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John Waters' "Bad" Taste.

Filmmaker John Waters. We replay 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. Prior to this July 9, 1985 Fresh Air interview, Waters also wrote, produced and directed other sleaze classics such as "Multiple Maniacs," "Pink Flamingoes," "Mondo Trasho," "Female Trouble" and "Desperate Living." Waters made all his trashy films on location in his hometown of Baltimore.

08:46
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Other segments from the episode on April 15, 1994

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, April 15, 1994: Interview with John Waters; Interview with Divine; Interview with John Waters; Review of Beck's album "Mellow Gold."
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13:37

Character Actor and John Waters Muse Divine.

It's 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 (yes, real feces) at the end of the film.

Interview
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15:41

John Waters Discusses "Serial Mom."

We feature a new interview with John Waters on the day his latest film, "Serial Mom," is released. After the low-budget "Polyester," Waters went to Hollywood to make the big-budget films "Hairspray" and "Cry Baby." Waters still lives in Baltimore, where he was born. "Serial Mom" stars Kathleen Turner and Sam Waterston. Waters is also the author of several books, including "Shock Value" and "Trash Trio."

Interview

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Transcripts are created on a rush deadline, and accuracy and availability may vary. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Please be aware that the authoritative record of Fresh Air interviews and reviews are the audio recordings of each segment.

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