Desperate Living
Seen it?1977 | 91 min | Comedy, Crime
Weeknight Watchearly ratingWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
With a lukewarm 6.3 out of 10 from audiences, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime fans and anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved Female Trouble, start here.
- The mood
- Darkly funny.
- The pace
- Breezy, at 1 hr 31 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated NC-17: expect violence.
- Made in 1977: an older pace and style.
After killing her husband, Peggy Gravel and her murderous maid Grizelda wind up in the crazy town of Mortville, where Queen Carlotta presides over a sleazy collection of misfits.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsSolid
70% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesBelow par
6.3 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 65K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by John Waters
- Liz RenayMuffy St. Jacques
- Mink StolePeggy Gravel
- Susan LoweMole McHenry
- Edith MasseyQueen Carlotta
- Mary Vivian PearcePrincess Coo-Coo
- Jean HillGrizelda Brown
- Brook YeatonBosley Jr.
- Karen GerwigBeth
- Jay AllanKid
- Al StrapelliDr. Evans