It’s the little gay movie that could — and did. When Del Shores decided to turn his stage play Sordid Lives, about a gay West Hollywood actor forced to deal with his crazy, dysfunctional family when he goes home to Texas for his grandmother’s funeral, the writer-director called on celeb pals such as superstar Olivia Newton-John (as a lesbian ex-con) and comic actor Leslie Jordan (as a Tammy Wynette impersonator). Besides Newton-John and Jordan, there’s a stellar supporting cast of gay faves including Beau Bridges, Bonnie Bedelia, Beth Grant, Ann Walker and the great Delta Burke (note to D.B.: You are missed. Please come back from wherever you’ve been all these years). The film was a modest hit when it was released in 2000, but it soon became a cult sensation in Palm Springs, Calif., where it was overwhelmingly embraced by the worn’s gays and seniors and played for a record-setting 96 weeks in one theater. Many cast members including Jordan and Newton-John returned for a TV series adaptation on Logo that also starred late Golden Girl Rue McClanahan, but it was canceled after a single season and later resulted in a nasty lawsuit over non-payment to Shores and the actors.
Now the comedy will make its long-awaited Blu-ray debut (with bonus features that include the cast discussing why the film is so special) September 30 and will be available for viewing on digital platforms including iTunes and WolfeOnDemand beginning August 29. So watch the trailer below and start planning your screening party now.
IcarusD
Hmmm. I wonder if the Blu-Ray will include Jason Dottley’s full frontal nude scene that was supposedly filmed but couldn’t be broadcast on television?
Teeth
I loved this silly TV show.. yea, it was dumb but it was fun-dumb.
danemichael
First off it did relatively well at theaters since it was an indie film with limited theatrical release. Second, the TV show was not canceled, it did not return because no one was getting paid. Third, it was not a dumb show, it was very funny, sweet and and sometimes emotional. I did miss Delta in the TV series, but I thought Caroline Rae did a good job. Let us not forget to mention the terrific Sissy Hickey played by Beth Grant!!
litper
Filthy trans propaganda!
timothyb38652
@IcarusD:
This article is talking about the film being released on blu-ray. Jason Dottley didn’t play Ty in the film. The series has already been released on blu-ray several years ago uncut and uncensored complete with unbeeped profanity and male nudity (including the scene you’re referring to). Last time I checked the series was still available on blu-ray on amazon or you can get it direct from Del’s website.
jewelinps
Great article from one who lives in Palm Springs. It was a great time with it here in our theater. Saw it 3 times and laughed with friends every time.
IcarusD
@timothyb38652: Oh, I misunderstood. (I thought the movie was already out on Blu-Ray.) Thank you for the correction!
timothyb38652
@IcarusD: If you liked the series IcarusD you really should try and find the uncensored blu-ray of it. Its much more entertaining without the profanity beeped out plus you haven’t lived until you’ve seen Rue McLanahan do a sex scene lol.
Ms Urethra Johnson
I owned that movie since it came out… LOVE IT !!! Now, I want my god damn gold star…