To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar
Tags: cute, queer, melodrama

Plot synopsis:
After tying for the win in New York City's "Drag Queen of the Year" contest, Noxeema Jackson (Wesley Snipes) and Vida Boheme (Patrick Swayze) win a trip to Hollywood to take part in the even bigger "Miss Drag Queen of America Pageant." Before they depart, Vida persuades Noxeema to take along the inexperienced "drag princess" Chi-Chi Rodriguez (John Leguizamo) as their protégé (they initially refer to him simply as a "boy in a dress" rather than as a fully-fledged drag queen). To do this, they trade in their airplane tickets for cash and buy a stylish but old Cadillac convertible with money given to them by John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt (Robin Williams). They set off for Los Angeles in it, carrying with them an iconic autographed photo of Julie Newmar (signed, "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar") that Vida purloined from a restaurant wall.
While on the road they are pulled over by the racist, homophobic, and sexist Sheriff Dollard (Chris Penn), who tries to rape Vida. He discovers Vida is not a woman and, in the commotion, he falls backwards and is knocked unconscious. They think he is dead, hurry off, and leave him behind. As they recover from the incident at a rest stop, their car breaks down. A young man, Bobby Ray (Jason London) from the nearby small town of Snydersville, happens to pass by and gives them a ride, where they take refuge in a bed and breakfast inn owned by Carol Ann (Stockard Channing) and her abusive car repairman husband, Virgil (Arliss Howard).
They become stranded in the town for the weekend as they wait for the replacement part for their car to arrive. Chi-Chi is harassed by a group of roughnecks, but is saved by Bobby Ray. While volunteering to help with the town's Strawberry Social, they decide its small band of women need a day with them, which consists of the following steps: get your hair done, pick out a new outfit, and then just sit in a cafe and talk. While searching for the new outfits, they are ecstatic to find vintage fashions from the 1960s in the town's clothing store and give the female residents (and themselves) a make-over.
Following their makeover, they are abused by the same roughnecks that attempted to attack Chi-Chi. Fed up, Noxeema handles the situation in a typically New York City manner and teaches their ringleader a lesson in manners. Vida, Noxeema, and Chi-Chi do what they can to be positive, and they set out to improve the lives of the townspeople, including offering assistance in organizing the Strawberry Social.
Meanwhile, Sheriff Dollard is ridiculed by his colleagues, who believe he was beat up by a girl. He goes off in search of the drag queens.
Vida, in the meantime, becomes acutely aware of Carol Ann's abuse at the hands of Virgil and, shortly thereafter, they overhear him giving her another beating. Vida decides to intervene and beats him up before throwing him out of the house.
Carol Ann is able to repair their car, but they remain for the Strawberry Social. Carol Ann reveals to Vida that she knew she was a drag queen all along due to her Adam's apple, which is less prominent in women.
Not too far away, Virgil runs into Sheriff Dollard at a bar and they realize that the newcomers are the same people Dollard has been searching for. They head back to Snydersville, and Dollard demands that the townspeople turn them over. The other townspeople, who now realize that their new friends are not women, begin to protect them. One by one they step up and confront Dollard, each one claiming to be a drag queen (in similar fashion as in Spartacus). He is humiliated and flees. The Strawberry Social commences with everyone dressed in vibrant red outfits for it. The townfolk then say goodbye to their new friends as Noxeema, Vida and Chi-Chi prepare to leave. In honor of their friendship, Vida gives Carol Ann the autographed photo of Julie Newmar that has accompanied them on their trip.
They eventually make it to Los Angeles where Chi-Chi, after having received many tips from Vida and Noxeema during their ordeal, wins the title of Drag Queen of the Year. Fittingly, the crown is presented by Julie Newmar herself.

Review: The premise of having three macho actors take on the roles of drag queens to put together a very funny and insightful comedy of the sexes must have appeared as an impossible task.
This movie about three drag queens, two of whom win a trip to Hollywood, is kind of the ultimate road picture.
I've seen it a couple of times, and never fail to wonder at the transformation of Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes and John Leguizamo into...well, drag queens.
I wish *I* looked that good.I suppose there was a kind of freedom in making this movie, for them, because they were not playing a character that looks like them in *real life*.
I started out watching because if the novelty, ended up being invested in the characters and liking the movie.And Blythe Danner is always good, in anything she does..
Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, and John Leguizamo played believable drag queens, and they all did great jobs trying not to trip in their stiletto heels.
