VEGAS IN SPACE (1991)

Phillip R. Ford’s 1991 sci-fi drag cult classic VEGAS IN SPACE.

This sci-fi comedy follows three men, a captain and his two lieutenants aboard the USS Intercourse spacecraft, who are sent on a secret mission to the resort complex “Vegas in Space,” on the planet Clitoris, by the Empress of Earth. No men are allowed on the planet, so they must “change sex” with gender reversal pills. Once their transition is completed, they go undercover as traditional mid-twentieth century showgirls.

Upon their arrival to Vegas in Space, the Empress Nueva Gabor reveals their mission; the trio must track down the Empress’ gemstones and the thief who has stolen them. Without the gems, the Empress is unable to control the planet’s delicate orbit around the sun.

Director Phillip R. Ford (@therealphilliprford on Instagram) notes in “The Making of Vegas in Space” that the film premiered at San Francisco’s Castro Theater in October 1991, though unfortunately the entire cast was not able to make it. Doris Fish had recently passed away due to an AIDS related illness, and Tippi was going through a similar health struggle. 

Later, in 1992, VEGAS IN SPACE was featured at the Sundance film festival and went on to be shown at over 30 other film festivals worldwide. It would go on to become an unforgettable cult classic, and it can currently be viewed streaming through Prime and Troma (USA) and for rent/purchase through Amazon – it’s also available on DVD.

VEGAS IN SPACE

1991. USA.

Director: Phillip R. Ford

Screenplay: Doris Fish, Miss X & Phillip R. Ford

Starring: Doris Fish, Miss X, Ginger Quest, Ramona Fischer, Lori Naslund, Timmy Spence and Tippi

For more on VEGAS IN SPACE be sure to read Ford’s “The Making of Vegas in Space” blog!