4.3
Viewer Rating
Combines user and critic ratings from four sources
Glen or Glenda (1953)
Glen or Glenda (1953)
Overview
A psychiatrist tells two stories: one of a trans woman, the other of a pseudohermaphrodite.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Rating & Dimensions
Bias Rating
Analyzing...
Leans Progressive
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Positive
Trans: Neutral
Viewer Rating
4.3
Overview
A psychiatrist tells two stories: one of a trans woman, the other of a pseudohermaphrodite.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Detailed Bias Analysis
Analyzing...
Leans Progressive
Primary
The film's central thesis is a plea for tolerance and understanding towards individuals who cross-dress, challenging societal prejudice and traditional gender norms, which aligns with progressive values of social justice and empathy for marginalized identities.
The movie features a predominantly white cast without intentional race or gender swaps. Its narrative explores the challenges faced by a white male protagonist grappling with transvestism, presenting a non-traditional identity without explicitly critiquing traditional identities or framing them negatively.
Secondary
"Glen or Glenda" explores transvestism through its protagonist's internal struggles and societal pressures, aiming to foster understanding and acceptance. Despite its melodramatic style and some dated conflations, the film's ultimate message is one of empathy and validation for gender non-conformity, culminating in a supportive resolution.
Edward D. Wood Jr.'s film is a pioneering, albeit clumsy, attempt to explore cross-dressing and transsexuality. Its efforts to foster understanding and acceptance for its time are significant, but these are largely counterbalanced by sensationalized depictions, medical inaccuracies, and a tendency to frame gender identity as a 'problem,' resulting in a net neutral impact.
The movie does not contain any action or adventure elements.
The film "Glen or Glenda" is an original story exploring transvestism and gender identity, largely autobiographical. It does not adapt pre-existing characters whose canonical gender was altered; rather, it depicts a character's in-plot gender expression.
This film is an original work from 1953, not an adaptation of pre-existing material with established character races, nor does it feature historical figures whose race was altered. Therefore, no characters meet the definition of a race swap.
Viewer Rating Breakdown
User Ratings
4.3
4.6
Critic Ratings
3.9
N/A
More Like This
Leans Progressive
7.6
Good Morning, Vietnam
(1987)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Leans Progressive
6.7
I Love You Phillip Morris
(2010)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Positive
Progressive
7.9
The Kids Are All Right
(2010)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Positive
Progressive
7.4
Out
(2020)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Positive
Leans Progressive
8.0
Sicko
(2007)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: Moderate
Progressive
7.2
Holes
(2003)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: High
Progressive
7.7
Hairspray
(2007)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Positive
Progressive
7.1
Dumb Money
(2023)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Positive
Leans Progressive
6.7
Chocolat
(2000)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Progressive
7.1
Transamerica
(2005)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Positive
Progressive
7.4
Fried Green Tomatoes
(1991)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Positive
Leans Progressive
6.7
The Threesome
(2025)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Positive
Leans Progressive
9.0
Modern Times
(1936)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: Low
Leans Progressive
6.9
The Longest Yard
(1974)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Progressive
7.5
Torch Song Trilogy
(1988)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Positive
Leans Progressive
7.6
Pleasantville
(1998)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: Moderate
Progressive
7.4
Jojo Rabbit
(2019)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: Moderate
Leans Progressive
8.2
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.
(2023)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Progressive
7.7
The Watermelon Woman
(1997)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Positive
Progressive
7.0
Bulworth
(1998)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High