This documentary, part of the Investigative Reports cable television series on the A&E network, examines the glitzy and often controversial world of beauty pageants. From small-themed contests, to city or state contests, to national and even international contests, this episode, narrated by Investigative Reports host and producer Bill Kurtis, goes behind-the-scenes at what really happens before, during, and after the pageants. It examines how intense the competition has become, for both adult pageants and children's contests, and also explores the history of pageants and how pageants have changed through the years to conform to social standards. There is footage from the first Miss America contest and interviews with pageant regulars Dick Clark, Kathie Lee Gifford, and Regis Philbin.
by Cecilia Cygnar
synopsis
