Cry-Baby
Cry-Baby is a 1990 American musical comedy film written and directed by John Waters, starring Johnny Depp as the titular character, a sensitive teen rebel in 1950s Baltimore who earns his nickname from his ability to shed a single tear on command.[1] The plot centers on Wade "Cry-Baby" Walker, leader of the leather-jacketed "drapes" gang, who falls in love with prim and proper Allison Vernon-Williams (Amy Locane), a member of the clean-cut "squares," sparking a clash between the two social groups and leading to comedic conflicts involving romance, rebellion, and family drama.[1] Produced on a budget of $11 million, the film was shot primarily in Ellicott City, Maryland, and features a soundtrack blending 1950s rock 'n' roll covers with original songs to evoke the era's youth culture.[1] Waters' first major studio production after the success of Hairspray (1988), Cry-Baby parodies classic teen exploitation films and 1950s delinquency tropes, with exaggerated camp elements including dance numbers and over-the-top characterizations by a supporting cast that includes Ricki Lake, Traci Lords, Kim McGuire, and Iggy Pop.[2] Released on April 6, 1990, by Universal Pictures, it initially underperformed at the box office, grossing $8.3 million worldwide against its budget, but has since achieved cult classic status for its gleeful satire and Depp's charismatic performance lampooning his heartthrob image.[3] Critics praised its infectious energy and homage to the genre, earning a 73% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 63 reviews, with the consensus noting it as "John Waters' musical ode to the teen rebel genre [that] is infectious and gleefully camp."[4] The film's legacy extends to a 2008 Broadway musical adaptation that received four Tony Award nominations, and in March 2025, a revival of the musical was staged at the Arcola Theatre in London.[5]Production
Development and pre-production
Following the cult success of his 1988 film Hairspray, which blended social satire with 1960s musical tropes, John Waters conceived Cry-Baby as a parody of 1950s teen rebel genres, drawing inspiration from exploitation films like Rebel Without a Cause and rock 'n' roll musicals such as Jailhouse Rock.[6][7] Waters aimed to capture the era's juvenile delinquency aesthetics while infusing his signature eccentric humor, positioning the project as a musical tribute to the sock-hop and bad-boy archetypes that influenced his youth.[8] Waters wrote the screenplay in the late 1980s, marking his transition from low-budget independent cinema to studio-backed production.[9] The script attracted interest from major players after Hairspray's profitability, leading to a development deal with Imagine Entertainment, founded by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, who provided the film's first significant studio financing.[8] This partnership with Imagine, coupled with distribution through Universal Pictures, facilitated a broader appeal and represented Waters' deliberate shift toward mainstream viability without diluting his subversive style.[10][7] The budget was set at $11 million, allowing for expanded production values compared to Waters' earlier works.[1] Pre-production emphasized Waters' preference for unconventional talent, with casting calls targeting eccentric performers, many drawn from Baltimore's local theater and music scenes to maintain authenticity.[11] Amy Locane was selected for the female lead after auditions, praised by Waters for embodying the ingénue role in his offbeat context.[12] Musical integration featured original songs co-written by Waters alongside collaborators, blending period rockabilly with satirical lyrics to underscore the film's thematic divide between "drapes" and "squares."[8] Johnny Depp's attachment as the title character further solidified funding, leveraging his rising star power from 21 Jump Street.[8]Filming
