Hairspray (1988 film) Hairspray (1988 film) Hairspray is a 1988 American dance comedy film written and directed by John Waters, and starring Ricki Lake, Divine, Debbie Harry, Sonny Bono, Jerry Stiller, Leslie Ann Powers, Colleen Fitzpatrick, and Michael St. Gerard. "Hairspray" was a dramatic departure from Waters's earlier works, with a much broader intended audience. "Hairspray"s PG is the mildest rating a Waters film has received; most of his previous films were rated X by the MPAA. Set in 1962 Baltimore, Maryland, the film revolves around self-proclaimed "pleasantly plump" teenager Tracy Turnblad as she pursues stardom as a dancer on a local TV
Dick Tracy (1990 film) "Dick Tracy" would launch a successful franchise, like the "Indiana Jones" series, but a disappointing box office performance halted Disney's plans. In addition, executive producers Art Linson and Floyd Mutrux sued Beatty shortly after the release of the film, alleging that they were owed profit participation from the film. Beatty purchased the "Dick Tracy" film and television rights in 1985 from Tribune Media Services. He then took the property to the Walt Disney Studios, who optioned the rights in 1988. According to Beatty, in 2002, Tribune attempted to reclaim the rights and notified Disney—but not through the process outlined in