| The Christine Jorgensen Story | |
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The Christine Jorgensen Story film poster.
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| Directed by | Irving Rapper |
| Written by | Robert E. Kent Ellis St Joseph |
| Based on | Christine Jorgensen, a Personal Autobiography |
| Produced by | Edward Small |
| Starring | John Hansen Joan Tompkins Quinn K. Redeker |
| Cinematography | Jacques R. Marquette |
| Edited by | R. A. Radecki |
| Music by | Paul Sawtell Bert Shefter |
Production | |
| Distributed by | United Artists |
Release date |
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Running time | 89 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | approx $1 million[1] |
| Box office | $1.5 million (US/ Canada rentals)[2] |
The Christine Jorgensen Story is a 1970 American drama film and a fictionalized biographical film about trans woman Christine Jorgensen. While the overall premise of the film is accurate, many of the details are fictionalized for the continuity of the film. It was directed by Irving Rapper and based on Christine Jorgensen's autobiography.[3]
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A film based on the book was proposed in 1960.[4] Edward Small bought the film rights in 1968.[5] Jorgensen later claimed under the contract she would be entitled to 10% of the gross and 3.5% of the budget.[1]
"Every female impersonator in the world came flying into Hollywood demanding he was Christine", said Jorgensen later.[6] George/Christine is played by John Hansen.[7]
Irving Rapper said Small gave him the job as director because it required someone who had sensitivity.[8]
Reviews were mixed.[9][10][11]
Howard Thompson gave the film a positive review in the New York Times (7/25/70), calling it, “a pleasant surprise.” He continues: “Here is a quiet, even dignified little picture, handled professionally and tastefully, minus a touch of sensationalism. It tells a convincing story—an unseen, climatic operation is spelled out in clear, unlurid terms—with enlightening tact. It also happens to be moving, and where you would least expect it. Compared to a glittering garbage pail like “Myra Breckinridge,” the film is downright disarming.” He concludes the review, “This is essentially a decent film that says a bit and implies much about human courage, sensitivity and plain pluck.”
Jorgensen later unsuccessfully tried to get a restraining order to stop Small's estate from exploiting the film, claiming Small diverted $100,000 owed to her for his own use.[1] Jorgensen said she was worried United Artists would exploit the film as a B movie.[12]
The Christine Jorgensen Story was released on DVDbyMGM Home Entertainment on October 12, 2011, through its Ultimate Collection DVD-on-demand service.
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Films directed by Irving Rapper
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