

Desperate Living
“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.
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?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| United States | — | Fandango At Home |
| Spain | Filmin | — |
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
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.
Rate & review
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Cast of Desperate Living

Liz Renay
Muffy St. Jacques

Mink Stole
Peggy Gravel

Susan Lowe
Mole McHenry

Edith Massey
Queen Carlotta

Mary Vivian Pearce
Princess Coo-Coo

Jean Hill
Grizelda Brown

Brook Yeaton
Bosley Jr.
Karen Gerwig
Beth
Jay Allan
Kid

Al Strapelli
Dr. Evans

George Stover
Bosley Gravel
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.











