If you love this documentary, we know you'll love watching our brand new original series My First Time - see the first three episodes here: ua-cam.com/video/T3whDFCggN4/v-deo.html ❤
I was 22 living in San Francisco and extremely depressed seeing so many friends die. I found myself going to the cinema to see this movie around 10 times. Pricilla helped me cope in those days. I get teary eyed these days when I think about it
Two comments above yours here is one by someone who was the assistant manager at the Bridge Theater in SF, who talked about setting up the projector and running it 5 times a day for 10 month. Said it never got old. Maybe you saw it at that theater.
Ur not alone I lost someone that never dated me we had close relationship mentally he died of heart problems my other friend died of infecting others and alcoholic threw his life away and my ex died of depression & alcoholic too
I was the assistant manager at the Bridge Theater in SF where Priscilla opened in 1994 and played for, I think, 10 months. For the first two months every show was sold out, 5 shows a day, 7 days a week and we had to turn people away. I remember threading up that 35mm projector with the ritualistic care of Buddhist monk and starting the film feeling the palpable excitement of the 400+ new viewers who were about to have their minds blown. The color! The music! I I would slip into the theater to check the focus, timing it perfectly with each of the great songs, and it never once got old.
I've watched the movie 18 or 19 times in my life. One of the best soundtracks EVER in the history of film. Pure class. Everyone got to feel like they were a passenger on this down-to-earth journey...
Never in a million years I would have thought that a documentary about drag would move me, it is such a foreign reality for me, but it not only moved me, it had me in tears several times! The level of understanding, love, empathy that humans are capable of is something we often forget due to the horrors we see happening in the world right now, wars, famine, plagues, you name it, and here you see cops marching along drag queens! That was one of the most emotional scenes of this documentary. Thank you for this, this is real education, life education.
Beautifully said. It brought me to tears a few times, too. As an advocate, I hadn’t fully understood why Drag Queens do what they do. It’s not just a costume ! It’s political activism and a point of pride. This documentary drove that message home ✨
Such a dignified, understated performance from the 1960's hetero pin- up Mr Stamp. He's a fabulous actor. Superb casting throughout but I never fail to be awed by the hilariously OTT Julia Cortez as Cynthia She deserves proper recognition for that deliciously naughty cameo role.
Getting Priscilla made was a true labor of love for everyone involved. And I've always had the utmost respect for Hugo, Guy and Terence for taking on these roles. Yes, they played them for laughs, but they also filled them with heart which made us love them all the more. The music was great mixing gay classics like ABBA with soon to be gay classics like Finally. And the costumes were simply fabulous; the creativity and artistry made each of the performance scenes a joyful experience. There will never be another movie like Priscilla, it stands alone as an icon of gay cinema that made a real and significant difference in Australia and the world.
Well, it's good they're won't be another movie like this. Because there's such acceptance and visibility now and the children these days aren't going for the bull we saw back in the day. So, it's good, but at the same time, sad. But, good. And we have Priscilla for when we get nostalgic for the dark ages. 😊❤
This movie was ahead of its time. I recall watching it as a kid and my parents worrying it was going to "Corrupt me" so they told me I was not allowed to watch it anymore. I never understood this? why? So odd I thought..because I was allowed to watch movies like... Robocop, Aliens, and predator. you know? Movies that were guilty of violence and stuff. This movie was innocent. and resonated as fun. Simply guilty of existing I guess? Back then I never saw anything like it before. In any event- Its still a Gem to this day. Thank you for posting this Doc.
Does any one have something to wipe the tears away. I was moved when I saw the film. I was moved when I saw this documentary. Very, very special movie.
One more comment and I’ll stop. You couldn’t have found a better person to narrate. T Stamp you were absolutely brilliant in this film. So glad you took the risk. All the cast… PHENOMENAL
Thank you for this documentary! It gave me the opportunity to remember how meaningful the film is to me. I saw the film when it first was released in the US. At that time I was coming out, leaving my marriage and beginning to raise my two little daughters as an out gay dad…The movie gave me hope and made me feel proud in a way that I hadn’t before experienced. It helped in so many meaningful and quiet ways…thank you.
The Russell brothers is the most heartbreaking story out of this documentary. You can feel the lingering love of their brother with no judgment about him.... What a life he could have had of acceptance from his family members... My heart goes out to them who had lost their brother who they clearly loved.
I was in college when this came out. I was part of a cinema group that showed it as a sneak preview on campus. Loved it then, and love it still. I got it as soon as it came out on VHS, then DVD, and have it on my Plex. As a cis woman I turned my husband on to it when me met and he loves it too. We watch it at least once a year. I grew up in the 70s and 80s US and remember those times. Sad to see our country back slide. We need to pick up the gauntlet and get back on track for equality and rights for everyone.
I remember watching for the first time in VHS and it blew me away. I was just a gay teenager discovering the world and the 90s lifestyle in countryside Brazil. So good to see this documentary and realize that somehow the world changed. Thank you!
Priscilla is an absolute LGBT classic, and I've loved it for many years. But I didn't realize how deep-reaching the story was behind its creation. Excellent doc ❤
I remember seeing Priscilla in a theater filled with gay men in Hillcrest, San Diego's gay ghetto when it first came out, right after I came out. It was raucous, colorful, filled with the music of Abba-which I had never listened to as I was a punk rocker-but what I remember most was its great big, glitter covered heart.
