  By Laurie Sheril
Part XV: The Seventies Come to a Close
Usually in this column I try to find a common ground between the films I am discussing (besides drag, of course!) However, this time, these three films, from the mid to late 70s, share little in common.
The first is director Roman Polanskiís 1976 film, "The Tenant." Based on a novel by Roland Topar, Polanski is always at his best when he explores a psychological theme. This film is no exception, with Polanski not only directing but taking the pivotal lead role of Trelkovsky. Polanski plays a young man who moves into an apartment (or is it a "flat"?) previously occupied by a young woman that committed suicide. His neighbors in the apartment house start treating him like the young woman. He resists at first, but soon finds himself becoming (or being taken over?) by her in both actions and appearance. He starts painting his fingernails with red nail polish. He goes to a shop and purchases and long, brown curly wig. A dress and appropriate pumps soon follow. This "possession" culminates in a suicide leap in full drag.
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1976ís "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" is a cult classic that originally went nowhere upon itís initial release. Based on a stage play (same name without the "Picture") that had a big following in the L.A. area(at the Roxy , a club on the Sunset Strip), the film did not achieve success and fame until it started showing up on midnight showings in LA and New York (followed by just about every major city in North America). The story follows Brad (Barry Bostwick pre-"Spin City") and Janet (Susan Sarandon pre-Academy Award) meeting the curious Dr. Frank N. Furter (played masterfully by Tim Curry) who is described as "a sweet transvestite from Transexual, Transylvania." Curry struts his stuff in torn fishnets, high heels, and very heavy make-up. A highlight of this film is the finale where Brad, Janet (and another character, the wheelchair-bound Dr. Scott) along with Frank N. Furter get dressed up in garters, hose and stiletto heels!
Another film that was a surprise success was 1978ís "La Cage aux Folles." Veteran actors Ugo Tognazzi and Michael Serrault play a pair of middle-aged gay lovers. Serrault is "Albin" a performer in a nightclub run by his lover "Renato" (Tognazzi). When Renatoís son comes for a visit with his new fiancée and her parents, the gay couple must play it "straight." And as they say "compilations ensue". This film was a success with both gay and straight audiences. Such as success, that it spawned two sequels (both with Tognazzi and Serrault), a Broadway musical, and American re-make ("The Birdcage.") Though Serraultís character was totally outrageous, it did not offend and the costumes he wore for his drag performances were way over-the top. (Even his "street clothes" were flamboyant, to say the least.)
Next timeÖ.the ë80s are approaching and with it weíll see drag come into itís own!
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