Review of Cry-Baby (1990) by Stuart K — 02 Sep 2011

Resh from the success of Hairspray (1988), this a lovely camp and funny little film from Baltimore madman John Waters. This was his first big Hollywood film, done for Universal Pictures, and it helped make a big star out of Johnny Depp.

Set in 1954 Baltimore, this is about Wade "Cry-Baby" Walker (Depp), a 'Drape' (a rocker) who lives with his hillbilly family, and he tries to win the affections of local posh girl Allison Vernon-Williams (Amy Locane), although her grandmother (Polly Bergen), doesn't approve of it at all.

But, despite misgivings, Wade has good manners and is honest, despite him and his gang having a bolshy attitude. However, Allison's jealous "square" boyfriend, Baldwin (Stephen Mailer) does not approve of Cry-Baby trying to take his girl, and he gets his gang of Square's to bring down Cry-Baby and his gang and family, and has Cry-Baby sent to a juvenile penitentiary where he'll remain until his 21st birthday.

But, Allisons learns of what Baldwin and his Squares has been up to, and despite lies by Cry-Baby's former girlfriend Lenora (Kim Webb), Allison is determined to get him free. It's a camp and cheesy musical, but that's what makes it good.

It's not got as many belly laughs as many of Waters' other works (and Divine is sadly missed), but it has moments which you'd expect from John Waters, plus it has a good cast including Iggy Pop, Rikki Lake, Patricia Hearst, Traci Lords and Willem Dafoe!!