Priscilla was the first gay movie I watched. It happened at a time where my church had split, most of the congregation had been excommunicated, and most of the people I was closest to were able to be rejoined, but I was left behind as an undesirable for no apparent reason I could figure. I found myself to be psychologically alone at that point. I was at college, living alone in an apartment, my family 4 hours away, and it was a rough time. In many ways, I identified with Mitsy, feeling like I lived in separate worlds that were about to collide and feeling petrified about it. Priscilla kept me grounded. I remember just how much I was struggling and seeing this movie showing that even through the worst, there is hope. Things can get better. I had to go out and buy a copy to rewatch the movie several times. Each time, I felt better about my situation. It helped me through.
I loved this film so much it just got me right in the chest- I was 12 I think or something like that - and I know that Terrence said here that he wanted to be this glamorous woman but looked like an old dog- I thought he had such elegance and depth of beauty and dignity - it never occurred to me that he’d think he looked bad as that character! It’s such a beautiful heartfelt film and I’m so glad that it reached so many people in such a positive way 💛🌈💖
What a BRILLIANT documentary! I still watch the movie.....must have seen it at least 10 times over the years and if I'm ever feeling down it's an absolute feel good movie to watch! And yes it was ground breaking when it was released. 😄
I loved Bernadette. She was so elegant and poised and tough. Ahh the memories Priscilla brings back. The Drag Queens who had adopted me calling me their little churchy girl as they helped me explore my bisexuality and we watched this movie at least once a month getting ready for a night out. Steeled my resolve to fight for our rights, steeled my resolve to leave the church that hated me so much. Let me see the beauty and humour in our community. I love getting to hear the background of where this came from. Soul touching
Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco California, Phoenix Arizona... at least 16 times in each city. Those were the days my friend, we thought they'd never end!!!! The laughter, the tears! Catharsis at its finest!!!! Thank you Terrence. Thank you Guy. Thank you Hugo. Thank you each and everyone of you involved in the making of the film. It took testicular fortitude!!!!! And it changed the world, for the better.
What a fantastic documentary! Seeing Priscilla in the theatre when it came out was a game changer for me. Still stands as one of my favorite films ever! Thank you for the memories!
Thank You for posting this .... Priscilla touched all our lives in the 90's & Drag Queens is/was the essence of it & proved we all are stronger by it ❤🧡💛💚💙💜
As a straight, cis girl from the American Midwest, Priscilla completely blew my mind and made me aware of the beautiful culture of drag. One of my favorite movies of all time. Thank you!
This is one of my most favorite movies, it held a powerful message, at the start of the AIDS crisis & woke people up to different kinds of folks. The gay community is so much fun, & colorful.
Traveling in Southern Italy in 1995, one of the stops for me and my husband was a tiny village that was the hometown of my great-grandparents. I was the first descendant to return in a hundred years. My extended Italian family signaled their complete acceptance of our relationship by going on and on about how much they loved "Priscilla, La Reina de la Desert." (And, yes, that is how it was said.) The village was so small, they traveled 35 miles to the nearest movie theater to see it. It took a few minutes to figure it out as my Neapolitan language skills were not the best and my cousins' English skills did not cover the topic very well!
My mum lived in Kings Cross in the mid 70's (before I was born) and flatted with a couple of drag queens. Watching the footage of Sydney in the 70s, knowing she'd have been at some of those shows, that she'd have been going to some of those parties, that she saw this culture with her own eyes, makes me feel closer to her somehow. She loved the movie, we saw it at the movies together twice, now I see why it was so real for her; she was there, she lived within the culture. She loved the culture. She often spoke about her "beautiful drag queens", I still have some photos of them! I wish I knew their names and could look them up.
I watched this with my mam in the 90s. ( She passed away 12 years ago in her 70s) I warned her it was sweary. She absolutely loved it and cried laughing. A wonderful film in every way.
I always knew that I'm different since primary school and I enjoyed music and especially musical movies. Then come the year 1994 I was in secondary school and having my first day of final exam at that time. After exam I went to the city to buy stationary stuff and when I pass the cinema there's a huge poster of Priscilla, Queen of The Desert showing and I still remember I've seen few clips of the movie in a TV program Cinema, Cinema, Cinema. I directly go see if the movie available during that hour and guess what? The movie next show is around 15 minutes and without any hesitation I get myself a ticket (popcorn/drink) and I'm hooked. Watching the movie for 3 days in a row.. And because loving the movie so much I end up being a proud Drag Queen performer myself.. Being a Drag Queen is kinda easy for me coz my love for music and pop culture. And until this day I consider myself as an old school type of drag performer.. Thank you Priscilla, I wouldn't be who I am now if it's not because of you.. Hugs & Kisses!!...
As I remember, nominated for 15 Oscars, but because of the 'subject matter' and not the art required, only costumes and photography were awarded. Remarkably, ALL the stars are str8.
This film shifted many paradigms. Love representations of different Australian cultures and communities. As well, the actors performances, the dynamics among the protagonists, the cinematography, the soundtrack, i could go on. ..an all around great film.Thank you for this documentary.
