Vegas in Space: The Essential Cult Drag Classic Before Drag Race
The 1991 cult film Vegas in Space provides a historical record of San Francisco’s late-1980s drag scene. Directed by Phillip R. Ford and starring Doris Fish, the DIY sci-fi comedy is currently streaming free on Fandango at Home via Prime Video, contrasting early underground queer cinema with today’s mainstream drag productions.
The evolution of drag in cinema has shifted toward high-profile theatrical releases, according to writer Wilson Chapman. The “Drag Race” franchise recently expanded into this space with “Stop! That! Train!”, a comedy starring RuPaul, Jujubee, and Ginger Minj, featuring cameos from Sarah Michelle Geller, Lisa Rinna, and Joel McHale.
Chapman notes that while 1990s films like “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar” and “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” brought drag to the mainstream, they often featured actors like Guy Pearce and Patrick Swayze rather than professional drag queens. In contrast, earlier independent works centered on actual professionals of the craft but operated with significantly lower budgets.
How does “Vegas in Space” differ from modern drag films?
Unlike modern productions, “Vegas in Space” was a scrappy, independent project distributed by Troma Entertainment in 1991. Director Phillip R. Ford and star Doris Fish spent eight years raising the necessary funds to begin production, according to Chapman.
The film was shot over 18 months, with nearly all production occurring within a single apartment. To create the environment of the fictional Planet Clitoris, the team used light projections, miniatures, and cheap drapes, substituting professional polish for artistic grit.
What is the plot of “Vegas in Space”?
Set in the distant future, the story follows Captain Tracy (Fish) and lieutenants Mike (Ramona Fisher) and Steve (Lori Naslundmale), according to Chapman. The three male explorers from an Earth ruled by a benevolent empress use sex reversal pills to disguise themselves as women.
The crew sneaks onto the planet Clitoris, a resort world where only women are permitted, to investigate the theft of a rare gem called “Girlinia.” Their mission leads them into a conspiracy involving the planet’s government.
Why is Doris Fish’s contribution significant?
Doris Fish, one of San Francisco’s most prominent drag queens at the time, left a comprehensive imprint on the film. In addition to starring and co-writing the screenplay with Ford, Fish designed the miniatures, sets, and costumes, and handled hair and makeup for the all-drag cast, Chapman reports.
Fish died from AIDS only months before the film’s premiere. Writer Alison Foreman describes the film as a testament to Fish’s legacy, noting that the project’s sincerity and conviction provide insight into the culture that preceded the global reach of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
What may happen next for cult drag cinema?
As drag continues to integrate into mainstream media, independent cult classics like “Vegas in Space” may see a resurgence in viewership via streaming platforms. This trend could lead to more archival queer cinema being digitized for wider audiences.
The success of theatrical releases like “Stop! That! Train!” may encourage studios to cast more professional drag performers in lead roles rather than relying on traditional actors, potentially closing the gap between underground DIY aesthetics and studio production values.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed “Vegas in Space”?
The film was directed by Phillip R. Ford.
What is the premise of the movie?
Male space explorers use sex reversal pills to enter Planet Clitoris to recover a stolen gem called “Girlinia.”
Where can viewers watch “Vegas in Space” today?
The movie is streaming free on Fandango at Home via Prime Video.
Do you think DIY independent films capture a culture better than big-budget studio productions?