The Cockettes

Rating:
Summary: RUNAWAYTRAINNEVERCOMINGBACK!
Review: Although I lived in San Francisco from 1961 to 1966 and saw a few great "Drag Shows" there was nothing to compare to the Cockettes. I'm not sure I would have gone to see this show at the Palace, although some friends might have talked me into it.. and saying that I would never have gone back to see them again. I rated this movie for the nostalgia. Living just off of the Height-Asbury-Filmore district we often went down to Height St. To watch the beginning of the Flower-children movement and we were always entertained. Great small food places opened up and you could go Cajun , East Indies, Jamaican, Russian, Jewish, etc and the armosphere was great.
The best Drag shows in town were at Finocchio's, the Black Cat, and the Gilded Cage. If I remember right Charles Pierce 'Torch Song Trilogy' ( who passed away in 1999, in a town named Toluca Lake Calif). He was the reighning 'Queen Of Drag', and he did a smash-up job of Betty Davis, Tahlulah Bankhead and many more , we all loved him, Bit** that she was. So, I know I have drifted, but had to inject the lagit shows in S.F.

As the New York critics said of the Cockettres, "anyone can drop acid and get up on stage and wiggle there as*, show their private parts, sing off tune and wear women's clothes, but a good Revue this does not make.

So 4 stars for reminding me of all the great times I had in good old San -Francisco-by-the-bay- don't call it Frisco, and you do not wear white after labor day. Herb Cain, Count DeMarco , the fog, trolley's , what a great time............
ciao
yaaah69

Rating:
Summary: A Complete Surprise
Review: As a result of purchasing a used video at a local chain, I saw the preview of this title on the video. Even though I was a young adult at the time, this documentary was a total surprise to me. I knew nothing about this subject, nor had I ever heard any reference to it. Of course I had heard of the "Hippies" and what San Francisco was like at the time.
The interviews with participants, while making this film years later, was fascinating. One can see the devastating result of drugs and AIDS on some of the participants.
I certainly thought it was interesting and very well done. I highly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: A Complete Surprise
Review: As a result of purchasing a used video at a local chain, I saw the preview of this title on the video. Even though I was a young adult at the time, this documentary was a total surprise to me. I knew nothing about this subject, nor had I ever heard any reference to it. Of course I had heard of the "Hippies" and what San Francisco was like at the time.
The interviews with participants, while making this film years later, was fascinating. One can see the devastating result of drugs and AIDS on some of the participants.
I certainly thought it was interesting and very well done. I highly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: Capturing Magic!
Review: I lived down the street from the Palace Theater in the early 70's and had a chance to see the Cockettes. They were, as the film shows vividly, fabulous! The clothes, the makeup, the in-your-face nonconformity! America has become so bland now in comparison. I love the music in the film, the silent movie quality, and the way they pop back and forth between the survivors and their remembrances. It's visually interesting and the characters draw you into their magical world. They may demonize welfare moms now, but, welfare did give the mentally disabled something creative to do with their time back in the 70's. This is proof positive. Much better than pushing a shopping cart and mumbling, I should say.

Rating:
Summary: loved it
Review: I saw the documentary at a film festival in London this year. I love John Waters and Divine and this documentary gave me an insight into the times and their wonderful wackiness. ...

Rating:
Summary: loved it
Review: I saw the documentary at a film festival in London this year. I love John Waters and Divine and this documentary gave me an insight into the times and their wonderful wackiness. ...

Rating:
Summary: Go see the Cockettes
Review: John Waters, Janis Joplin, David Bowie, Elton John, Bette Midler and many others got some of their style and attitude from this local San Francisco theatrical group. It was theater that literally scraped itself up off the streets and onto a stage at the Palace Theater -- and nothing has been the same since. You owe it to yourself to see something here that you will not see the likes of again. The film is beautifully made, historically accurate, and true blue. Don't miss this movie!