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Car Wash (15*)

Queer 70s

— ,Cinema 2 & 3
Three people in orange overalls chat together and stare into the camera

There are a hundred reasons to love this lively comedy, set in a California car wash, not least Antonio Fargas’ scene-stealing turn as the flamboyant Lindy.

It’s a normal day in the world of a Los Angeles car wash, which means there’s nothing normal about it. Eccentric characters, such as Richard Pryor’s phoney preacher, backed by his entourage (The Pointer Sisters), come and go. The boss’ son wants to connect with the working men on the day shift, much to their irritation. A sex worker cunningly evades a taxi driver, from whom she fled without paying. A man who may or not be a bomber scuttles around the building.

And that’s before we get to the employees, a likeable motley crew only too aware they are stuck in a dead-end job. Among the most memorable is Lindy, played by Antonio Fargas (Starsky & Hutch’s Huggy Bear), a fierce queer man who fearlessly stands up to any hint of bigotry. And then there’s the Rose Royce funk soundtrack. 

What more reason do you need to come on down to the car wash?

Tagged with: Cinema Queer 70s

The screening on 19 Jun includes an introduction by Mzz Kimberley.

Kim Tatum aka Mzz Kimberley is an actress and singer. Kim is an ambassador for ParaPride, highlighting the queer disabled community, AIDS memorial UK and Trans in The City. Kim made the 2020, 2021 and 2024 LGBT Power List and in 2020 she had the honour to be the first trans woman to present the first LGBT+ award for the ‘Black British Theatre Awards’ for Sky television.

Please note this film contains depictions of racism and homophobia, including racist and homophobic language

Film information
  • Release year   1976
  • Country   USA
  • Director   Michael Schultz
  • Runtime   1 hour 37 min
‘Lindy doesn’t try to hide who he is, and shows no shame in his effeminacy. It holds a special place in the history of queer cinema‘
David Reddish, Queerty

Cinema 2 & 3

Location
Barbican Cinema 2 & 3 are located on Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican’s Silk Street entrance. From Silk Street, you’ll see a zebra crossing that will take you across the road to the venue. 

Address
Beech Street
London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.