Watch Outrageous!

Outrageous! is a 1977 Canadian comedic drama film about a gay hairdresser named Robin Turner (Craig Russell) who befriends a schizophrenic woman named Liza Connors (Hollis McLaren) struggling with her mental health. The two quickly become inseparable friends, finding solace and happiness in each other's company as they strive to navigate the challenges of their respective lives.

Robin is an outgoing and flamboyant hairdresser who dreams of becoming a cabaret performer. Despite facing harassment and discrimination for his sexual orientation, he remains determined to pursue his passion and be true to himself. Meanwhile, Liza is a seemingly ordinary young woman who struggles with severe mood swings, hallucinations, and delusions. She spends much of her time in psychiatric hospitals and halfway houses, trying to get better but often feeling lost and alone.

As Robin and Liza get to know each other, they realize that they have more in common than they thought. Both of them have been ostracized and misunderstood by society, and both of them just want to be loved and accepted for who they are. They enjoy spending time together, sharing stories, singing songs, and making each other laugh.

However, their friendship is not without its challenges. Liza's mental health continues to deteriorate, causing her to behave erratically and unpredictably at times. Robin also experiences setbacks in his career, facing rejection and disappointment as he tries to make it as a performer.

Despite these obstacles, the two friends remain loyal to each other, providing support and comfort when they need it most. They share their hopes and dreams, forming a deep bond that transcends their differences.

The film is a poignant exploration of friendship, identity, and mental illness. It offers a sensitive portrayal of the complex and often painful experiences of people struggling with mental health issues, while also celebrating the resilience and strength of those who persevere.

Craig Russell gives a captivating performance as Robin, bringing both humor and heart to his portrayal of the charismatic hairdresser. Hollis McLaren is equally impressive as Liza, portraying the character's inner turmoil with empathy and nuance.

Richert Easley also delivers a strong performance as Robin's friend and love interest, Denny. The film depicts their relationship with honesty and sensitivity, highlighting the challenges faced by gay men in the 70s while also celebrating their courage and determination.

Overall, Outrageous! is a heartfelt and entertaining film that explores important themes with compassion and humor. It remains a beloved cult classic to this day, cherished by audiences for its memorable characters, catchy musical numbers, and inspiring message of hope and love.

Outrageous! is a 1977 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.