Rape is never funny, except when Divine is being raped by a lobster. That’s just one of the many highlights in John Waters’ difficult-to-find cinematic calamity Multiple Maniacs, a 1970 offering that also stars Dreamlanders Mink Stole, Cookie Mueller, and Edith Massey (in her first-ever film role.) Upon viewing the film, Baltimore Circuit Court Judge Joseph H. H. Kaplan notoriously summarized it thus: “Horrendous. Sickening. Revolting. Most distasteful.”
Related: Legendary Cult Actor Mink Stole On John Waters, Divine And Tapping Into Catholic Anger
Until now, the trash epic has never been released on DVD or Blu-Ray, and the only way to see it was by tracking down a 1994 VHS tape, rough prints, or 16mm reel. Now, Janus Films is giving the film its long-deserved theatrical premiere in New York City on August 5th. A Criterion release can’t be far behind.
If you’ve never acquainted yourself with Lady Divine and Her Cavalcade Of Perversion, this is the perfect time.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Related: John Waters To Release Family-Friendly Remake Of Pink Flamingos, You Know, For Kids
Watch the infamous Divine vs. Lobstora scene here:
Watch the official trailer, courtesy of Vanity Fair, here:
Invader7
I LOVE Divine. Saw her in concert @ Numbers 300 Westheimer Rd., Houston, Tx 77006- in the early 1980’s. She was awesome. Saw her as Glenn Milstead later that night a local restaurant. Loved all of Divines subversive films. Had a Divine movie fest on rainy,winter Saturday with friends and smoke good smoke. I was never the same after that overload!!
Brian
Rape is not something to joke about.
barkomatic
@Brian: Except when it’s a lobster!
ErikO
Too funny! But why is this LGBT news? John Waters has not made a good movie in a long time.
wld8hrt
You haven’t lived until you’ve seen the “scare-o chair”!