The Birdcage 1996

The Birdcage Nightclub

The story begins at the lively Birdcage nightclub in South Beach, Miami, a vibrant establishment owned by Armand Goldman. This nightclub serves as a backdrop for the colorful lives of Armand and his partner, Albert, who is the star drag queen of the establishment.

Val's Return

Armand's son, Val, returns from college excited to share news about his engagement to his school friend Barbara Keeley. However, Val quickly reveals the complications that arise from the conservative nature of Barbara's family.

The Fabricated Family

Val informs Armand that he has misrepresented their family to Barbara’s conservative parents, claiming they are a traditional, upscale household. Val’s deception is meant to gain acceptance from Barbara's family, particularly her father, Kevin Keeley, a prominent politician.

Political Scandal

The Keeley family finds themselves in turmoil following a scandal involving a co-founder of Kevin's political Coalition for Moral Order. This incident threatens their reputation and adds pressure to their meeting with Val's family.

Visit from the Keeleys

To quell the negative media attention, Kevin's wife Louise suggests they meet Val’s family, whom they mistakenly believe to be a wholesome couple. This sets the stage for a chaotic encounter filled with deception and misunderstandings.

Preparing for the Keeleys

Val pleads with Armand to go along with the deception, prompting Armand to agree to transform their flamboyant home into a more traditional setting. The couple recruits their housekeeper, Agador, to pose as a butler, further complicating the ruse.

Request for Katherine's Help

In a desperate attempt to maintain the facade, Val reaches out to his estranged birthmother, Katherine, for assistance. This request strains the relationship between Armand and Albert, creating tension within their household.

The Dinner Evening Begins

The evening begins with the Keeleys arriving at Armand and Albert's home, and things seem to go as planned initially. However, the night soon takes a turn for the worse as unexpected events start to unfold.

Albert as Katherine

When Katherine is delayed in traffic, Albert agrees to impersonate her, leading to comedic chaos as he dresses in women's attire. This unexpected disguise surprises both Val and Armand but also brings unexpected charm to the table.

Increasing Suspicion

As the evening progresses, Louise begins to grow suspicious of the unusual behavior of Val's family. Meanwhile, Kevin remains blissfully unaware, enjoying the company, which adds to the underlying tension.

Katherine's Arrival

Katherine finally arrives, leading to a turbulent encounter that shocks the Keeleys. The mix-up and revelations turn the atmosphere from celebratory to fraught with tension, as secrets begin to surface.

Media Madness

Media frenzy erupts outside the house as reporters gather, causing panic among the Goldmans and Keeleys. This chaotic situation forces both families to confront their intertwined lives and secrets more directly.

Daring Escape Plan

In a moment of desperation amidst the chaos, Albert suggests a bold plan to disguise the Keeleys in drag and stage a performance. This extravagant scheme showcases their humor and creativity, leading to a memorable escape.

Val and Barbara's Wedding

The film reaches its climax with the wedding of Val and Barbara, uniting their families in a beautiful interfaith ceremony. This celebration highlights the themes of love and acceptance across diverse backgrounds.