I might as well love it too.
09:45Her performance, she did run away to England for about five years after
09:48because of all the critics that criticised her wonderful performance in this film.
09:52So, if you're looking for a very camp classic,
09:54Mommy Dearest and Get Your Wire Curting is out.
09:58Number 5. The Rocky Horror Picture Show
10:00It's a 1975 cult classic music comedy film directed by Jim Sharman,
10:05adapted from the original stage musical created by Richard O'Brien.
10:09It's a remarkable blend of science fiction, horror and campy musical theatre,
10:13making it a unique and enduring cinematic experience.
10:17The film follows a young couple, Brad and Janet,
10:20who stumble upon a bizarre castle inhabited by flamboyant Dr Frankenfurter,
10:24a mad scientist played wonderfully by Tim Curry.
10:43What ensures is a wild, gender-bending adventure filled with catchy songs,
10:47eccentric characters and a celebration of sexual liberation.
10:51The Rocky Horror Picture Show is renowned for its interactive midnight screenings,
10:55where enthusiastic audiences dress up as characters and shout callbacks
10:58and use props, turning the viewer experience into a lively communal event.
11:02I guess we've probably all done this, so most of the people that look at my channel
11:06are probably my age and have all been to one of these nights,
11:09and of course, it was such fun.
11:11I mean, I remember going out, it was like midnight I think you used to go,
11:14and people used to throw toast and put newspaper over their head when it rained.
11:18It was such a fun night out.
11:20It now has a dedicated fanbase and of course remains a symbol of LGBTQ empowerment and nonconformity.
11:26The film's memorable musical numbers of course include Time Warp and Sweet Transvestite.
11:31These two songs, I mean, everybody loves these songs.
11:34I think they still play them at weddings these days.
11:36Along with its enduring cultural impact,
11:39has solidified its status as a beloved cult classic
11:42and continues to captivate and inspire audiences decades after its release.
11:46It has continually been revived on Broadway and off-Broadway,
11:50and of course the film just comes back all the time.
11:53So get ready to time warp again and watch the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
11:59Don't forget to like, subscribe and leave a comment.
12:02We'd love to hear from you, and of course this does help our videos get out on the YouTube algorithm.
12:07And also too, please leave any other camp classic films that you think we should talk about.
12:12There will be another list to follow as there is just so many of them.
12:16Number 6 is Steel Magnolias.
12:18Steel Magnolias is a 1989 film adaption of Robert Hailing's play of the same name, directed by Herbert Ross.
12:25Set in a small southern town, the movie revolves around the lives and friendships of a group of strong-willed women
12:30who frequent a local beauty salon.
12:33The film features a stellar ensemble cast including Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine,
12:39Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis and Julia Roberts, each delivering memorable performances.
12:45Sally Field in particular stands out as Malin, a mother who experiences profound joy and heartbreak.
13:10Dolly Parton.
13:21Shirley MacLaine.
13:27Daryl Hannah.
13:34Olympia Dukakis.
13:39Julia Roberts.
13:44I don't think you can get much more camper than Shirley MacLaine and Olympia Dukakis in this film.
13:49Their lines together are so funny and Shirley MacLaine, as I said, is certainly a standout in a campy performance.
13:57Steel Magnolias combines humour and heartache, tackling themes of love, friendship, loss and resilience.
14:03The story takes audiences on an emotional rollercoaster, celebrating the enduring bond of these women as they face life trials and tribulations together.
14:11The film's enduring appeal lies in the portrayal of the strength and grace that can be found in the face of adversity.
14:17It's heartwarming and tear-jerking tribute to the spirit of southern women, earning it a place on a beloved classic and American cinema list.
14:25Of course, once again, this film is a real gay classic.
14:29I mean, all of my friends love this film and we all have Steel Magnolia nights where we all serve southern food and sit back and enjoy this fantastic movie.
14:38Don't miss this one.
14:39Number 7. The Boys in the Band.
