Miss America

United States of America

• 2002-01-27
• ▪

  Documentary,

  TV Movie
• ▪ 1h-42m

no tagline

Overview

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.

• Buddy SquiresDirector of Photography

  Peter NelsonDirector of Photography

  Stephen McCarthyDirector of Photography

  Jeanne HouckExecutive Producer

  Cheryl TeetzelAssociate Producer

  Cara MartesConsulting Producer