Cloris Leachman stuns in drag drama ‘Jump, Darling’
Multi-Award-Winning Cloris Leachman gives a stunning performance in one of her last films, Jump, Darling.
Jump, Darling, stars Oscar and BAFTA award-winning actress Cloris Leachman, who passed away in January at the age of 94, in a performance praised by critics in this worthy swan-song for the Hollywood legend. The film will arrive in theaters this March followed closely by an on demand, digital and DVD release later that month.
Written and directed by Phill Connell, the film stars newcomer Thomas Duplessie alongside Leachman, with supporting cast including Linda Kash (Best in Show), Jayne Eastwood (Chicago) and cameos from well-known drag queens Tynomi Banks (featured recently on Canada’s Drag Race), Fay Slift and Miss Fiercalicious.
The film showcases six on-screen drag performances against a pop soundtrack including Robyn, Allie X, Rough Trade, Years & Years and more. The film is produced by Katie Corbridge (An Acquired Taste), Executive Produced by Karen Harnisch (White Lie) and Allison Black (Giant Little Ones).
Jump, Darling tells the story of aspiring actor Russell (newcomer Thomas Duplessie), aka drag persona Fishy Falters. After a disastrous non-debut at Toronto drag club Peckers, Russell leaves his status-conscious boyfriend and takes shelter with his grandmother Margaret (Leachman) in Canadian wine country. Margaret is a woman coming to terms with her own mortality while determined to hang on to her independence.
While Russell struggles to establish himself at the local dive bar and flirts with Zachary, the not-so-straight busboy, Margaret fends off the best intentions of her daughter, Russell’s mom (Linda Kash), who wants to keep her safe by sending her to a retirement home. As tempers wear thin and family secrets are revealed, Russell and Margaret fight to maintain their dignity while being true to themselves.
The film was inspired by Connell’s end-of-life care conversations with his grandmother and his experience choosing life as an artist. “Over a period of years, my late grandmother struggled with how to prepare for her ‘decline’ –be it physical or mental,” shares Connell. “It was ‘the’ topic of conversation each time I would visit her. Meanwhile, I was struggling to maintain my resolve – against the forces and voices of self-doubt that every artist faces – and wanted to explore that in the distinctly queer context of drag.”
Cloris Leachman won both an Academy Award and a BAFTA Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Last Picture Show and holds the record for the most Primetime Emmy acting nominations in history – 22. She is best known for her role as Phyllis on The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
“Cloris was an icon and an ally,” said Connell. “To work with her, to know her, and now to share her final leading performance with the world is a true honor.
Jump, Darling will open in theaters March 18, and will be released March 29 on DVD and digital platforms including iTunes/Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, Vudu, Vimeo, DirecTV, Dish/Dish Digital, and through local cable & satellite providers.