Principal photography for Cry-Baby took place over 59 days, beginning April 20, 1989, primarily in and around Baltimore, Maryland, director John Waters' hometown, to capture the film's 1950s setting.[13][14] Additional filming occurred at the Golden Oak Ranch in Santa Clarita, California, for select scenes. The production utilized various local sites to evoke the era's aesthetic, including the abandoned Enchanted Forest theme park in Ellicott City for the drive-in theater sequences.[15] Baltimore's Milford Mill Park & Swim Club served as a key location for community gatherings, while the Dundalk neighborhood represented the divide between the rebellious "Drapes" and conformist "Squares," with practical effects employed for tattoo applications and integrated musical performances.[16] The Maryland House of Correction in Jessup stood in for prison scenes, and Franklin Middle School in Reisterstown doubled as the high school.[14] On set, the ensemble cast navigated the demands of a musical format, with coordination of dance choreography proving essential for numbers like the Squares' satirical routines, which Waters described as intentionally exaggerated to heighten the film's humor.[11] Humorous incidents arose from the performers' commitment, such as Iggy Pop's portrayal of the eccentric Uncle Belvedere, where his rock persona infused the role with unscripted intensity during family confrontations.[17] Waters maintained a directive style, encouraging campy, over-the-top deliveries to align with his signature blend of subversion and satire, fostering a collaborative atmosphere despite the logistical challenges of outdoor shoots in variable weather.[11] No significant delays occurred, allowing the production to wrap on schedule with the large cast intact.[13] Cinematographer David Insley shot the film on 35mm film using spherical lenses, achieving vibrant, saturated colors that homage 1950s Technicolor melodramas through bold contrasts and period-appropriate framing at a 1.85:1 aspect ratio.[18] This technical approach enhanced the visual pop of musical sequences and costume details, contributing to the film's stylized, nostalgic tone without relying on modern digital effects.[19]Content
Plot
In 1954 Baltimore, Maryland, the city's teenagers are sharply divided between the rebellious "Drapes"—greasers who embrace rock 'n' roll, leather jackets, and defiant attitudes—and the straitlaced "Squares," conformists who value cleanliness, patriotism, and social propriety.[20][21] The story follows Wade "Cry-Baby" Walker, the handsome leader of the Drapes, whose signature trait is shedding a single tear from his right eye, a remnant of childhood trauma that captivates the girls around him. Orphaned young, Cry-Baby was raised by his eccentric grandmother after his father, the infamous "Alphabet Bomber," was executed in the electric chair for his crimes, and his mother was subsequently executed for murdering the judge who sentenced his father.[22][23] The narrative ignites when Cry-Baby encounters Allison Vernon-Williams, a privileged 16-year-old Square from the town's wealthiest family, at a drive-in polio vaccination clinic. Bored with her predictable life—marked by her own orphan status after her parents died in separate plane crashes—Allison is drawn to Cry-Baby's raw emotion and invites him to her lavish birthday party.[2][22] Despite disapproval from her status-conscious grandmother and ex-boyfriend Baldwin, a smug Square athlete, Allison defies expectations by joining Cry-Baby and his gang—including his pregnant sister Pepper, the foul-mouthed Hatchet-Face, and the rebellious Wanda and her boyfriend Milton—for a rowdy picnic at Turkey Point. There, amid rockabilly tunes and impromptu dances, the group revels in their outsider culture, escalating the cultural tensions between Drapes and Squares.[21][24] Romantic sparks fly as Cry-Baby and Allison share kisses and attend a local dance contest, but jealousy boils over when Baldwin confronts them at a drive-in movie screening. The altercation spirals into a full-scale riot between the rival groups, resulting in Cry-Baby's arrest for disturbing the peace. At his trial, where his scandalous family history is publicly aired, Cry-Baby is convicted and sentenced to the Maryland State Training School for Boys, a juvenile detention facility.[20][25] Inside, Allison sneaks a visit, pleading for Cry-Baby to cry as proof of his love, but he holds back, haunted by his past. Meanwhile, his loyal gang collaborates with unlikely allies, including Allison's grandmother, to orchestrate his escape.[21][26] Freed just in time, Cry-Baby crashes the annual "Miss Gefilte Queen" talent show at a local synagogue, performing a heartfelt rock 'n' roll number dedicated to Allison that sways the audience and reaffirms their bond. The absurdity peaks at the county fair, where Cry-Baby challenges Baldwin to a high-stakes "chicken" race in hot-rodded cars, with both rivals standing on the roofs as passengers pelt them with debris; the first to jump loses. Baldwin balks and leaps to safety, handing Cry-Baby victory and public vindication. In a cathartic moment, Cry-Baby releases his pent-up grief, shedding tears for his parents and then for Allison, who reciprocates. The film concludes as the once-divided Drapes and Squares unite in emotional solidarity—each shedding a single tear—while Cry-Baby and Allison ride off on his motorcycle, symbolizing redemption and cross-cultural harmony.[21][20][22]Cast
