Special feature from Criterion’s release of Desperate Living, where writer-director John Waters tours the Baltimore location that served as the site of Mortville, the twisted penal colony inhabited by fugitives, outcasts, and deviants – including hysterical housewife Peggy Gravel and her fed-up housekeeper – and presided over by the despotic Queen Carlotta.
Where to watch
Not streaming anywhere
Not on any streaming service in United States, and not available to rent.
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Your review
Cast
8 people
John Waters
Self
Known for
Seed of Chucky
Excision
Mink Stole
Self (archive footage)
Known for
Pink Flamingos
Desperate Living
Susan Lowe
Self (archive footage)
Known for
Desperate Living
Multiple Maniacs
Mary Vivian Pearce
Self (archive footage)
Known for
Pink Flamingos
Female Trouble
Jean Hill
Self (archive footage)
Known for
Desperate Living
Polyester
Edith Massey
Self (archive footage)
Known for
Pink Flamingos
Polyester
Liz Renay
Self (archive footage)
Known for
Desperate Living
Vincent Peranio
Self (archive footage)
Known for
Multiple Maniacs
Gabriel Chávez Editor · Timothy Geraghty Editor
United States release June 23, 2026
Production
The Criterion Collection
Production
Languages
Original language
English
Spoken on screen
English
Release dates
United States · June 23, 2026
Physical
United States
June 30, 2026 · Digital
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