Great documentary. Having been fortunate to visit The Albany pub and see the Priscilla show in the early 2000's I never thought I would of got to where I am now x
I was 22 in 1994 when I went to the cinema as a freshman of my university. This movie was very important for all of my life. It gave me strength and self confidence. I am for ever thankfull and love all the actors and film crew so much! Really a legendary film and cast. Thank you sooo much Stephan for this extraordinary work. So many experiences I and of course others have lived trough like the humiliation in public, by family membres and even parents. I had no idea, that Australia was more homophobic in the 70ies and 80ies than Germany. Must be the strong link to GB with similar laws back then. But I have seen so much of my own life in it, I was able to relate immediately when sitting in the cinema. Wonderful documentary of one of my favourite movies!!
I came out in 1981, and I remember those days so well. I moved to San Francisco from Albuquerque, New Mexico and found a lover, and we explored that wonderful, sparkling, terrifying world together. In some ways it was a much stronger sense of community, because the world outside was such a threat, and you had a real feeling of, "Yes! These are my people!"
Thrilled to see this documentary! We’ve seen the movie dozens of times and even on Norwegian Cruise Line stage on the Epic. Will always be one of my favorite movies.
Im not gay but I have plenty of family that are or have moments of femininity and I do love this movie. Watching this movie gave me a better understanding of pride and the actors of this movie made Priscilla what she is a dream machine. Im a big fan of Australian films of the early 90s and ended up living in Adelaide in 97. I’ve seen the Australian dream and still dream of it now I’m back in Canada. My cousin came out gay to me on his 18th when I gave him the soundtrack to Priscilla. He was so happy to have 1 person to know at the time. I told him I support him.
This is brilliant. The film was not just a catalyst for my coming out like many others, I was so enamored with the themes I took it home and showed my parents and when I finally told them a month later that I was seeing my first boyfriend, my gold miner father said “oh so that explains why you showed us that film”. It personified my own experience, returning home to rural Oregon, albeit not in drag, but sure of myself, thanks to these frocked out heroes.
Loved this film. Bernadette and her sarcastic wit was over the top. Loved it. The whole documentary brought back millions of memories of lost friends. To disease and hate crimes. Some still break my heart all over again. And some give me such joy. Thanks much for the film Priscilla Queen of the Desert and this documentary.
Lived through the AIDS pandemic, lost my best friends and others. This movie always reminds of them. They didn’t survive. We can’t forget. The fight keeps going.
Priscilla ❤ I first saw it during its first run in Toronto. I was alone in a cinema filled with gay men. The joy was so infectious. For years, it was my therapy film, lifting me when nothing else could. I have a DVD copy and continue to watch it. Thank you to everyone involved in making it ❤
one of the bestt movies ever!!!!! touched everyone that ever saw it no matter what part of the world you lived in!!!!! HELLO FROM SOUTH AFRICA🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
Thank you for this documentary! So well made, well researched, and I got to see a lot of familiar faces. As a gay Sydneysider living next to Oxford Street, a big THANK YOU!
This is awesome. I was a young man living in Sydney in the late 70's and Oxford Street was my playground. It brought back so many memories of those times, I even saw a couple of people I knew from back then. I was in tears by the end of it but in a good way. Thank you so much for this it meant so much to me.
Excellent work on the doc! Amazing getting all this insight into the production. One of my all time favorites, right next to Torch Song Trilogy, and Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City books in my heart and mind. Thank you to ALL the artists who have enriched all our lives!!
"Priscilla........" was the kind of movie that was so fabulous but it was hard to understand why. It's a mssg of self-acceptance, an,d , like a phoenix of classical Greece, the spirit rises and blooms in the full light of self-understanding. What a wonderful movie on so many levels. Thank you.
Love, love, loved this, and everyone who was a part of it. Beautiful, fabulous, and amazing. My heart is painfully squeezed, and l thank you. I thank you deeply.❤
Priscilla is a brilliant movie - hilarious at times, but also full of profound undertones. The actors are splendid, with a special mention to Terence Stamp who portrayed a trans woman in the most humane and respectful way. Bill Hunter's performance also deserves accalaim - I also loved him in Muriel's Wedding, another landmark of the Australian cinema. I won't talk about the photography and the costumes, they were praised and it was fully deserved. All together, this movie is a gem and belongs to the best that the cinema industry made : it's a road movie, it's a comedy and a drama, it's a musical and a visual exploit. A rare piece of art.
Thank you for posting this! I cannot wait to watch with my son. Priscilla is one of our favorite movies, it's actually a Christmas movie in our house, not sure how that came about but we watch it every year on Christmas night!
This is such a well-crafted documentary! Bravo! Pricilla Queen of the Desert is one of my all time favorites. That movie has aged so well over the years. You go girl!
Hats and wigs off ;-) to all the 'girls' (near and far), the entire cast and Stephen, the writer/director. And a special thanks to Carolyn, Terrence's friend who told him to just say, yes.
SPLENDID . . . Really enjoyed your documentary as much as Priscilla when it came out. Terrance is a GREAT narrator and an amazing actor & he didn't look "like an old dog" he was completely in his element & believable -- impressive & gorgeous. Thank you . . . You made me laugh,smile & cry👏
The first drag show I ever saw was at the Albury in 1988. It was so much fun. When Priscilla came out I took everyone I knew to go see it. Ah, memories! ❤
What a great documentary! I loved that movie but I had no idea that it came from actual experiences. Naive and inexperienced as I was. Now I want to watch it again. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you SO much for putting this up and producing it. I only saw Priscilla a few years ago, but it is now in my library of go-tos whenever I need a laugh or am feeling down. Admittedly, I also pop on To Wong Foo (there is a great documentary about the back story of that as well) and the Birdcage. Thank you so much to the original cast and crew and for everyone that supported this movement. Much love from Colorado in the US
I remember getting the dvd at 12, used to watch it again and again till I even wore the dvd out. Was one of my most instrumental pieces of media in my young teenage years and had such great memories of watching it with my Nan. Helped me realised my own gender and sexuality.
