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Drama Cult Classic

Ed Wood’s cult drama blends surrealism and sincerity in a taboo-shattering look at gender identity.

GLEN OR GLENDA

Strange Loves... of those who live and love but can never marry!

1953 · 1h 11m · PG · Drama · IMDB TMDB

A psychiatrist tells two stories: one of a trans woman, the other of a pseudohermaphrodite.

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Vault Note

If you’ve ever wanted to see Bela Lugosi narrate a gender-bending fever dream, your wish is granted.

Programmer's Pick

Part earnest plea, part fever dream, Glen or Glenda doesn’t just wear its angora on its sleeve—it wraps itself in it. Ed Wood’s wild blending of camp, cult, and cross-dressing is as sincere as it is surreal, with Bela Lugosi presiding over the proceedings like a mad scientist-meets-poet.

— SassyFlix Programmer
Quick Answer
What is Glen or Glenda about?

Glen or Glenda is a 1953 American drama film directed by Edward D. Wood Jr. about a psychiatrist recounting the stories of a transvestite and a pseudohermaphrodite.

Details & Specs
Director
Edward D. Wood Jr.
Writer
Edward D. Wood Jr.
Release
1953
Runtime
1h 11m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Genres
Drama
Also Known As
I Led Two Lives, Глен або Гленда, Due vite in una, I Changed My Sex, He or She?

Synopsis

psychiatrist tells two stories: one of a transvestite (Glen or Glenda), the other of a pseudohermaphrodite (Alan or Anne).

Why Cult

Cult & Camp

This film is a certified cult classic, infamous for its earnest oddity and psychotronic flair.

Gender Identity Frontlines

One of the earliest American films to grapple with transgender and crossdressing themes head-on.

Lugosi as Scientist

Horror legend Bela Lugosi appears in a cryptic, atmospheric role, adding to the film's surreal edge.

Ed Wood Personal Touch

Written, directed by, and starring Ed Wood Jr. himself—this is auteur filmmaking with angora.

Questions from the Vault

What is Glen or Glenda about? +

Glen or Glenda follows a psychiatrist who tells two stories: one about a transvestite and another about a pseudohermaphrodite, delving into themes of gender identity and transformation.

When was Glen or Glenda released? +

Glen or Glenda was released in 1953.

Who directed Glen or Glenda? +

Edward D. Wood Jr. directed Glen or Glenda.

How long is Glen or Glenda? +

The film runs for 71 minutes.

What genre is Glen or Glenda? +

Glen or Glenda is a drama film.

Where can I watch Glen or Glenda? +

Glen or Glenda is available to stream on SassyFlix.

Themes & Keywords

Psychotronic Film Cult Film Rape Police Flashback Husband Wife Relationship Suicide Scientist Nightmare Bondage Whipping Laboratory Voice Over Narration Brother Sister Relationship Female Removes Her Clothes Mad Scientist