Outrageous!

Based on a short story by Margaret Gibson Gilboord, this now dated, yet charming film is a rather simple story of a bashful drag queen and his friend, a young schizophrenic. The aspiring drag queen is Robin, played by Craig Russell in his film debut. Robin is still trying to find the courage to take his act on stage and do drag. Suddenly an old pal, Liza, played by Hollis McLaren shows up wearing a robe and nightgown. She has just run away from a mental hospital where she had voluntarily committed herself. It is Liza’s manic energy that gives Robin the strength to act on his desires. He in turn gives her a much needed stable and loving home. But encouraged and emboldened Robin leaves Liza behind when he travels to an important audition in New York. Here we see glimpses of Craig Russell’s perfect impressions of such stars as Bette Davis, Barbra Streisand, Carol Channing, and Mae West. And as Robin`s star rises, a pregnant Liza spirals into misery and madness. After all these years, Outrageous remains heartfelt, with a number of wonderful performances.