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Divine Makes His Mark on Cinema

Divine, the late leading lady of John Waters' films. Born Harris Glen Milstead, the 300-pound transvestite passed away in March of 1988, shortly after starring in John Waters' first big budget studio film, "Hairspray." He was 42. Divine was an integral part of Waters' ensemble cast, appearing in all his earlier films except "Desperate Living." Divine and Waters knew each other from childhood. It was Waters' movie "Pink Flamingoes" that made Divine famous, because he ate dog feces at the end of the film. (REBROADCAST from February 1988.)

07:06
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Other segments from the episode on April 18, 1997

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, April 18, 1997: Interview with John Waters; Interview with Divine; Interview with Stanley Tucci; Review of the film "Kissed."
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13:23

"Master of Filth" John Waters

The director's film "Pink Flamingoes" is 25 years old this year. We rebroadcast one of his earlier conversations with Terry, shortly after he made the cult film "Polyester," starring Divine and Edith Massey. "Polyester" was Waters' first studio film, and the first of his movies that didn't carry a self imposed X-rating. (REBROADCAST from July 1985).

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27:47

John Waters' "Bad" Taste.

Film director and writer John Waters is Hollywood's "leading exponent of bad taste," and Waters describes himself as making exploitation films for the arthouse. Waters is also interested in murderers and has taught film in prison. The Baltimore Museum of Art recently held a retrospective of Waters' work, and the mayor declared the opening day "John Waters Day."

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39:57

Divine and John Waters on Drag, Film, and Baltimore.

Divine is known for acting in drag in John Waters' films. Divine has developed a club act which will play in Philadelphia and is publishing a paper-doll book. Divine's drag persona was developed with director and writer John Waters. A retrospective of Waters' films is currently playing in Philadelphia. The two join the show to discuss their careers, lives, and the public's reaction to their boundary-pushing films.

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