South Beach's hottest drag club is The Birdcage. Owned by Armand Goldman and starring his flamboyant life partner Albert, better known as Starina to the public. When Armand's son Val announces he's engaged and his future in-laws are super-conservative, hijinks ensue as Armand is attempted to be passed off as straight, Albert becomes Val's uncle and Albert calls on his former fling and Val's mother, Katharine, to play his wife. Plans change when Katharine is detained and Albert shows up dressed as a woman. The deceptions are eventually revealed, views are changed and nuptials are exchanged.
The Birdcage is a remake of the Italian film La Cage Aux Folles. It was well-received, remaining at the top of the box office for three weeks, with Robin Williams and Nathan Lane praised for their performances. The colorful strand that is Miami Beach's Ocean Drive was the perfect setting for the film.
The Birdcage was filmed in Miami Beach, FL
Location: The Birdcage Nightclub
Address: 1250 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL
Either the doorway to the building was a facade or the building has been remodeled...
The famous Carlyle Hotel has been seen in several movies and television shows including Scarface (1983), Miami Vice (1984-1989) and The Golden Palace (1992-1993).
Location: Playing It Straight
Address: 1244 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL
When Albert feels faint, he and Armand head into The Leslie Hotel, which is right next to The Carlyle. The remaining part of the scene where Albert practices his mannerisms was filmed at The Raleigh Hotel, located at 1775 Collins Avenue. It was under renovations at the time of my visit.
The art deco historic district is a sight to see...
Location Visited: March 2021
I was staying at the Raleigh Hotel in 1995 when we got a memo saying that some shots were going to be filmed inside the hotel.
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