Cry-Baby

John Waters envisioned a grand, dramatic chicken race as a metaphor for the Drapes vs. Squares rivalry. However, securing trained racing chickens proved impossible on their budget. Despondent, Waters considered scrapping the scene entirely. Then, a local farmer offered his untrained chickens, leading to the chaotic, hilarious, and ultimately more authentic race we see in the film, perfectly capturing the Drapes' rebellious spirit.

Makeup artist Van Smith spent weeks perfecting Depp's signature single tear. Initially, he tried prosthetics and various glues, but nothing looked natural. Finally, inspired by a vintage tattooing technique, Smith created a custom stencil and applied the tear using waterproof eyeliner, painstakingly layering it to create the perfect glistening droplet that stayed put through all the singing and… crying.

Waters initially wanted adult film star Traci Lords for the role of Wanda, aiming to add another layer of controversy to the film. Lords even expressed interest. However, Universal Pictures, worried about the potential backlash and box office impact given Lords' recent legal troubles related to underage work in the adult film industry, vetoed the casting. The role ultimately went to Kim McGuire, whose distinct look contributed to the film's eccentric charm.