Serial Mom is a 1994 film directed by John Waters, starring Kathleen Turner as the title character and Sam Waterston as her husband. Despite statements to the contrary in the movie, the story is completely fictional. Patty Hearst, Suzanne Somers, Traci Lords and Brigid Berlin make cameo appearances.

Movies by Waters' creative influences, including Russ Meyer, Otto Preminger, William Castle, and Herschell Gordon Lewis, are seen playing on TV sets.

Plot summary

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Beverly (played by Turner) is the perfect mother and wife with a seemingly perfect life. She is married to a successful dentist, has two children, and a nice home in the Baltimore suburbs. However, her son's teacher angers her to the point where she decides to run him over with her car. This starts a series of murders, where the weapons range from air conditioners to legs of lamb!

Tagline: Every mom wants to be wanted, but not for murder one!.

Cast

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• Kathleen Turner — Beverly Sutphin
• Ricki Lake — Misty Sutphin
• Sam Waterson — Eugene Sutphin
• Matthew Lillard — Chip Sutphin
• Mink Stole — Dotty Hinkle
• Mary Jo Catlett — Rosemary Ackerman
• Patty Hearst — Juror #8
• Suzanne Somers — Herself

Reaction

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Mixed reviews resulted in a poor box office showing, as the $13 million dollar movie only amassed $8 million in domestic box office sales.

Note

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A similar idea was recycled in the 2005 film Keeping Mum, where the new housekeeper tries to save the family by killing their antagonists.

External links

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1994 films | Black comedy films | Films shot in Maryland

Serial Mom – Warum läßt Mama das Morden nicht? | Serial Mom | Мамочка — убийца-маньячка (фильм)