I will never forget watching the Matrix on VHS with a friend and getting more and more distracted by Agent Smith... then I checked my copy of Priscilla and shouted "Ohmahgawd it's MITZIE!!" 😮😮😮
Very moving. I grew up with Priscilla and adored the film. It would take almost another 10 years before I came out myself. Everything needs its time and place. Thank you for creating this masterpiece. ❤
My 90s teenage gay boy self finding his way in the humdrum conservative suburbs of South Africa thanks all who made this film that for me shone like a brilliant beacon of hope, community, strength, pathos, and possibility on a hill
I love this movie sooo much, it's the comfort movie I return to everytime the sadness become too crushing; there's a strength and courage in this film that comforts me enough to pick myself up sgain.
Thank you for this wonderful reminder of that epic movie. It was my refuge, my place to go to in the 90s, a world of fantasy and superb music scores. Love you guys ♥♥♥
An intensely powerful cast of actors and talent in the film, that when I first saw in in the 90's, it has stayed with me forever as a favorite. BUT to now know SOOO much more about it is BRILLIANT!! Thank you!!
My parents rented both Priscilla and To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar, in the mid-90s when my brother and I were still fairly young teens. We watched them as a family as we would any other critically acclaimed movie at the time. My parents have their faults, but I'm really glad they raised me to have an open mind and exposed me to other cultures and perspectives. Drag has always been an art about beauty and expression. It never occurred to me as a teen that drag was "dirty" or sexual in a p*rnographic kind of way. It was just people who wanted to be pretty.
My favourite movie of all time,sawit in the Jerusalem ilm festival in 1993,i remember my heart beating in excitement after the film ,i thought then as i hink now,a masterpiece, Terrence Stamp deserved an oscar for it.
Priscilla is one of the few things that makes me feel proud to be an Aussie. I came of age in the 80s and vividly remember boys at school talking about going "poofter bashing" on the weekend. The country has come a long way.
The scene that got me was the one at the end where the Son accepts his Father. So many movies talk about parents accepting there kids when they come out. Some of us had the experience the other way around.
If you love this documentary, we know you'll love watching our brand new original series My First Time - see the first three episodes here: ua-cam.com/video/T3whDFCggN4/v-deo.html ❤
Yes, been watching, it's lovely! Thank you 😘👍🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈
Thank you! I subscribe! you can always make a docu on me!
I LOVE IT !
PRISCILA PRA MIM FOI O MELHOR FILME GAY QUE ASSISTIR E AMEI DE PAIXAO.. A HISTORIA E LINDA AO MESMO TEMPO TRISTE
😢 my daughter's name is Priscilla I watched the movie because of the title one of the better movies I've ever seen
I was 22 living in San Francisco and extremely depressed seeing so many friends die. I found myself going to the cinema to see this movie around 10 times. Pricilla helped me cope in those days. I get teary eyed these days when I think about it
Two comments above yours here is one by someone who was the assistant manager at the Bridge Theater in SF, who talked about setting up the projector and running it 5 times a day for 10 month. Said it never got old. Maybe you saw it at that theater.
@@movieloverfan18 that's where I saw it!
Ur not alone I lost someone that never dated me we had close relationship mentally he died of heart problems my other friend died of infecting others and alcoholic threw his life away and my ex died of depression & alcoholic too
@@carlosveguilla9077 sorry to hear this
Beautiful
I was the assistant manager at the Bridge Theater in SF where Priscilla opened in 1994 and played for, I think, 10 months. For the first two months every show was sold out, 5 shows a day, 7 days a week and we had to turn people away. I remember threading up that 35mm projector with the ritualistic care of Buddhist monk and starting the film feeling the palpable excitement of the 400+ new viewers who were about to have their minds blown. The color! The music! I I would slip into the theater to check the focus, timing it perfectly with each of the great songs, and it never once got old.
oooh! you said the dreaded o-word!
I've watched the movie 18 or 19 times in my life. One of the best soundtracks EVER in the history of film. Pure class. Everyone got to feel like they were a passenger on this down-to-earth journey...
What a priceless memory. Hold it dear.
Really 😮
Was it a platter system?
Never in a million years I would have thought that a documentary about drag would move me, it is such a foreign reality for me, but it not only moved me, it had me in tears several times! The level of understanding, love, empathy that humans are capable of is something we often forget due to the horrors we see happening in the world right now, wars, famine, plagues, you name it, and here you see cops marching along drag queens! That was one of the most emotional scenes of this documentary. Thank you for this, this is real education, life education.
.... i was really expecting a "bah, just kidding, gotcha!"
Beautifully said. It brought me to tears a few times, too. As an advocate, I hadn’t fully understood why Drag Queens do what they do. It’s not just a costume ! It’s political activism and a point of pride. This documentary drove that message home ✨
All the performances were fantastic, but I am always moved by the quiet dignity Terrence Stamp brought to this performance.
