Way USA!

Way USA, a pilot for a punk/comedy travelogue that was done for MTV in 1988 and hosted by Tesco Vee (lead singer of the band The Meatmen). Tesco wanders around Baltimore. He tours dive bars, strip clubs, bath houses and greasy spoons. It features John Waters, Jean Hill (Polyester, Desperate Living), and a host of other weirdos, deviants and losers. It was all shot on Super 8 to get that grainy 50's home move/travelogue look.

Directed by Peter Lauer, Way USA! leans on a strong ensemble — Tesco Vee, John Waters, Jean Hill — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 1988.