Hairspray (2007)

The 2007 film Hairspray gives viewers a good glimpse of America during the 1960s, a time period in which racial segregation was practiced almost everywhere in the country. Jim Crow laws were tragically implemented in the Southern United States, mandating that black people and white people must be kept apart. In addition, the time period was also significant for other social and political movements, driving civil rights advocates to fight for equality for all ethnic groups. The Corny Collins Show that Tracy and Penny watch together after school is a symbol of the growing popular culture and political trends that evolved in America during that decade. Hairspray takes place in Baltimore, Maryland, 1962, as evidenced by old-fashioned cars parked on the streets and tall apartment buildings and businesses positioned close to each other. Many women who played the characters in the film and who are stars on The Corny Collins Show have elegant hairstyles that capture the fashion of the 1960s. Tracy's hairstyle is short with big flips at the end, a relatable look to viewers as it's still popular today. In general, the colorful aesthetics and many of the vibrant characters help keep Hairspray fun without seeming "dated." The Corny Collins Show