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The Christine Jorgensen Story
The Christine Jorgensen Story
	The Christine Jorgensen Story film poster.
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; company	Edward Small Productions
Distributed by	United Artists
Release date	June 24, 1970;
Running time	89 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	approx $1 million
Box office	$1.5 million (US/ Canada rentals)

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]

Plot

Cast

John Hansen as George Jorgensen, Jr./Christine Jorgensen
Trent Lehman as George at 7
Joan Tompkins as Aunt Thora
Quinn Redeker as Tom Crawford
Pamelyn Ferdin as Dolly as a child
Elaine Joyce as Loretta

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]

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]

Home media

The Christine Jorgensen Story was released on DVD by MGM Home Entertainment on October 12, 2011, through its Ultimate Collection DVD-on-demand service.

References

^ ^a ^b ^c Perlman, Jeffrey (3 Sep 1977). "AIMED AT FILM PRODUCER'S ESTATE: Christine Jorgensen Denied Court Order". Los Angeles Times. p. oc10.
^ "Big Rental Films of 1970", Variety, 6 January 1971 p 11
^ Markoutsas, Elaine (14 Jan 1979). "Christine Jorgensen celebrates 26 years as a woman". Chicago Tribune. p. k3.
^ Scheuer, Philip K (29 Jan 1960). "Type Casting Given New Twist by Duo: Players Picked City by City; Rosenda Monteros in 'Seven'". Los Angeles Times. p. A7.
^ Martin, Betty (4 Oct 1968). "Miss Jorgensen's Story Sold". Los Angeles Times. p. h15.
^ Kramer, Carol (26 July 1970). "Miss Jorgensen Operates On a Sense of Humor". Chicago Tribune. p. f1.
^ "Youth, 18, Accepts 'Christine' Role". Los Angeles Times. 16 Oct 1969. p. d13.
^ Thomas, Kevin (24 Apr 1970). "The Problems of Directing 'Christine': Rapper Directs 'Christine'". Los Angeles Times. p. h1.
^ Gary Arnold (13 July 1970). "'Christine': Film". The Washington Post and Times-Herald. p. C5.
^ ROGER GREENSPUN (25 July 1970). "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". New York Times. p. 12.
^ Malcolm, Derek (17 Sep 1970). "Has anybody here seen Kelly?". The Guardian. London (UK). p. 8.
^ "Notes on People". New York Times. 8 Sep 1977. p. 62.