It's time again for California's "Young American Miss" beauty pageant, the biggest event of the year for Big Bob Freelander and Brenda DiCarlo, who give their all to put on a successful pageant. But Brenda is having marital difficulties and Bob's son is up to some mischief. Could this year's pageant be in jeopardy?
Direction
Ritchie's vérité style makes satire feel documentary-real.
Acting
Bruce Dern's used-car sincerity is skin-crawling perfection.
Writing
Jerry Belson's script stings without ever raising its voice.
Director
Michael Ritchie
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Ritchie shot actual Santa Rosa Junior Miss pageants for research, blending real contestants with actors.
Bombed in 1975 because audiences wanted the pageant fantasy; rediscovered as a scalding precursor to Drop Dead Gorgeous.
US