14:41I guess you'll know if you've heard my other list that I do love Boys in the Band.
14:45This one is the 1970 film adapted from Matt Crowley's groundbreaking play, directed by William Friedman, who just recently passed away, and he was also the director of The Exorcist.
14:56This movie holds historical significance as one of the mainstream American films to openly explore the lives of gay men.
15:02Set in New York, the story unfolds during a birthday party thrown for a gay man named Harold.
15:06As the evening progressed, tensions rise, secrets are revealed, and characters grapple with the issues of self-acceptance and social prejudice.
15:13However, Harold's character here, now this character, is so over the top and so camp.
15:19I love that scene where he comes in with the, who is she, what does she want to be, that is just so hysterical.
15:24There are so many lines in this film that it would probably take an hour just to mention all the lines.
15:29I'll be your topless cocktail waitress.
15:43Harold, happy birthday. You're just in time for the floor show.
15:50One of my favourite scenes is early in the film when Michael is setting up for the party and he's out on his balcony or terrace and he just picks up this ashtray and he just throws all the ash over the edge and I think that's just so New York.
16:02Who cares who's below? Who cares?
16:06The film features an ensemble cast of talented actors including Kenneth Nelson, Leonard Fry and Clifford Gorman, who reprise their roles from the original stage production.
16:15All of the actors in the 1970 film did come from the stage production.
16:19These performances are powerful and emotionally charged and offering a portrayal of the challenges and complexities of facing being gay during this period of time.
16:29The Boys in a Band is like a time capsule and reflecting the struggles and self-discovery of gay individuals in the late 60s, early 70s, with some aspects may seem dated but it's just such a funny film.
16:40I'm sure you'll put this into your camp classics.
16:45The Ritz is a 1976 film adaption of Terrence McNally's play of the same name, directed by Richard Lester.
16:52This comedy takes place in a Manhattan bathhouse known as the Ritz and follows the misadventures of a heterosexual man, Procol, played by Jack Weston, who mistakenly seeks refuge while hiding from a mobster.
17:04The film unfolds in a whirlwind of mistaken identities, outrageous characters and slapstick humour.
17:10It boasts a stellar ensemble cast including Rita Moreno as Gugu Gomez, whose performance is so funny.
17:16Now if you're looking for camp, this is funny.
17:18She steals every scene that she's in.
17:21Of course my very favourite song from Rita is when she sings everything's coming up, roses down by the pool.
17:27This scene has got to be one of the funniest things I have ever seen.
17:31Jerry Stiller is in this film. He plays the mobster that comes in later into the film.
17:36And of course Jerry was George's father in Seinfeld.
17:40So once again, a lot of great cast.
17:44Gaetano Procol needs a place to hide out, so he checks in for a night at the Ritz.
17:48You mean to tell me that everybody here is...
17:51You may think I'm crazy, but my brother-in-law is planning to kill me.
17:55You picked a gay barrass to hide out in?
18:00You think I don't know what goes on in this place?
18:02All of you men going hee hee hee, boo boo boo, ha ha ha!
18:08At its core, The Ritz is a riotous farce and a humorist explores the themes of sexual identity, tolerance and self-acceptance during a time when such topics were taboo.
18:17The film's over-the-top antics and zany characters made it a delight and entertaining romp that challenges social norms while generating plenty of laughter along the way.
18:26The Ritz, of course, remains a cult classic and it offers fun and a campy perspective of the gay subculture in the 1970s.
18:33This film is just such a funny film and you can't get any more camp than The Ritz, so don't miss The Ritz.
18:40Number 9 is The Women.
18:42This is a 1939 classic film by George Cukor based on the play of the same name by Claire Booth Luce.
18:48It's known for its groundbreaking feature of an all-female cast which was a rare and innovative choice for the time.
18:55The story revolves around the lives and relationships and social roles of a group of Manhattan socialites,
19:00with eccentric character Mary Haynes, played by Norma Shearer, discovers her husband's having an affair and navigates the complexities of friendship, love and betrayal within her social circle.
