Miss America (2002)

Miss America (2002) poster

Tracking the country’s oldest beauty contest—from its inception in 1921 as a local seaside pageant to its heyday as one of the country’s most popular events—Miss America paints a vivid picture of an institution that has come to reveal much about a changing nation. The pageant is about commercialism and sexual politics, about big business and small towns. But beyond the symbolism lies a human story—at once moving, inspiring, infuriating, funny, and poignant. Combining rare archival footage, with a host of intimate interviews with distinguished commentators including Gloria Steinem, Margaret Cho, Isaac Mizrahi, former contestants and behind–the–scenes footage and photographs, the film reveals why some women took part in the fledgling event and why others briefly rejected it - how the pageant became a battle ground and a barometer for the changing position of women in society.

Director: Lisa Ades
Genre: Documentary, TV Movie
Runtime: 102 min
Release Date:

Cast

Screenplay

Music: Douglas J. Cuomo
Cinematography: Peter Nelson, Buddy Squires
Editing: Toby Shimin
Production: Clio TV, Doug Orchard Films, Visualizing History, GBH
Country: United States of America
Original Language: en
More Films by Director: Lisa Ades
More Films in Genre: Documentary, TV Movie

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Miss America about?
Tracking the country’s oldest beauty contest—from its inception in 1921 as a local seaside pageant to its heyday as one of the country’s most popular events—Miss America paints a vivid picture of an institution that has come to reveal much about a changing nation. The pageant is about commercialism and sexual politics, about big business and small towns. But beyond the symbolism lies a human story—at once moving, inspiring, infuriating, funny, and poignant. Combining rare archival footage, with a host of intimate interviews with distinguished commentators including Gloria Steinem, Margaret Cho, Isaac Mizrahi, former contestants and behind–the–scenes footage and photographs, the film reveals why some women took part in the fledgling event and why others briefly rejected it - how the pageant became a battle ground and a barometer for the changing position of women in society.
Who directed Miss America?
Miss America was directed by Lisa Ades.
Who stars in Miss America?
Miss America stars Cherry Jones, Julia Álvarez, Sarah Banet-Weiser, Kimberly Clarice Aiken, Gloria Steinem, Ric Ferentz.
How long is Miss America?
Miss America has a runtime of 1h 42m (102 minutes).
What genre is Miss America?
Miss America is a Documentary, TV Movie film.
Where was Miss America produced?
Miss America was produced in United States of America.