Synopsis

Mary Katherine Gallagher, an awkward Catholic schoolgirl with dreams of fame and romance, enters a school talent contest offering a chance to appear in a Hollywood movie. Along the way, she faces a jealous rival, confronts painful family history, and discovers that confidence may matter more than popularity. Her outrageous performance becomes a celebration of friendship, courage, and self-belief.

Factoids & Trivia

• Mary Katherine Gallagher originated as a recurring Saturday Night Live character created and performed by Molly Shannon. She appeared in 17 SNL sketches before the film was released.

• The movie marked the final on-screen appearances of Glynis Johns and Jean Howell.

• Nearly every car seen in the film is either a lime green or black new Volkswagen Beetle. The exception is the opening sequence, which features classic Beetles.

• The fictional town of Besamee Heights takes its name from the Spanish phrase "besame," meaning "kiss me."

• During production, Karyn Dwyer was asked to remove her belly piercing for her role as Summer because the character attended Catholic school. Dwyer had also attended a Catholic school in real life.

• Released by Paramount Pictures on October 8, 1999, the film was produced on an estimated $14 million budget and earned approximately $30.6 million worldwide.

• The film was one of several Saturday Night Live character-based features of the 1990s, following the commercial success of films such as Wayne's World.