Skip to main content
Comedy Cult Classic

Ed Wood's lost sexploitation detective comedy, resurfaced after nearly fifty years.

TAKE IT OUT IN TRADE

1970 · 1h 20m · NR · Comedy · IMDB TMDB

A couple hire a detective to locate their missing daughter. He finds her in a "house of ill-repute."

5,470 FilmsIn The Vault
Vault UpdatedDaily
Curated ByHumans
No AlgorithmBullsh*t
Vault Note

Ed Wood always delivers—sometimes in heels.

Programmer's Pick

Yes, that's Ed Wood in a dress—and behind the camera. Take It Out in Trade serves up a deliriously oddball blend of sexploitation, cross-dressing, and slapstick private-eye antics, making this long-lost caper pure psychotronic gold. If you like your comedies with a side of voyeurism and a heap of Wood's unique vision, you've found your next cult curiosity.

— SassyFlix Programmer
Quick Answer
What is Take It Out in Trade about?

Take It Out in Trade is a 1970 American comedy film directed by Edward D. Wood Jr. about a detective hired by a couple to find their missing daughter, leading him to a house of ill-repute.

Details & Specs
Director
Edward D. Wood Jr.
Writer
Edward D. Wood Jr.
Release
1970
Runtime
1h 20m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Genres
Comedy

Synopsis

A 2K preservation of Ed Wood's long-lost final film!

Ed Wood was the filmmaker behind PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE, the author of hundreds of adult novels, and a pall-bearer at Bela Lugosi's funeral. Wood fought in the Pacific Ocean theater during World War II while wearing a bra and panties under his uniform. Basically, there will never be another hero like Ed Wood. And there will never be another movie like TAKE IT OUT IN TRADE. Unseen for almost fifty years, this is a surreal sexploitation detective comedy that would feel right at home on a triple-bill with John Waters's MULTIPLE MANIACS and Russ Meyer's THE IMMORAL MR. TEAS. With delirious narration by Wood himself, positive depictions of LGBTQ relationships, and a miraculous role by Ed Wood in drag as ''Alecia,'' TAKE IT OUT IN TRADE is a joyous swan song from one of the most seminal exploitation filmmakers of all time.

Why Cult

Ed Wood Unleashed

Directed, written by, and starring Edward D. Wood Jr., this is his last film and a rare glimpse into his late-career sexploitation phase.

Sexploitation Detective Comedy

The film mashes up detective sleaze, missing daughters, and a 'house of ill-repute' for a uniquely offbeat comedic ride.

Gender-Bending Cast

Wood himself appears in drag, surrounded by prostitutes, voyeurs, and a cross-dressing, LGBTQ-friendly ensemble.

Psychotronic Curio

Loaded with peeping toms, lesbian couples, and narration by Wood, it’s a true oddity in the world of exploitation cinema.

Questions from the Vault

What is Take It Out in Trade about? +

Take It Out in Trade is a comedy about a detective tasked with finding a couple's missing daughter, a search that leads him into a world of sex, nudity, and cross-dressing.

Who directed Take It Out in Trade? +

Take It Out in Trade was directed by Edward D. Wood Jr.

How long is Take It Out in Trade? +

Take It Out in Trade has a runtime of 80 minutes.

What genre is Take It Out in Trade? +

Take It Out in Trade is a comedy with strong sexploitation and exploitation elements.

When was Take It Out in Trade released? +

Take It Out in Trade was released in 1970.

Where can I watch Take It Out in Trade? +

Take It Out in Trade is available to stream on SassyFlix.