Michael Neumann The title of this small gem hasn't aged as well as the film itself, which is certainly different (refreshingly so), but hardly outrageous in this semi-enlightened age, The bittersweet story of a gay hairdresser and part time drag queen, who befriends a pregnant schizophrenic recently escaped from a Toronto snake pit, might seem to be stretching the limits of romantic comedy, but the film succeeds as an offbeat celebration of human individuality, warts and all. What makes it special is the way it refuses to pin down a unique relationship: Robin and Liza are simply indifferent to each other's differences. None of their friends (gay or straight) can understand them, but in retrospect they aren't really so odd a couple: one is schizoid by nature; the other by vocation. The message is simple: be yourself, even if half the time you're someone else, and the low-budget look adds a raw edge of realism to the scenario, blunting the sentimentality and giving the humor a grey lining of melancholy. The story loses focus only when the emphasis shifts away from the couple to Robin's stage career, a showcase for actor Craig Russell's pitch-perfect drag impersonations—from Mae West to Betty Davis to Ella Fitzgerald.

jimmy860 This has been a favorite for years and years... it's touching, and basic, and about love and acceptance: multi-layered, it professes a simple lesson. Hollis Mc Laren is AMAZING in her role: she rips your heart out. Definitely should be part of any "gay" movie collection. (I question the label... this is 2006, after all, and personally I am tired of labels. Why can't we all just love? Let's have a Whatever Pride Parade!) Craig Russell demonstrates the bravery inherent in the early proclaimers of the gay movement, but his message speaks to everyone: be yourself, and society be damned! This is an unforgettable film, and highly worthy of your attention.

giraffelover Outrageous is a very special film. Imagine you live in the 70s and you were in a club or theatre anywhere in Canada or the USA. The announcer says: Ladies and Gentlemen. Mrs. Judy Garland. You think by yourself. Judy Garland? I thought this woman is dead. But the women on the stage is not Judy Garland but Craig Russell (a Canadian), one of the best female impersonators of our century. Because he was not only able to imitate the look of his idols (many great actresses and singers from the 30s to the 60s). He could also imitate the voices of the women. In the film he plays a gay character (which he really was) who shares a flat with a schizophrenic woman and makes his unbelievable shows at the evening. Craig Russell died too early of AIDS and he made only two films: Outrageous and the sequel. Craig Russell was a unique person and after his death Canada and the world had lost one of its greatest idols.

jonygee The acting was superb. A sleeper film if I ever saw one, more people should see it. It needs to be re-released and published for sale.