The performances of the main characters were absolutely stunning, but yes, Terence Stamp moved me the most - unforgettable!
Misss terrr
AAANNNN derrsssonnnn....
:D
Such a dignified, understated performance from the 1960's hetero pin- up Mr Stamp. He's a fabulous actor.
Superb casting throughout but I
never fail to be awed by the hilariously OTT Julia Cortez as Cynthia
She deserves proper recognition for that deliciously naughty cameo role.
*Priscilla was absolutely culture-shifting, life-changing, for the better world.
Couldn't agree more!
Changed my life ❤
Getting Priscilla made was a true labor of love for everyone involved. And I've always had the utmost respect for Hugo, Guy and Terence for taking on these roles. Yes, they played them for laughs, but they also filled them with heart which made us love them all the more. The music was great mixing gay classics like ABBA with soon to be gay classics like Finally. And the costumes were simply fabulous; the creativity and artistry made each of the performance scenes a joyful experience. There will never be another movie like Priscilla, it stands alone as an icon of gay cinema that made a real and significant difference in Australia and the world.
Well, it's good they're won't be another movie like this. Because there's such acceptance and visibility now and the children these days aren't going for the bull we saw back in the day. So, it's good, but at the same time, sad. But, good. And we have Priscilla for when we get nostalgic for the dark ages. 😊❤
This movie was ahead of its time. I recall watching it as a kid and my parents worrying it was going to "Corrupt me" so they told me I was not allowed to watch it anymore. I never understood this? why? So odd I thought..because I was allowed to watch movies like... Robocop, Aliens, and predator. you know? Movies that were guilty of violence and stuff. This movie was innocent. and resonated as fun. Simply guilty of existing I guess? Back then I never saw anything like it before. In any event- Its still a Gem to this day. Thank you for posting this Doc.
Does any one have something to wipe the tears away. I was moved when I saw the film. I was moved when I saw this documentary. Very, very special movie.
One more comment and I’ll stop. You couldn’t have found a better person to narrate. T Stamp you were absolutely brilliant in this film. So glad you took the risk. All the cast… PHENOMENAL
Thank you for this documentary! It gave me the opportunity to remember how meaningful the film is to me. I saw the film when it first was released in the US. At that time I was coming out, leaving my marriage and beginning to raise my two little daughters as an out gay dad…The movie gave me hope and made me feel proud in a way that I hadn’t before experienced. It helped in so many meaningful and quiet ways…thank you.
The Russell brothers is the most heartbreaking story out of this documentary. You can feel the lingering love of their brother with no judgment about him.... What a life he could have had of acceptance from his family members... My heart goes out to them who had lost their brother who they clearly loved.
I'm so glad you mentioned that, it was important.💐
Thanks from oklahoma!❤silverlake-- one word then -- callfornia got too expensive. Lol. Peace, y'all.
Priscilla brought so much pride to the community, an unforgettable iconic masterwork of a film. Great documentary!
I was in college when this came out. I was part of a cinema group that showed it as a sneak preview on campus. Loved it then, and love it still. I got it as soon as it came out on VHS, then DVD, and have it on my Plex. As a cis woman I turned my husband on to it when me met and he loves it too. We watch it at least once a year. I grew up in the 70s and 80s US and remember those times. Sad to see our country back slide. We need to pick up the gauntlet and get back on track for equality and rights for everyone.
Y E S!
Brazil is submerged in n@zif@scims retrocess too 😢
That is just how I first saw it too!! In college, as part of the University Union Cinema Board
I remember watching for the first time in VHS and it blew me away. I was just a gay teenager discovering the world and the 90s lifestyle in countryside Brazil. So good to see this documentary and realize that somehow the world changed. Thank you!
I’m 42 and this movie changed my whole life as a 14 year old back then
Priscilla is my comfort. I have probably seen it more than 100 times and never get tired of it.
Me too!!
Priscilla is an absolute LGBT classic, and I've loved it for many years. But I didn't realize how deep-reaching the story was behind its creation. Excellent doc ❤
I remember seeing Priscilla in a theater filled with gay men in Hillcrest, San Diego's gay ghetto when it first came out, right after I came out. It was raucous, colorful, filled with the music of Abba-which I had never listened to as I was a punk rocker-but what I remember most was its great big, glitter covered heart.
Fantastic! The scene in the film with Hugo and his son makes me teary each time. The kid actor is so brilliant. Thank you!
Priscilla was the first gay movie I watched. It happened at a time where my church had split, most of the congregation had been excommunicated, and most of the people I was closest to were able to be rejoined, but I was left behind as an undesirable for no apparent reason I could figure. I found myself to be psychologically alone at that point. I was at college, living alone in an apartment, my family 4 hours away, and it was a rough time. In many ways, I identified with Mitsy, feeling like I lived in separate worlds that were about to collide and feeling petrified about it. Priscilla kept me grounded. I remember just how much I was struggling and seeing this movie showing that even through the worst, there is hope. Things can get better. I had to go out and buy a copy to rewatch the movie several times. Each time, I felt better about my situation. It helped me through.