The cast of Cry-Baby comprises a distinctive ensemble blending newcomers, cult celebrities, and nostalgic icons from earlier eras of entertainment, underscoring the film's satirical take on 1950s youth culture through its quirky, unconventional lineup.[27]Principal Cast
| Actor | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Johnny Depp | Wade "Cry-Baby" Walker | Tearful rebel leader of the Drapes gang, known for his ability to shed a single tear on command.[28] |
| Amy Locane | Allison Vernon-Williams | Upper-class ingenue from the Squares who defies her social circle for love.[28] |
| Susan Tyrrell | Ramona Rickettes | Cry-Baby's eccentric, free-spirited grandmother raising him in a unconventional household.[28] |
Supporting Cast
| Actor | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Polly Bergen | Mrs. Vernon-Williams | Allison's snobby, conservative grandmother enforcing class boundaries.[29] |
| Robert H. Gentry | Mr. Vernon-Williams | Allison's stern, affluent grandfather upholding family traditions.[29] |
| Iggy Pop | Belvedere Rickettes | Cry-Baby's uncle Belvedere Rickettes, an eccentric family member from the Drapes' world.[28] |
| Ricki Lake | Pepper Walker | Cry-Baby's tough, loyal pregnant sister and fellow Drape.[28] |
| Traci Lords | Wanda Woodward | Spirited Drape member with a passion for cars and rebellion.[28] |
| Kim McGuire | Mona "Hatchet-Face" Malnorowski | Drape with a razor-sharp facial scar, adding to the gang's outlandish vibe.[29] |
| Troy Donahue | Hatfield | Hatchet-Face's father, a faded 1950s idol embodying ironic nostalgia.[29] |
Music
Musical numbers
The musical numbers in Cry-Baby form the backbone of its satirical take on 1950s teen culture, blending covers of classic rockabilly and doo-wop songs with original compositions to propel the narrative and exaggerate period stereotypes. The film incorporates 11 full-fledged dance numbers, choreographed by Lori Eastside, which emphasize exaggerated movements inspired by Elvis Presley-style performances to heighten the comedic absurdity.[30][29] These sequences integrate seamlessly with the plot, using duets to develop romantic tension and ensemble pieces to showcase gang rivalries, while the music's retro sound—featuring twangy guitars and harmonious vocals—mocks the era's sanitized youth rebellion. The numbers feature vocal performances by cast members, including Johnny Depp as Cry-Baby (often lip-syncing to professional recordings), Amy Locane as Allison, and ensemble players like Ricki Lake as Pepper and Traci Lords as Wanda, who contribute to group vocals. Professional singers such as James Intveld (doubling as an on-screen musician) and Rachel Sweet provide the primary recordings for key solos and duets, allowing the actors to focus on physical performance.[31][32]| Song Title | Performer(s) in Film | Narrative Placement | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cry-Baby | The Honey Sisters (off-screen) | Opening credits | Establishes the film's tone and introduces Cry-Baby's emotional persona.[31] |
| King Cry-Baby | Cry-Baby (Johnny Depp, vocals by James Intveld) | Gang gathering at Turkey Point | Gang anthem that asserts Cry-Baby's leadership and rebels against "squares."[33] |
| Sh-Boom | Baldwin and the Whiffles (ensemble) | Drive-in theater sequence | Highlights social divides between drapes and squares during a communal outing.[34] |
| Gee | Cry-Baby, Hatchet-Face, and gang (sung along to The Crows) | Drive-by past Allison's home | Advances budding romance by having Cry-Baby serenade Allison from afar.[35] |
| A Teenage Prayer | Cry-Baby and Allison (duet, vocals by James Intveld and Rachel Sweet) | Talent show performance | Deepens the central romance, symbolizing their forbidden love amid societal pressure.[36] |
| Doin' Time for Bein' Young | James Intveld (on-screen as musician) | Jail scene reflection | Satirizes juvenile delinquency, underscoring Cry-Baby's outsider status.[37] |
| Teardrops Are Falling | Cry-Baby (Johnny Depp, vocals by James Intveld) | Emotional confrontation | Reinforces Cry-Baby's "cry-baby" trait to evoke sympathy and plot resolution.[38] |