THE HONEYMOON KILLERS (1970)

“Stoler is Divine, Annie Wilkes, Joan Rivers and Nurse Ratchet merged into one unforgettable performance. The film’s low budget, often amateurish editing, and hand-held camerawork blend beautifully and make the film into a work of art.” – Stefan Birgir Stefans
Martha Beck (Shirley Stoler) is sullen, overweight, and lonely. Desperate for affection, she joins Aunt Carrie’s Friendship Club and strikes up a correspondence with Ray Fernandez (Tony Lo Bianco), a charismatic smooth talker who could be the man of her dreams—or a degenerate con artist. Based on a shocking true story and shot in documentary-style black and white by the confident and inspired Leonard Kastle, in what would be his only foray into filmmaking, THE HONEYMOON KILLERS is a stark portrayal of the desperate lengths to which a lonely heart will go to find true love. THE HONEYMOON KILLERS was one of John Waters’ picks when he visited the Criterion Closet, and he said Shirley Stoler’s performance was so vivid and raw that when he finally met her in person, he was afraid she might K*ll him!