I loved this film so much it just got me right in the chest- I was 12 I think or something like that - and I know that Terrence said here that he wanted to be this glamorous woman but looked like an old dog- I thought he had such elegance and depth of beauty and dignity - it never occurred to me that he’d think he looked bad as that character! It’s such a beautiful heartfelt film and I’m so glad that it reached so many people in such a positive way 💛🌈💖
What a BRILLIANT documentary! I still watch the movie.....must have seen it at least 10 times over the years and if I'm ever feeling down it's an absolute feel good movie to watch! And yes it was ground breaking when it was released. 😄
I loved Bernadette. She was so elegant and poised and tough.
Ahh the memories Priscilla brings back. The Drag Queens who had adopted me calling me their little churchy girl as they helped me explore my bisexuality and we watched this movie at least once a month getting ready for a night out. Steeled my resolve to fight for our rights, steeled my resolve to leave the church that hated me so much. Let me see the beauty and humour in our community. I love getting to hear the background of where this came from. Soul touching
Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco California, Phoenix Arizona... at least 16 times in each city. Those were the days my friend, we thought they'd never end!!!! The laughter, the tears! Catharsis at its finest!!!!
Thank you Terrence.
Thank you Guy.
Thank you Hugo.
Thank you each and everyone of you involved in the making of the film. It took testicular fortitude!!!!! And it changed the world, for the better.
What a fantastic documentary! Seeing Priscilla in the theatre when it came out was a game changer for me. Still stands as one of my favorite films ever! Thank you for the memories!
Thank You for posting this .... Priscilla touched all our lives in the 90's & Drag Queens is/was the essence of it & proved we all are stronger by it ❤🧡💛💚💙💜
As a straight, cis girl from the American Midwest, Priscilla completely blew my mind and made me aware of the beautiful culture of drag. One of my favorite movies of all time. Thank you!
Same, but as a southamerican girl. X
SAME :))
Same but New York girl who had just moved to Georgia. They made me feel brave
Same, though I came out as non-binary years later. This and "To Wong Foo" are two of my favorites!
@@jenniferedwards1752I adored To Wong Foo and I saw this way later when I got into college
I lived in San Diego when 'Priscilla' opened
and saw it at the Hillcrest Cinema 42 times.
I took my whole school class to see it.
I saw it at that theatre too!!! How lucky we were!
Dat's a FACT, Jack.
Did you attend the 1993 Pride Festival?@@damiankat4811
great independent theater
Same here - remember watching it at the Hillcrest cinema with my partner and some of my friends - awesome movie!
This is one of my most favorite movies, it held a powerful message, at the start of the AIDS crisis & woke people up to different kinds of folks. The gay community is so much fun, & colorful.
Traveling in Southern Italy in 1995, one of the stops for me and my husband was a tiny village that was the hometown of my great-grandparents. I was the first descendant to return in a hundred years. My extended Italian family signaled their complete acceptance of our relationship by going on and on about how much they loved "Priscilla, La Reina de la Desert." (And, yes, that is how it was said.) The village was so small, they traveled 35 miles to the nearest movie theater to see it. It took a few minutes to figure it out as my Neapolitan language skills were not the best and my cousins' English skills did not cover the topic very well!
My mum lived in Kings Cross in the mid 70's (before I was born) and flatted with a couple of drag queens. Watching the footage of Sydney in the 70s, knowing she'd have been at some of those shows, that she'd have been going to some of those parties, that she saw this culture with her own eyes, makes me feel closer to her somehow. She loved the movie, we saw it at the movies together twice, now I see why it was so real for her; she was there, she lived within the culture. She loved the culture. She often spoke about her "beautiful drag queens", I still have some photos of them! I wish I knew their names and could look them up.
I watched this with my mam in the 90s. ( She passed away 12 years ago in her 70s) I warned her it was sweary. She absolutely loved it and cried laughing. A wonderful film in every way.
I always knew that I'm different since primary school and I enjoyed music and especially musical movies. Then come the year 1994 I was in secondary school and having my first day of final exam at that time. After exam I went to the city to buy stationary stuff and when I pass the cinema there's a huge poster of Priscilla, Queen of The Desert showing and I still remember I've seen few clips of the movie in a TV program Cinema, Cinema, Cinema. I directly go see if the movie available during that hour and guess what? The movie next show is around 15 minutes and without any hesitation I get myself a ticket (popcorn/drink) and I'm hooked. Watching the movie for 3 days in a row.. And because loving the movie so much I end up being a proud Drag Queen performer myself.. Being a Drag Queen is kinda easy for me coz my love for music and pop culture. And until this day I consider myself as an old school type of drag performer.. Thank you Priscilla, I wouldn't be who I am now if it's not because of you.. Hugs & Kisses!!...
"Listen here, sunshine. I'll tell you how it happened."
There's my girl Bernadette! I laughed so hard I had to rewind to get what he said.
Yes!!!
This film &
To Wong Foo
thank you Julie Newmar.
Are my 90s inspiration🎉
Priscilla was a game changer, as so many Australian films seem to be. It's always been on my own "top ten" list. ❤
I admire all the the 78 Alumni who were brave and took the fight street. The story of the father who lost his son was touching.
Pricilla was fun film.
Fantastic. Thank You. Tears, tears, and more tears. Beautifully done!!!
As I remember, nominated for 15 Oscars, but because of the 'subject matter'
and not the art required, only costumes and photography were awarded.
Remarkably, ALL the stars are str8.
Priscilla was nominated for one Oscar. Which it won.
