The Cinematheque

“Stylistically accomplished … An impressive example of American independent feature filmmaking during the mid-1960s and an uncommon portrayal, for the time, of female agency.”

Maya Montañez Smukler, UCLA Film & Television Archive

Ripe for rediscovery! Pioneering female independent Juleen Compton wrote, directed, and self-financed this strange, surreal tale of a blond teenager (Sharon Henesy) whose clairvoyant powers are exploited by a Beatles-like rock band operating out of a roadside attraction called the Plastic Dome. The ​“Norma Jean” of the title is an intentional nod to Marilyn Monroe. The film was shot in the Ozarks with a cast of young unknowns, including Sam Waterston (Law & Order) in his film debut. Noted French film composer Michel Legrand penned the fine score.

Preservation funded by Century Arts Foundation.