Superstar in a Housedress (2004)

100% of critics liked it
(18 reviews)
83% of users liked it
(91 ratings)

This warm documentary from Craig Highberger studies the life of transvestite legend and Andy Warhol prodigy Jackie Curtis. The son of a dancer and a marine, Curtis grew up in New York above his grandmother's saloon and in time became a poet, playwright and a director. He continuously tested… More This warm documentary from Craig Highberger studies the life of transvestite legend and Andy Warhol prodigy Jackie Curtis. The son of a dancer and a marine, Curtis grew up in New York above his grandmother's saloon and in time became a poet, playwright and a director. He continuously tested boundaries and made transvestites all over feel at ease about who they were. Look for cameos from Lily Tomlin, Harvey Fierstein, Paul Morrissey and more.

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 35 min.
Directed By: Craig Highberger
Genres: Documentary, Special Interest

In Theaters: May 5, 2004 Wide
On DVD: May 9, 2006

Critic Reviews

Michael Wilmington, Chicago Tribune
It's an engrossing peek at an era that now seems as meteoric, crazy and distant as the Roaring Twenties.
Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
The film is full of flamboyant personalities, and they all contribute to the impression that Highberger above all wants to pay tribute to Curtis' brave determination to discover and express his ever-changing identity at all costs.
Carla Meyer, San Francisco Chronicle
Fascinating.
Jay Boyar, Orlando Sentinel
An affectionate biographical documentary.
Susan Walker, Toronto Star
Highberger's movie is as much a reclamation of cultural territory as it is a bio-pic.
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail
An enthusiastic backstage biography of one of Warhol's drag-queen divas, Jackie Curtis.
Brent Simon, Entertainment Today
A vibrant, skin-deep flirt, both refined and tawdry, fabulous and skin deep -- probably a comparison Curtis himself would appreciate.
, E! Online
As this entertaining documentary makes clear, the witty, wisecracking, son-of-a-Marine drag queen was an artist in his own right.
Chuck Wilson, L.A. Weekly
Slow-starting but ultimately invigorating.
Doris Toumarkine, Film Journal International
Entertaining and fine-looking doc.
Steve Schneider, Orlando Weekly
Undeniably fun.
Ken Fox, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Required viewing for all Warholia aficionados and any one with even a passing interest in the counter-culture of a New York City that exists only as a dimming memory in the minds of those lucky enough to have lived there.