Production
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]
Release
Howard Thompson gave the film a positive review in The New York Times , 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." [9]
Roger Greenspun, also reviewing the film for The New York Times, called the film "a minor jolt and a pleasant surprise", hailing it as "a quiet, even dignified little picture, handled professionally and tastefully, minus a touch of sensationalism." Greenspun singled out the smoothness of the story, its tone of "genteel restraint", the quality of the color photography and the economical use of settings, and Hansen's handling of the role with "absolute sincerity and a soft effusiveness." Greenspun concluded that the film is" essentially a decent film that says a bit and implies much about human courage, sensitivity and plain pluck." [10]
The Washington Daily News said called the film's narrative unfolded in a "slow moving, stilted, amateurish but honest fashion and in good taste - the R (for Restricted) rating notwithstanding." The reviewer noted director Irving Rapper having executed the production with "a nice regard for soap opera techniques, such as the pregnant pauses, the long stares and full-faced close-ups," but ultimately concluded that the film was "not a movie for film buffs nor even for those just seeking entertainment." [11]
Derek Malcolm, reviewing the film for The Guardian , described the film as a "sad little film" that failed to do justice to its subject matter, calling it a "cheap Hollywood weepie" that lacked emotional depth and was stifled by sensationalism. [12]
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. [13]
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