Actor, Supporting, Cine, Foreign, Original, and a number of lesser awards@@torontomame
This film shifted many paradigms. Love representations of different Australian cultures and communities. As well, the actors performances, the dynamics among the protagonists, the cinematography, the soundtrack, i could go on. ..an all around great film.Thank you for this documentary.
Great documentary. Having been fortunate to visit The Albany pub and see the Priscilla show in the early 2000's I never thought I would of got to where I am now x
This film changed my life and how I viewed the gay community forever. Thank you for making this film!
I was 22 in 1994 when I went to the cinema as a freshman of my university. This movie was very important for all of my life. It gave me strength and self confidence. I am for ever thankfull and love all the actors and film crew so much! Really a legendary film and cast. Thank you sooo much Stephan for this extraordinary work. So many experiences I and of course others have lived trough like the humiliation in public, by family membres and even parents. I had no idea, that Australia was more homophobic in the 70ies and 80ies than Germany. Must be the strong link to GB with similar laws back then. But I have seen so much of my own life in it, I was able to relate immediately when sitting in the cinema. Wonderful documentary of one of my favourite movies!!
I came out in 1981, and I remember those days so well. I moved to San Francisco from Albuquerque, New Mexico and found a lover, and we explored that wonderful, sparkling, terrifying world together. In some ways it was a much stronger sense of community, because the world outside was such a threat, and you had a real feeling of, "Yes! These are my people!"
Thrilled to see this documentary! We’ve seen the movie dozens of times and even on Norwegian Cruise Line stage on the Epic. Will always be one of my favorite movies.
Im not gay but I have plenty of family that are or have moments of femininity and I do love this movie. Watching this movie gave me a better understanding of pride and the actors of this movie made Priscilla what she is a dream machine. Im a big fan of Australian films of the early 90s and ended up living in Adelaide in 97. I’ve seen the Australian dream and still dream of it now I’m back in Canada. My cousin came out gay to me on his 18th when I gave him the soundtrack to Priscilla. He was so happy to have 1 person to know at the time. I told him I support him.
This is brilliant. The film was not just a catalyst for my coming out like many others, I was so enamored with the themes I took it home and showed my parents and when I finally told them a month later that I was seeing my first boyfriend, my gold miner father said “oh so that explains why you showed us that film”. It personified my own experience, returning home to rural Oregon, albeit not in drag, but sure of myself, thanks to these frocked out heroes.
Bless you! Wishing you years of happiness. All best!
Yay, growing up in and running away from rural Oregon? ❤
Loved this film. Bernadette and her sarcastic wit was over the top. Loved it. The whole documentary brought back millions of memories of lost friends. To disease and hate crimes. Some still break my heart all over again. And some give me such joy. Thanks much for the film Priscilla Queen of the Desert and this documentary.
Lived through the AIDS pandemic, lost my best friends and others. This movie always reminds of them. They didn’t survive. We can’t forget. The fight keeps going.
We survivors must stick together. We have an instinctive understanding of that part of our lives.
A wonderful documentary! Thank you. Spell binding.
Thank you for this great documentary, watched it as a kid when it came out and it will forever be in my heart. Love from Brazil 🇧🇷🏳️🌈💜
Priscilla ❤ I first saw it during its first run in Toronto. I was alone in a cinema filled with gay men. The joy was so infectious. For years, it was my therapy film, lifting me when nothing else could. I have a DVD copy and continue to watch it. Thank you to everyone involved in making it ❤
one of the bestt movies ever!!!!! touched everyone that ever saw it no matter what part of the world you lived in!!!!! HELLO FROM SOUTH AFRICA🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
Thank you for this documentary! So well made, well researched, and I got to see a lot of familiar faces. As a gay Sydneysider living next to Oxford Street, a big THANK YOU!
This is awesome. I was a young man living in Sydney in the late 70's and Oxford Street was my playground. It brought back so many memories of those times, I even saw a couple of people I knew from back then. I was in tears by the end of it but in a good way. Thank you so much for this it meant so much to me.
'70s *
Excellent work on the doc! Amazing getting all this insight into the production. One of my all time favorites, right next to Torch Song Trilogy, and Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City books in my heart and mind. Thank you to ALL the artists who have enriched all our lives!!
One of my all time favorite films. Love Terrance, Hugo, and Guy. :)
"Priscilla........" was the kind of movie that was so fabulous but it was hard to understand why. It's a mssg of self-acceptance, an,d , like a phoenix of classical Greece, the spirit rises and blooms in the full light of self-understanding. What a wonderful movie on so many levels. Thank you.
Love, love, loved this, and everyone who was a part of it. Beautiful, fabulous, and amazing. My heart is painfully squeezed, and l thank you. I thank you deeply.❤
Priscilla is a brilliant movie - hilarious at times, but also full of profound undertones.
The actors are splendid, with a special mention to Terence Stamp who portrayed a trans woman in the most humane and respectful way. Bill Hunter's performance also deserves accalaim - I also loved him in Muriel's Wedding, another landmark of the Australian cinema.
I won't talk about the photography and the costumes, they were praised and it was fully deserved.
All together, this movie is a gem and belongs to the best that the cinema industry made : it's a road movie, it's a comedy and a drama, it's a musical and a visual exploit. A rare piece of art.
Thank you for posting this! I cannot wait to watch with my son. Priscilla is one of our favorite movies, it's actually a Christmas movie in our house, not sure how that came about but we watch it every year on Christmas night!