So surprising to see such macho actors turn into attractive women---although, to me, in a lot of scenes with that short haired bob wig, Patrick looked like Jack Lemmon's character in Some Like it Hot. The plot of this film is very unrealistic and the town that they land in is something more out of the 1700's than the 20th century, but it is a funny film and also teaches us about tolerance and acceptance for and to others.
But John Leguizamo, as the drag princess, steals the show, no small feat considering the supporting cast includes Robin Williams, Stockard Channing, Blythe Danner, Melinda Dillon, Arliss Howard, and, of course, the statuesque Julie Newmar.Much has been made of the similarity between this film and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, but each stands on its own for many reasons.
And that women are not the sum of their feminine mannerisms, but whole people who are still too often subgugated by men.The drag queens are so much more "female" than any genuine woman they meet.
I also remember that it was a "nice" story the wouldn't offend anyone.I watched To Wong Foo....again and once again I watched while Patrick Swayze turned himself into Ms. Vida Boheme and then throughout the rest of the movie I kept studying this character in all of the different outfits - complete with matching hats, shoes and gloves - that she wore and kept asking myself, "How can that possibly be Patrick Swayze?" The three stars; Swayze, Wesley Snipes (Ms. Noxeema Jackson) and John Leguizamo (Chi-Chi Rodriquez) we just terrific as drag queens who head out for Hollywood and end up in a small town when their car breaks down.
Stockard Channing has an excellent role and Robin Williams has a cameo that was great.Noxeema Jackson and Chi-Chi are really typical "RuPaul" drag queens in this movie but Swayze's character is such a "lady" that is difficult for me to even relate other movie images of Patrick Swayze (Dirty Dancing (Johnny), City of Joy (Max), Father Hood (Jack) and others) to this character.
Perhaps if a Wesley Snipes fan or a John Leguizamo fan watched this movie they would have the same reaction to these actors' characters as I have had to Patrick Swayze's character - amazement and discomfort..
This movie was funny in spots, had a nice, happy ending, and starred some of my favorite people, including Michael Vartan, John Leguizamo, Beth Grant, Blythe Danner, etc.
It says something about the wide variety of people in the USA that some people think this movie is "wild and crazy."  These three "champion" drag queens aren't portrayed as having even a hint of sexuality.
He was having some gender identity issues at the time (he is straight but was having a recurring series of dreams about becoming a woman) so we went to see this movie as a way of seeing how drag queens/crossdressers/etc.
I LOVED this movie.We were at best buy,I saw it,and bought it on this simple premise-Patrick Swayze in drag.And it looked like a good movie.
So I went home,popped it in,and literally laughed out loud.There's something in this drag queen movies,that makes it almost not offensive.I was afraid it would be bad,(We're Christian)but honestly,I wasn;t offended.The movie was so good,so sweet,so down right hysterical at times,I almost forgot Patrick swayze was a man.He could have easily blended into our church.The film starts out With PS and WS getting ready.That scene in itself is hysterical,because we see these rugged,masculine men-Putting on heels and stockings and makeup.WS,at one point,kicks his legs and squeals with delight.They go to the Drag queen of the year award,WS and PS tie,and ge to go to Hollywood.But when the little"Latin boy in drag is crying"they decide to string him along,and they get stuck in podunk town.There's a Cameo from Robin Williams thats excellent,And the townswomen are so sweet.and Noxeema(snipes)Befriends a little 4'9,80 pound elderly women.Cant get any beter than that.
Besides Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes great acting of John Leguizamo as junior-Queen "Chi Chi".
Especially the last part of the movie gives a lot of laughs when the Queens celebrate summertime with a strawberry show in the middle of the town..
I vividly remember the advance publicity surrounding this movie and thinking "Gee, these guys must really be comfortable in their own space not to even worry about any repercussions!." I love this movie more so because it was during this advance publicity that my own drag queen brother died; he was so thoroughly looking forward to seeing this movie.
Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes and John Leguazamo were great in this movie they all showed how easy it is to play a woman.
First time I saw Snipes was in Demolition Man. After seeing those movies, I never would have expected them to be able to pull this off, but they were amazing.
I know a lot of people have said this movie only caused damage to Swayze and Snipes careers, but I totally disagree.
And, frankly, a bit stupid- no drag queen I know would set off on a road trip in full drag through parts unknown without fearing for her safety.On the flip side, the movie insults anyone who lives in a small town.
I don't know what else to say other than the fact that because of Patrick's handsomeness and excellent posture, he has managed to make Vida the most beautiful drag queen in the whole film!
