Friday Date Night: At the Movies Tab Hunter and Divine's Hilarious Wild Western Adventure in 'Lust in the Dust' 🎬✨

Lust in the Dust Movie Poster

If you're in the mood for a campy, hilarious Western, "Lust in the Dust" is a must-see. Directed by Paul Bartel and released in 1985, this film stars Tab Hunter, Divine, and Lainie Kazan. The movie follows Rosie (Divine) and a cowboy named Abel (Tab Hunter) as they venture into a wild New Mexican town, filled with characters that make Divine’s presence seem normal. It's packed with over-the-top personalities and outrageous situations that will have you laughing out loud.

I had the pleasure of being friends with Tab Hunter during a brief time in the 1990s. Funny thing is, I didn't know who he was back then. It wasn't until many years later, when I watched the film "Polyester" for the first time, that I realized I had known a Hollywood icon. This was a regular occurrence in my teen years, probably because I didn’t have much exposure to pop culture outside of what was popular in Pace, Florida. "Lust in the Dust" is another gem that showcases his talent and charisma. Tab Hunter and Divine share a unique chemistry that makes their scenes together incredibly entertaining.

The supporting cast is equally memorable. Lainie Kazan's portrayal of Marguerita Ventura is larger than life. She’s an absolute riot, and hearing her belt out a hilarious musical number makes you wonder how good her performance as Barbra Streisand’s understudy for Fanny Brice might have been. The film is full of absurd yet hilarious moments. Other stars featured in this film are Nedra Volz, known for her performance as sweet Miz Tisdale in The Dukes of Hazzard as well as the original Joker in Batman, Cesar Romero. Don’t go into this if you're easily offended by politically incorrect humor, because this was created in the spirit of absurdity. Many people confuse this for a John Waters film, no doubt because the most iconic star of his films was the leading “lady” of this one. The humor is unapologetically campy, which might not be for everyone, but it's perfect for those who appreciate this genre. The film doesn't take itself too seriously, and that's what makes it so enjoyable. It's a great escape from reality and a fun trip to the wild West with a twist.


If you enjoyed movies like "Polyester" or anything by John Waters, "Lust in the Dust" is definitely for you. It's a unique blend of Western and comedy that stands out for its creativity and humor. Plus, seeing Tab Hunter and Divine on screen together again is an absolute treat. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and get ready to laugh your way through the wild antics of "Lust in the Dust."

Enjoy the wild ride through "Lust in the Dust"! 🎬✨📖


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