Absolutely spell binding and touching. I was in tears throughout most of the last half.
Gosh I wasn't expecting to cry while watching this. Always loved the movie, but never knew that it was inspired by real life stories.
Thank you so much for narrating this great nostalgic look back Terrence..l MEAN RALPH!!!
ROFL!!!
Zod. Please girl.
This is such a well-crafted documentary! Bravo! Pricilla Queen of the Desert is one of my all time favorites. That movie has aged so well over the years. You go girl!
That's a great documentary. I'm going to Australia for the first time in 9 days, I'm glad I watched this.
Brazilian boy here. I love the movie. Very touching and beautiful.
One of my all time favorite movies! Ive been a staunch ally ever since!!! Be powerful almighty drag queens!!
Hats and wigs off ;-) to all the 'girls' (near and far), the entire cast and Stephen, the writer/director. And a special thanks to Carolyn, Terrence's friend who told him to just say, yes.
SPLENDID . . . Really enjoyed your documentary as much as Priscilla when it came out. Terrance is a GREAT narrator and an amazing actor & he didn't look "like an old dog" he was completely in his element & believable -- impressive & gorgeous. Thank you . . . You made me laugh,smile & cry👏
I love this movie. The opera scene atop the bus was really magical.
The first drag show I ever saw was at the Albury in 1988. It was so much fun. When Priscilla came out I took everyone I knew to go see it. Ah, memories! ❤
What a great documentary! I loved that movie but I had no idea that it came from actual experiences. Naive and inexperienced as I was. Now I want to watch it again.
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you SO much for putting this up and producing it. I only saw Priscilla a few years ago, but it is now in my library of go-tos whenever I need a laugh or am feeling down. Admittedly, I also pop on To Wong Foo (there is a great documentary about the back story of that as well) and the Birdcage.
Thank you so much to the original cast and crew and for everyone that supported this movement. Much love from Colorado in the US
What happened to the blasted add-to-favorites button?!?!?
This was brilliant!!!
Changed the world, in a world that doesnt like change.
I remember getting the dvd at 12, used to watch it again and again till I even wore the dvd out. Was one of my most instrumental pieces of media in my young teenage years and had such great memories of watching it with my Nan. Helped me realised my own gender and sexuality.
Priscilla changed my life...and so many others! Thank you...Thank you with my total being!!
It`s a masterpiece in terms of movie making. Very intelligently written.
I've just started watching this - but already - it's incredible ! ! !
Can we just take a moment to talk about just how cute the director was?
One off my ultimate favourite films. ❤ thanks for this documentary
So many brilliant one liners. Me and my friends still quote them to this day!! Adore this film!!
My best friend still has it on VHS. One of the best movies ever! I laughed, I cried. It was so funny and very touching and moving.
The original bus has been found recently and is going to be restored, just a great reminder of a great film
I will never forget watching the Matrix on VHS with a friend and getting more and more distracted by Agent Smith... then I checked my copy of Priscilla and shouted "Ohmahgawd it's MITZIE!!" 😮😮😮
Elrond!
Very moving. I grew up with Priscilla and adored the film. It would take almost another 10 years before I came out myself. Everything needs its time and place. Thank you for creating this masterpiece. ❤
My 90s teenage gay boy self finding his way in the humdrum conservative suburbs of South Africa thanks all who made this film that for me shone like a brilliant beacon of hope, community, strength, pathos, and possibility on a hill
I love this movie sooo much, it's the comfort movie I return to everytime the sadness become too crushing; there's a strength and courage in this film that comforts me enough to pick myself up sgain.
Thank you for this wonderful reminder of that epic movie. It was my refuge, my place to go to in the 90s, a world of fantasy and superb music scores. Love you guys ♥♥♥
This is a brilliant documentary. Interesting in-site to how Priscilla came about and how it helped to inspire change.
An intensely powerful cast of actors and talent in the film, that when I first saw in in the 90's, it has stayed with me forever as a favorite. BUT to now know SOOO much more about it is BRILLIANT!! Thank you!!
My parents rented both Priscilla and To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar, in the mid-90s when my brother and I were still fairly young teens. We watched them as a family as we would any other critically acclaimed movie at the time.
My parents have their faults, but I'm really glad they raised me to have an open mind and exposed me to other cultures and perspectives. Drag has always been an art about beauty and expression.
It never occurred to me as a teen that drag was "dirty" or sexual in a p*rnographic kind of way. It was just people who wanted to be pretty.
I loved the movie and this documentary was just brilliant. I also shed some tears. Thanks for making it
My favourite movie of all time,sawit in the Jerusalem ilm festival in 1993,i remember my heart beating in excitement after the film ,i thought then as i hink now,a masterpiece, Terrence Stamp deserved an oscar for it.
Greetings from Copenhagen; Denmark... I must have watched "Pricilla" 50 times.. And I laugh and cry every time
Priscilla is one of the few things that makes me feel proud to be an Aussie. I came of age in the 80s and vividly remember boys at school talking about going "poofter bashing" on the weekend. The country has come a long way.
Touching, moving and profoundly amazing film. A must se and a revisit at any time. Really enjoyed this behind the film documentary ❤❤❤
The scene that got me was the one at the end where the Son accepts his Father. So many movies talk about parents accepting there kids when they come out. Some of us had the experience the other way around.