A great story, with amazing actors.I have watched countless times and Would love if there was a number 2 movie done out of it, if you need cast I don't mind at all playing Vida Boheme or even Chichi Rodriguez.Would would think Wesley Snipes could be so camp?
Let's face it,Patrick Swayze and Wesley Snipes are built like footballers, andputting a dress on them, no matter how well tailored, no matterhow fabulously colour coordinated,  does nothing to disguisethis simple fact.
I did not think this was a great film nor even a good film, however, as a crossdresser myself (I dislike the terms 'drag queen' or 'transvestite'), it was refreshing to see the likes of Swayze, Snipes & Leguizamo play the parts of men with gender identity issues.
It's funny and to see Patrick Swaze, Wesley Snipes and John Leguizamo all dressed as women, and talking and acting like them.
There were a number of funny lines.This is a film that is good the first time you see it, but on a second look - once the shock of seeing three manly guys act like wannabe-women wears off - the agenda comes through and the film is not so funny.
From the irritating and skin-deep caricatures of drag queens to the weak and unbelievable plot, this movie attempts nothing new and achieves nothing worthwhile.If you like the premise, then watch it done properly - get Priscilla instead..
Even drag queen movies know how to look at small towns without being mean..
I will say that of the three cast members, Patrick Swayze looks the most like he can play a drag queen - but don't get me wrong, Wesley Snipes and John Leguizamo also do a great job.Anyway, this just might be the perfect kind of movie dealing with this topic.
Many people have likened "To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar" to "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert", but I wish to assert that "TWFTFEJN" was actually better in that it showed how they help the people in this small town.
I had seen it when it came out back in 95', and I have to say it was still a thrill watching three of the malest, manliest men in Hollywood play Drag Queens.
Just to see Patrick Swayze and Wesley Snipes in drag is enough to see this once..
Unlike the rest of my friends, I never thought of To Wong Foo as a Priscilla knock-off.The plot of three men traveling across country while learning more about themselves is about all that the two films have in common.
Wow, thats pretty good that is!I've watched this movie something like 5 times in two weeks and i still think that its kewl 0=] I usually get tired of movies after a while, but this i haven't!
It does help to be queer to watch this movie, but the girls will love it and the guys will think "whats the point?" But for me, the point is that its a kewl movie about acceptance and also the "four rules to becoming a drag queen" LOLCheck it out, if u like this stuff then u won't be disappointed!.
Sincerily I think this is one of the best "drag queen movie" they have ever made!
Yes, I admit it could be considered VERY VERY similar to the most famous Australian movie "Priscilla The Queen of the desert" but it surely cut a good figure!!!
The original, "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" an Australian movie about three drag queens who drive an old bus halfway across the Australian desert to perform at a casino in the middle of nowhere is perfect and hilarious and wonderful, so why on Earth the producers of "To Wong Foo..." decided to make this half thought through calamity is beyond my comprehension.
Dreadful "comedy" about three drag queens (Wesley Snipes, Patrick Swayze and John Leguizamo) whose car breaks down in the middle of a tiny little town in the Bible Belt.
For starters NONE of the guys (with the possible esception of Swayze) look good in drag--Snipes in particular is frightening--yet they have the ENTIRE town convinced they're real woman!
Do we want to see Wesley Snipes and Patrick Swayze in drag when we can see Terence Stamp and Guy Pearce?
not cool, not cool at all, don't even bother watching this movie, if you want to see a funny drag-queen film, see the above mentioned Priscilla, it's well worth it, whereas this is not..
Admittedly I'm not that hard to please but my taste in film does pretty much run the gamut and this is still one of my favorite movies; not only because Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, and John Leguizamo turn in such convincing performances as drag queens but because their characters are so lovable and quirky.
Miss Vida Boheme (Patrick Swayze) and Miss Noxeema Jackson (Wesley Snipes) are the proud winners of a New York Drag Queen contest.
It shows that anyone, no matter how they chose to dress or who they chose to sleep with, can do good and bring people together.Patrick Swayze is relatively funny and surprisingly quite good in drag.
But getting thru all the wife beating, dumb country people pilferage, the movie reveals life as a drag queen to a "T".
"To Wong Foo--Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar" could best be described as "Rocky" for drag queens.
Patrick Swayze turns in the best performance, and John Leguizamo was born to wear a dress (at least, some of the time)..
Not only will this movie make you laugh until you spit Pepsi out of your nose, but it will also make you cry...and think about how wonderful the world really is.Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes and John Leguizamo perform well as the main characters of the film.
Swayze gives a surprising performance as a drag queen..
