Broadening the reach of a little-known pop singer from Bay City, Michigan-- and promoting the material girl’s style to boot-- Desperately Seeking Susan, its lacy gloves, and its gigantic hair bows etched their way into the public fashion lexicon, and pop culture history at large.

A script that attracted the interest of Goldie Hawn, Ellen Barkin, and Diane Keaton ultimately forewent bankable actors in favor of fresh talent thanks to director Susan Seidelman. A modest budget also favored desperately seeking more affordable performances. Up-and-comer Rosanna Arquette read the script and expressed a desire to play the title character. She was shocked to discover that the producers had in mind to play the diminutive housewife, Roberta, instead. And although pop singer Suzanne Vega auditioned for the role of the care-free Susan, the part ultimately went to pop singer Madonna, who was just beginning to make a name for herself. Robert Joy got the part of the man seeking Susan over Bruce Willis, and Mark Blum, Aidan Quinn, and Roseanne's Laurie Metcalf filled out the rest of the principals.

Bored with her ho-hum life as a suburban wife, Roberta Glass finds comfort and fascination in the communication between an anonymous couple within the personal pages of a tabloid. When one of the messages claims to be “desperately seeking Susan” and proposes a rendezvous, Roberta succumbs to the urge to learn more and shows up at the prescribed meeting place. After an unfortunate accident leaves her with amnesia, Roberta is mistaken for the wild Susan and, not knowing any better, goes along with it. Meanwhile, the real Susan takes relishes the opportunity to take a brief hiatus from her wild life by enjoying Roberta’s. But when Roberta’s life is threatened, Susan must decide whether to save herself, or save her namesake.

The film made just over twenty-seven million dollars in the theaters but it nevertheless holds the distinction of being the major film debut of the now lionized Madonna. That year’s BAFTA award for Best Supporting Actress went to Arquette (despite the fact that her character is technically the main one). Look for John Turturro in an early role as Ray, the Magic Club’s master of ceremonies.