| The Christine Jorgensen Story | |
|---|---|
 The Christine Jorgensen Story film poster. | |
| Directed by | Irving Rapper |
| Written by | Robert E. Kent Ellis St Joseph |
| Produced by | Edward Small |
| Starring | John Hansen Joan Tompkins Quinn K. Redeker |
Production company | Edprod |
| Distributed by | United Artists |
Release date | 1970 |
Running time | 98 mins |
| 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 fictionalized biographical movie about transsexual 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]
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
Reviews were mixed.[9][10][11]
Jorgensen later unsuccessfully tried to get a restraining order to stop Small's estate from exploiting the film, claiming Small diverted $100,000 owing to her for his own use.[1] Jorgensen said she was worried United Artist would exploit the film as a B movie.[12]
See also
References
- ^ a b c AIMED AT FILM PRODUCER'S ESTATE: Christine Jorgensen Denied Court Order Perlman, Jeffrey. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 03 Sep 1977: oc10.
- ^ "Big Rental Films of 1970", Variety, 6 January 1971 p 11
- ^ Christine Jorgensen celebrates 26 years as a woman Markoutsas, Elaine. Chicago Tribune (1963-Current file) [Chicago, Ill] 14 Jan 1979: k3.
- ^ Type Casting Given New Twist by Duo: Players Picked City by City; Rosenda Monteros in 'Seven' Scheuer, Philip K. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 29 Jan 1960: A7.
- ^ Miss Jorgensen's Story Sold Martin, Betty. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 04 Oct 1968: h15.
- ^ Miss Jorgensen Operates On a Sense of Humor Kramer, Carol. Chicago Tribune (1963-Current file) [Chicago, Ill] 26 July 1970: f1.
- ^ Youth, 18, Accepts 'Christine' Role Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 16 Oct 1969: d13.
- ^ The Problems of Directing 'Christine': Rapper Directs 'Christine' Thomas, Kevin. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 24 Apr 1970: h1.
- ^ 'Christine': Film By Gary Arnold. The Washington Post, Times Herald (1959-1973) [Washington, D.C] 13 July 1970: C5.
- ^ Screen: 'You Can't Win' Em All' Proves a Cliche: Collinson's Caper Film Written by Gordon Story of a Sex Change Also Opens Here By ROGER GREENSPUN. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 25 July 1970: 12.
- ^ Has anybody here seen Kelly? Malcolm, Derek. The Guardian (1959-2003) [London (UK)] 17 Sep 1970: 8.
- ^ Notes on People New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 08 Sep 1977: 62.
External links