Scarecrow in a Garden of Cucumbers (1972)

Scarecrow in a Garden of Cucumbers is a musical comedy that follows aspiring actress Eve Harrington, as she moves from Kansas to the big city of New York, embarks on a series of misadventures and meets a collective of crazy local characters. Oh, and she happens to be played by a trans actress, a pretty big deal then as it still seems to be now. It stars Warhol acolyte Holly Woodlawn* and features guest spots from Bette Midler, Lily Tomlin and David Marguiles (the mayor in Ghostbusters).

The easy comparison would be John Waters, but to my eyes this looks like it has more in common with the kind of subversive, chaotic early 70's urban comedies made by Milos Forman (Taking Off) and Brian de Palma (Hi, Mom!). It's a rare screening of an obscure cult movie which looks like a hoot IMO, and besides, it was either this or Swingers at the PCC.

Anyway, this is a Bar Trash movie, which means a 20 minute-plus intro, an intermission, spot quizzes and an air of outrageous campness throughout. It's not for everyone, but I really appreciate the unusual film choices and passion that goes into this (not to mention the opportunity to watch a movie in a bar). And it's only a fiver including booking fee!

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oZwy-Dc7Hk

Tickets: https://www.genesiscinema.co.uk/event/106842

The event kicks off at 8.45pm but we can meet a little earlier, say 8.15pm, in the bar to grab a drink and get a decent seat.

*Immortalised in the first line of Walk on the Wild Side