It was really a fun movie and the three stars did an excellent job of portraying the drag queens.
From the outrageous movie poster to the outrageous motto, "Attitude is everything", comes an outrageous story line about two drag queens in New York who win a trip to Hollywood.
Drag queens live by this movie.
This is one of the best movies about drag queens ever made!
This is one of the best movies about drag queens ever made!
I recommend this movie to any young person who is faced with the adversity of being gay and/or a drag queen..
It's worth to see this movie just to see Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, and John Leguizamo in drag!
This movie was a laugh riot from start to finish as the aforementioned actors try to make it to a "drag queen competition" and get stuck in a small town and one impossible situation after another.
It is a comedy about three New York drag queens who embark on a road trip but, due to technical reasons, are forced to stay in a township - where most of the movie takes place.
Although the plot is uneven and many promising scenes are not entirely carried out, the trio - Wesley Snipes as Noxeema Jackson, Patrick Swayze as Vida Boheme, John Leguizamo as Chi-Chi Rodriguez - gives so wonderful and realistic performances that you easily forget that most of their fame derives from action and sci-fi movies.
"Priscilla" and "Wong Foo" were being filmed at more or less the same time, and the fact that both are about three drag queens taking a road trip is pure COINCIDENCE.
When the producers of "Wong Foo" found out about "Priscilla", they delayed its release so both movies wouldn't be out at the same time.Yes, the characters in "Priscilla" have more depth and are less cartoonish than those in "Wong Foo", but "Wong Foo" is surprisingly good considering it's Hollywood, and Patrick Swayze makes a *fabulous* drag queen!
John Leguizamo had done drag before, so his good job was less of a surprise than Patrick's.
We've seen this so many times before--a truly entertaining foreign film will gain some attention in this country, and then Hollywood will decide to adapt it and make a movie that isn't anywhere near as good.A rip-off of "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert", "Wong Foo" just doesn't measure up.
And it's always nice to see a drag queen beat a wife-beating, bigoted redneck to within an inch of his alleged life.If you've got a lot of people and nothing to do on a rainy night, by all means, rent "Wong Foo".
Step 1) Put on makeup and wig step 2) Sit back with a bunch of friends step 3) Put movie in and press play step 4) EnjoyI think you truly have to get dressed up to enjoy this movie, it puts you in the mood to be someone you aren't, or maybe be someone you want to be.I give it: PLOT - 5/10 (I doubt that would happen to anyone)Costumes - 10/10 (all I can say is FABULOUS)ACTING - 8/10 (Vita was bitchy, Chi Chi was stereotypical, and Noxema was perfect)DIRECTION - 6/10 (The movie jumped around, not enough detail to the other characters like carol ann, and bobby lee)CASTING - 10/10 (Stockard Channing was true perfection, getting the 3 most masculine men in hollywood to be drag queens was awesome, and the small town cast were true to life.)OVERALL - 8/10 (Dont miss seeing it at least once, with alot of friends..
What's worse than a movie starring Patrick Swayze?
If you want to see a nice little comedy about gay people watch "Le placard" starring Daniel Auteuil and Gérard Depardieu.P.S.: Okay, "Some Like It Hot" would be an exception as it is a funny movie with men dressing up as women, but that's the ONLY exception I'll make..
I really enjoyed the whole "I am a strong man in a very tight dress wanting to be a DRAG QUEEN" thing going on in the picture.
Swayze is good and makes quite a good drag queen.
To Wong Foo is a great movie.
However you can not take the movie too seriously as it does not portray what a Drag Queen is properly.
In To Wong Foo they stay dressed up in Drag the whole movie.
After the unexpected success of the Australian film "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert," someone decided what movie audiences really needed was a much blander and more sanitized American version of the same thing, and "To Wong Foo," etc.
is the result.Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes and John Leguizamo are the less talented actors playing gentlemen in drag this time around, the story is much less involving, and the whole thing is pretty much less of everything that made "Priscilla" good.
So if you want to see Wesley Snipes and Patrick Swayze in a dress GO 4 IT!.
This movie is to gay culture what Gone with the Wind was for black culture.Watch Priscilla Queen of the Desert if you want to see drag queens through gay eyes.
To Wong Foo is drag for scared straight people and on top of that, it's a stupid movie..
The first time I watched this movie, I laughed like hell!
All the actors in this movie gave phenomenal performances, but the biggest kudos need to go to the 3 men who played the drag queens.
And let's not forget that this movie was made during a time when men dressing and behaving as women was not as widely accepted as it is today.