Tuesday, May 24, 2005

Glen or Glenda



Glen tai Glenda / I Led 2 Lives. US © 1954 Screen Classics Productions. P: George Weiss. D+SC: Edward D. Wood, Jr. DP: William C. Thompson. M: Sandford H. Dickinson.
    Starring Bela Lugosi (Scientist), Lyle Talbot (Insp. Warren ), Timothy Farrell (Dr. Alton / Narrator), Dolores Fuller (Barbara), Daniel Davis (= Edward D. Wood, Jr.) (Glen / Glenda), "Tommy" Haynes (Alan / Anne), Charles Crafts (Johnny), Conrad Brooks (Reporter / Pickup Artist / Bearded Drag), Henry Bederski (Man with Hat and Receding Hairline), Captain DeZita (The Devil / Glen's Father). 69'.
    An Edition Salzgeber distribution print, Screen Classics 25th Anniversary edition titled I Led 2 Lives, good definition, some scratches.
    Viewed at Orion, Helsinki, 24 May 2005, with an appreciative audience.

The famous golden turkey of all times is not that bad, there are tens of thousands much worse films. This might be Ed Wood's best film: lunatic, serious, tender, never boring. The Bela Lugosi spirit hovering over it all is a surrealistic aspect, and yes, this is a story of mad love. Bela's last words: "What of the other, less fortunate Glens, the world over" are memorable in his unique voice.

The music sounds like stock archive music from the silent era, and it has a strange impact.

The other main story is about Alan the war veteran who became Anne through a sex change and hundreds of hormone shots. The framing story is about a transvestite suicide, the investigation of which sends the inspector to the doctor. Love is the cure for Glen, who can transfer Glenda to Barbara. The most beautiful scene: Barbara gives Glen her angora sweater.

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