19:30The film's sharp wit and biting humour and memorable performances by actresses such as Rosalind Russell, Joan Crawford and Joan Fontaine make it an enduring classic.
19:48If I was going to pick someone who I felt was very campy in this would have to be Ros Russell.
19:52She is so funny in this film and an absolute delight. Joan Crawford does very well too with some comedy in this one as well.
19:59The absence of male characters who are only discussed but never seen on the screen gives The Women a unique feminist perspective.
20:06And what a lot of fun when they go down south for their divorces on the train with Lamour Lamour. It's such a fun film.
20:13This classic remains a testament to the strength and resilience of complexities of women, making it an important piece of cinema history that continues to resonate with audiences today.
20:21The Women is a wonderful campy film. You will love this film. The dialogue is just fantastic so don't miss The Women.
20:28So we're up to number 10 so thank you for staying with me this long.
20:32My number 10 choice on this list is Valley of the Dolls, a drama film directed by Mark Robson, based on the best-selling novel by Jacqueline Cezanne.
20:40This cult classic explores the dark underbelly of fame and highs and lows of showbiz through the lives of three young women in New York City.
20:48The film revolves around Ann Wells, played by Barbara Parkins, Neelie O'Hara, played by Patty Duke, and Jennifer North, played by Sharon Tate, as they navigate the glamorous and treacherous world of entertainment.
21:00Each character becomes entangled in a web of addiction and self-destruction, which is symbolized by their reliance on dolls, prescription pills, basically uppers and downers.
21:10The Valley of the Dolls is known for its melodramatic and over-the-top portrayal of characters' struggles, including drug abuse, infidelity, and personal demons.
21:18It also addresses issues of gender equality and social pressures faced by women in the entertainment industry.
21:40Dolls, the instant turn-off.
21:43You get out of my way. I've got a guy waiting for me.
21:47That's a switch from the bags you're usually stuck with.
21:50At least I never had to marry one.
21:53Now, on the funny side, you would never, ever forget Susan Hayward's song number in the musical in New Haven, where she's singing Plant Me a Tree, I think it is, with that mobile going around.
22:08It is so hysterical.
22:10The big scene in the bathroom where Patty Duke pulls off Susan Hayward's wig, that is also funny.
22:16This film, I just love this film.
22:18And it's another one of those ones where you can just build a whole party around this one, because everybody loves The Valley of the Dolls.
22:24And I don't know if you've seen this, but of course, they did do a musical version of this, which was a very camp, over-the-top parody of Valley of the Dolls.
22:32And I did see a reading where all gay men did all of the roles on stage.
22:37Once again, very funny.
22:38Now, this is like a number one campy gay cult movie.
22:43I would like to put in just something special for Lee Grant, who plays Tony's sister in this movie, who is Sharon Tate's husband.
22:51That scene where she's saying, I'm going to put the lasagna on, I mean, that would just break you up.
22:56And obviously, she'd sell her grandmother.
22:58Her role is very funny.
23:00I love her lines.
23:01And she's so serious in it.
23:02The film, of course, received hideous reviews.
23:05Everybody hated it.
23:06But it has gained a devoted cult following over the years for its campy charm, memorable one-liners.
23:12And of course, the tragic fate of its star, Sharon Tate.
23:15It remains a quintessential example of the 1960s Hollywood excess and melodrama.
23:20I hope you enjoyed this fun, campy list.
23:22If you'd like to see where you can see these films, I will put it on a page on our website, thegaydolls.com, so you can see where you can stream it, or if we need to buy it on DVD, or if it's available free on YouTube.
23:33Don't forget to come over to thegaydolls.com and check out our reviews on books, films, and of course, lots of other gay things, including The Gay Dolls, which never say no.
23:41So come on down and I'll speak to you soon.
23:43This is Steve from The Gay Dolls.
23:44Bye for now.