The Cockettes The Rise and Fall of a Legendary Theatrical Troupe
The Cockettes, a flamboyant ensemble of hippies decked out in outlandish gender-bending finery, created a series of legendary, LSD-fueled midnight musicals in early 1970s San Francisco. A diverse mix of genders and races, The Cockettes were an immediate sensation and their performances embodied the blending of the psychedelic counterculture and the sexual revolution.
This must-see documentary -- now digitally restored -- follows the rise and and fall of this now-legendary group of fashion forward performers from 1969-1972.
Nominated for the Grand Jury Prize for Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival. Winner of Best Documentary/Non-Fiction Film at the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards.
"An irresistible documentary look at the ensemble of the moment in the hippie kingdom of San Francisco, this comprehensive and charming film not only recalls those days exactly, it also manages the wonderful trick of taking us back there along with it." - Kenneth Turan , The Los Angeles Times
Running Time
100 mins
Year
2002
Kanopy ID
3811812
Filmmakers
Languages
Subjects
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Comments (8)
This is a wonderful documentary about people with so much imagination and wit. And a time that is long gone.
I saw every show the Cockettes did in the early 70's as well as their recent shows in SF. I know the remaining Cockettes and just got a card in the mail from one. When I met David Weissman, I told him that his film was my favorite film of all time. He kissed my hand and said, "Enchante".
Fabulous, fun, creative and really worth watching.
I agree - a great film!
The unabashed queerness of the Cockettes, the devotion to art and fantasy, the socialist roots, the FUN... what's not to love? This documentary of a theater troupe during the hay day of hippiedom in the Haight, has left me awash with a nostalgic glow. Of course, the ebullience of nostalgia is ...Read more
The unabashed queerness of the Cockettes, the devotion to art and fantasy, the socialist roots, the FUN... what's not to love? This documentary of a theater troupe during the hay day of hippiedom in the Haight, has left me awash with a nostalgic glow. Of course, the ebullience of nostalgia is always anchored by the tragedy of the present. This fact cannot be ignored as I stream this historical account in the very place in which these events occurred: inside a Haight Street Victorian, wherein the artists have been replaced by techies, the rent is 170x the price, and the accoutrements of hippiedom are peddled as souvenirs.
Read lessThey ran out onto the stage at the Palace Theater following "The Nocturnal Dream Show" one night and the stoned audience went crazy!! They then appeared after every Dream Show and we loved them. I've been in touch on a daily basis with Pam, who wrote the book "Midnight at The Palace: My Life ...Read more
They ran out onto the stage at the Palace Theater following "The Nocturnal Dream Show" one night and the stoned audience went crazy!! They then appeared after every Dream Show and we loved them. I've been in touch on a daily basis with Pam, who wrote the book "Midnight at The Palace: My Life as a Fabulous Cockette" and got a card from her last week. SF goes through regular changes (the waves come in, the waves go out). I'm trying to find Pam Section-8 housing in
Read lessOakland because she can't afford SF. I was on a waiting list for nine years before I got in here and now pay $217/mo. for a room with a view in Berkeley. I'm trying to get Pam in here too. Thanks for you comment Chase!
Fascinating documentary about the performing troupe which, on the outskirts, included Sylvester and Divine. John Waters, Holly Woodlawn and Sylvia Miles are among the notables who are interviewed. First hand accounts of San Francisco during the Summer Of Love and the years following make you ...Read more
Fascinating documentary about the performing troupe which, on the outskirts, included Sylvester and Divine. John Waters, Holly Woodlawn and Sylvia Miles are among the notables who are interviewed. First hand accounts of San Francisco during the Summer Of Love and the years following make you feel a part of it.
Read lessGreat comment Michael! When the film "Beautiful Darling" about Candy Darling premiered in SF I interviewed Holly. RIP