Watch The Sons of Tennessee Williams

The Sons of Tennessee Williams, released in 2010, is a documentary film that explores the vibrant and flamboyant world of drag performers in New Orleans during the 1950s and 1960s. Directed by Tim Wolff, the film shines a light on the history and legacy of the theatrical traditions associated with Mardi Gras festivities in the city.

The focus of the movie is on the many drag balls that took place in the city during that era. Men dressed in flamboyant gowns, wigs, and makeup, transforming into glamorous drag queens and performing in front of adoring crowds. The film captures the essence of this world, showcasing the vibrant and daring performers and the subculture that was blossoming in New Orleans at the time.

The central figure of The Sons of Tennessee Williams is Miss Dixie, also known as Dickie Cortez. A legendary drag queen in the New Orleans scene, Miss Dixie worked closely with the Mystic Krewe of Apollo, a predominantly African American gay Carnival organization that was a driving force in the city's drag culture. The documentary chronicles Miss Dixie's life and times, including her incredible ability to create dazzling gowns, her influence as a mentor to younger performers, and her unrelenting support for gay rights.

In addition to Miss Dixie, The Sons of Tennessee Williams features interviews with a wide range of other personalities connected to the drag scene in New Orleans. These interviews range from performers and costumers to historians and scholars. Chuck Hemard, a photographer and filmmaker, provides insight into the rich history of the drag balls, while Wayne Phillips, a renowned costume designer, discusses the intricacies of creating costumes for drag queens. The film also includes appearances by renowned drag performers like Coca Mesa and Poppy Tooker, who share their stories and perspectives on the scene.

Throughout the film, The Sons of Tennessee Williams skillfully weaves together archival footage, photographs, and interviews to create a vivid portrait of a dynamic and fascinating subculture. From the elaborate costumes and makeup to the outlandish performances, the viewer is treated to a glimpse of a world that was both glamorous and subversive.

One of the central themes of the documentary is the role that Mardi Gras played in the development of the drag scene in New Orleans. The film explores the significance of the Krewe of Yuga, a Carnival organization that began in 1958 and was open to all races, genders, and sexualities. The Krewe of Yuga provided a space for the growing drag community to come together and showcase their skills. By the 1960s, the organization had grown significantly, and drag balls became a mainstay of Mardi Gras festivities.

Another theme that emerges in The Sons of Tennessee Williams is the intersection of the drag scene and the civil rights movement. The film highlights the fact that many of the drag performers were African American and the discrimination they faced in the wider society. The drag scene, however, was a place where they could express themselves freely and openly, and for some, it became a platform for activism.

The Sons of Tennessee Williams is a fascinating and engaging look at a chapter of American history that is often overlooked. By exploring the colorful and complex world of drag performers in New Orleans, the documentary provides insight into the ways in which subcultures can challenge dominant cultural norms and create their own unique forms of expression. Whether you are interested in drag performance, New Orleans history, or the civil rights movement, this film is a must-see.

The Sons of Tennessee Williams is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 52.