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Desperate Living

1977·Movie·NC-17·91 min·6.4(118)

The world may never be the same again!

After killing her husband, Peggy Gravel and her murderous maid Grizelda wind up in the crazy town of Mortville, where Queen Carlotta presides over a sleazy collection of misfits.

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Where to watch Desperate Living in United States

Click a service to open Desperate Living there. Availability last verified on June 20, 2026.

Where is Desperate Living streaming around the world?

CountryStreaming onRent / Buy
United StatesFandango At Home
SpainFilmin

About Desperate Living

Desperate Living is a 1977 English-language comedy and crime film directed by John Waters. The cast is led by Liz Renay, Mink Stole, Susan Lowe. It has a runtime of 1h 31m. Viewers rate it 6.4/10 across 100 ratings. In United States, it is available to rent or buy on Fandango At Home.

Desperate Living was produced by Charm City Productions and Dreamland and made in United States of America. It was released on May 27, 1977, and carries a NC-17 certification.

Director
John Waters
Writers
John Waters
Release date
May 27, 1977
Original language
English
Age rating
NC-17
Status
Released
Country
United States of America
Budget
$0 million
Production
Charm City Productions, Dreamland
#fascism#delusion#dark comedy#sex change#pubic hair#murder#cannibal#homeless shelter#lesbian#independent film

Desperate Living cast & crew

Desperate Living was directed by John Waters and written by John Waters.

The cast features Liz Renay as Muffy St. Jacques, Mink Stole as Peggy Gravel, Susan Lowe as Mole McHenry, Edith Massey as Queen Carlotta, Mary Vivian Pearce as Princess Coo-Coo, and Jean Hill as Grizelda Brown.

Behind the camera, the score was composed by Chris Lobinger, cinematography is by Thomas Loizeaux, and it was produced by John Waters.

Is Desperate Living worth watching?

Desperate Living holds an audience score of 6.4/10 from 118 ratings, a solidly received comedy films.

At 1h 31m, it's an easy, time-light watch.

If you enjoy comedy and crime, Desperate Living is worth a place on your watchlist.

How and where to watch Desperate Living

Desperate Living isn't on a subscription service in United States right now, but you can rent or buy it on Fandango At Home.

Streaming rights change country by country and month by month, so the options above reflect United States today — switch your country at the top of the where-to-watch section to see availability elsewhere.

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Cast of Desperate Living

Liz Renay

Liz Renay

Muffy St. Jacques

Mink Stole

Mink Stole

Peggy Gravel

Susan Lowe

Susan Lowe

Mole McHenry

Edith Massey

Edith Massey

Queen Carlotta

Mary Vivian Pearce

Mary Vivian Pearce

Princess Coo-Coo

Jean Hill

Jean Hill

Grizelda Brown

Brook Yeaton

Brook Yeaton

Bosley Jr.

No photo

Karen Gerwig

Beth

No photo

Jay Allan

Kid

Al Strapelli

Al Strapelli

Dr. Evans

George Stover

George Stover

Bosley Gravel

No photo

Turkey Joe

Motorcycle Cop

Desperate Living — FAQs

Where can I watch Desperate Living in United States?

Desperate Living is not on subscription streaming in United States right now, but you can rent or buy it on Fandango At Home.

What language is Desperate Living in?

Desperate Living is originally in English. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.

How long is Desperate Living?

Desperate Living runs 1 hours 31 minutes (91 minutes).

What is Desperate Living rated?

Desperate Living is rated NC-17. It holds a 6.4/10 audience score from 118 ratings.

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Desperate Living (1977) — where to watch online · SearchOTT