Miss America
Synopsis
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.
Top Cast
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Cherry Jones
Narrator
Julia Álvarez
Self
Sarah Banet-Weiser
Self
Kimberly Clarice Aiken
Self
Gloria Steinem
Self
Ric Ferentz
Self
Margaret Cho
Self
William Goldman
Self
Vicki Gold Levi
Self
Leonard Horn
Self
Lee Meriwether
Self
Isaac Mizrahi
Self
Mary Ann Mobley
Self
Robin Morgan
Self
Kathy Peiss
Self
Tricia Rose
Self
Kate Shindle
Self
Vanessa Williams
Self (archival footage)
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Lisa Ades
- Screenplay & Story
- Michelle Ferrari
- Original Score
- Douglas J. Cuomo
- Original Title
- Miss America
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 42m
- Production Studios
- Clio TV, Doug Orchard Films, Visualizing History, GBH
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Lisa Ades
Michelle Ferrari
Douglas J. Cuomo
Buddy Squires, Peter Nelson, Stephen McCarthy
Toby Shimin
Lisa Ades, Lesli Klainberg, Margaret Drain, Mark Samels, Jeanne Houck
Department Leadership Roster
Buddy Squires
Director of Photography
Peter Nelson
Director of Photography
Stephen McCarthy
Director of Photography
Lisa Ades
Producer
Lesli Klainberg
Producer
Mark Samels
Producer
Lisa Ades
Director
Michelle Ferrari
Writer
Toby Shimin
Editor
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Miss America.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Miss America
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
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?
The principal cast of Miss America includes Cherry Jones, Julia Álvarez, Sarah Banet-Weiser, Kimberly Clarice Aiken, Gloria Steinem.
When was Miss America released and how long is it?
Miss America was released in 2002 with a total runtime of 1h 42m.
Who composed the musical score for Miss America?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Miss America was composed by Douglas J. Cuomo.