What was Polyester Based On?

The 1981 film "Polyester" by John Waters is not based on any specific book or real-life story. It is a satirical, over-the-top melodrama and suburban fantasy, influenced by the work of directors like Douglas Sirk and William Castle. The film's plot revolves around a housewife, Francine Fishpaw (Divine), whose world is turned upside down by various family issues, including her husband's infidelity, her daughter's pregnancy, and her son's foot fetish. It's also known for its use of the "Odorama" gimmick, where audiences would receive scratch-and-sniff cards to smell different scents throughout the film.