Madame in Manhattan Filming Locations

Wayland Flowers and his infamous Madame - who describes herself as an "alcoholic sex fiend" - are our escorts on an unforgettable, often risque tour of the Big Apple. Dressed in lavish wardrobe, Madame sings, cackles and hoots her way through Manhattan, and is surprised by a number of guest stars, including the master of one liners, Henny Youngman. With a live show filmed at Manhattan's Grand Finale Club, this 1984 production was released as a home video and is based around Madame's nightclub act with some ancillary studio-filmed scenes before and after the show. Also making cameo appearances are Anita Gillette and Alice Ghostly. We find Madame on the phone taking a fully-robed, luxurious bubble bath. She's assuring her good friend and traveling companion, Maude, that Rona Barrett wasn't ignoring her... she simply didn't see her because she wasn't wearing her contacts. "Of course she wears contacts! It's common knowledge! Hold on honey. I've got another line." It's Wayland calling with big news that they're off to New York City to perform at the Grand Finale Nightclub. Madame brims with excitement and launches into a semi-autobiographical tune that introduces us to her character. The pair arrive at their hotel in Manhattan and are greeted by a heckling Henny Youngman as desk clerk. The dialogue is witty if not a bit dated, and is delivered with hilarious timing and energy. From there we move right into the live cabaret performance. For those who know Madame from her television appearances, the show may be a bit shocking. Madame is quite raunchy, in a truly delightful way. She sings a bit and tells some very funny stories. We meet several of Madame's friends, including Shirley, Madame's Yiddish dresser, and Crazy Mary, who is really indescribable - someone you have to see to believe. Particularly fun is the Harlem harlot known as Jiffy, a sassy, black prostitute puppet with a penchant for cabaret. We run into her as Wayland and Madame are driving away from the nightclub after the show. Madame recognizes her old acquaintance and banter ensues. Jiffy gives us a lesson on minding our own business with a campy song and a pole dance. Wayland and Madame drive away - waving their goodbyes - leaving Jiffy to her corner. She is soon accosted by Henny Youngman who verbally taunts her and eventually runs her from her corner where he proceeds to busk for a buck with his nonsense fiddle playing and corny one-liners. Cut to morning in Battery Park, where the duo take in the sights and pay respects to Lady Liberty. Madame waxes philosophical about her love for her country and her fantasy of someday becoming president of the United States. "I'd love to see a bitch in the White House just once!" Wayland and Madame burst into song - a re-imagining of the National Anthem to a vaudeville-style tune. They dance all the way back to their midtown hotel, exhausted and ready to turn in. The close of the show is a sappy rendition of "Someone To Watch Over Me" sung by Flowers as a lullaby to Madame as she drifts off to sleep. Just as we think the show is over, a cranky, sleepy Madame gets a phone call, and it's truly worth eavesdropping in on. --------------------- A talented puppeteer and comedian from Georgia, Wayland Flowers and his Madame have won two Emmy Awards, a Jimmy Award (the best of Las Vegas) and a Georgia Award for Best Specialty Act from ACVA.