Event

WOMEN IN REVOLT

Dir. Paul Morrissey, 1971.
USA, 97 min.
In English.

Featuring Candy Darling, Jackie Curtis, Holly Woodlawn and Jane Forth. With music by John Cale.

What do you mean Come down off the trapeze and into the sawdust? Thats circus talk.
Three of the most indelible transgender icons of all time play militant feminists in this incredible film, which is so much more than parody. Jackie Curtis and Holly Woodlawn have had it with men and their foul ways, so they join a militant feminist organization called PIG (Politically Involved Girls). Candy Darling is a wealthy socialite from Park Avenue (or Long Island - they cant keep it straight) who they draw into the group to give it legitimacy, but it turns out that shes having an incestuous relationship with her brother. Regardless, the three quickly become enemies: I could just plunge a knife right into her back. Oh no, its too bloody! Well, I could do it and just not look. Holly Woodlawn becomes a Bowery bum and Jackie Curtis cant stop hiring male prostitutes, while Candy becomes a famous actress: Im sick of incest and lesbianism. Im ready for Hollywood.

After Women in Revolt previewed on 59th Street, it was protested by a feminist organization who mistook the film for a caricature of feminism rather than a caricature of the popular discourse around feminism. Candy Darling reportedly declared, "Who do these dykes think they are anyway? Well, I just hope they all read Vincent Canby's review in today's Times. He said I look like a cross between Kim Novak and Pat Nixon. It's true - I do have Pat Nixon's nose."