| Tiffany's TG Movie Guide |
Gamers: Dorkness Rising (2008): A group of friends try to get through
and win a role-playing D&D type game. Gary (Christian Doyle) elects to play a
female character, sorceress Luster (her alignment is chaotic neutral, not
evil), and is constantly switching back and forth with a real female version
(Jennifer Page). Cute film, especially for D&D gamers. TR:1.5
Gangs Of New York (2002): Gritty drama movie noting class distinctions
in New York City during the Civil War. There are two very short scenes showing
the "He/She's"... first a quick glance when Bill (Daniel Day-Lewis) is showing
the different groups existing within the seamier side of New York. They
resurface later when choosing dance partners at a community function. TR:3.6
Gaudi Afternoon (2001): Preop transsexual Frankie (Marcia Gay Harden)
enlists the help of translator Cassie (Judy Davis) to help find her female
"husband" butch Ben (not a stretch for Lili Taylor). They are staying with
Hamilton (Christopher Bowen), a performer at a drag club.
TR:
23Jan10
Gay Deceivers, The (1969): Danny and Elliot (Kevin Coughlin, Lawrence
Casey) dodge the Vietnam draft by pretending to be gay and renting a house
together in a gay neighborhood. Effeminate Malcolm (Michael Greer) invites
them to a "gay" costume party where Elliot notices a cute blonde (Harry Sodoni)
in the corner and makes a beeline to chat her up... only to realize it's a guy
when he coerces "her" into the bedroom. Other guys attending the party are a
pregnant Myra Brokenbridge, Cleopatra, Judy Streisand, and I counted three
other unnamed "ladies". TR:4.6
George B. (1997): This quirky film stars David Morse as the
simple-minded George. In the beginning of the film he is heading to Reno for
some gambling, but side-tracked by a woman (Andre Todd) strolling through the
park (in a pink dress and high heels? Hmmm). He follows her into the female
restroom to ask her if she would like to join him in Reno, but it ends up being
a guy in drag and a ruse to steal George's gambling money. TR:3.4
Get Well Soon (2001): You're not missing much when Mark (Tate Donovan)
dances around his apartment in makeup, red bra, and black PVC boy shorts while
singing into a dildo. Avoid the movie for this reason and many others... ugh!
TR:1.9
Get Your Stuff (2000): A gay couple cope with raising two foster boys.
You're not missing much seeing drag queen Momma (Worthie Meacham) at one of
their pool parties. TR:1.1
Girl Happy (1965): Chicago mobster (Harold Stone) hires rock and roll
singer Rusty Wells (Elvis Presley) and his band to keep an eye on his daughter
(Shelley Fabares) during Spring Break. However, she does get arrested and Rusty
breaks into the women's jail cell "en homme", but the girls dress him up when
they are released. Don't expect much, it's a real quick change and you might
want to close your ears when he tries his girl voice. TR:3.5
Girl In 3D (2004): The story of a burned-out punk rock star (Francis
Coyote Shivers) who tries to gain inspiration by torturing innocent girls. His
latest victim is Vicky (Bevin Tucker). This is a *really* a bad movie. Yes, it
tries, but fails on so many different levels. In the beginning of the movie we
see the beautiful Bijoux Deluxe as a transvestite prostitute who helps Vicky
hide from a guy that she just ripped off. TR:3.7
Girl King (2002): This movie is basically about three boring lesbian
pirates talking about butches and femmes and recovering the queen's "koilos".
However, they do run across one of the king's men (Jonathan Sutton) who likes
to wear black lacy lingerie under his sailor uniform. Ugh... shiver me timbers
and avoid this movie! TR:2.0
Girl Like Me: Gwen Araujo Story (2006): Lifetime movie based on the true
story of Gwen/Eddie Araujo (J.D. Pardo, young Michael Dillman) who was killed
after finding out she was a boy living as a girl. The movie was very well done
with two great performances by Pardo and Mercedes Ruehl who plays Gwen's
mother... I highly recommend watching it. TR:4.6
Girls Will Be Girls (2003): Three actresses at various places on the
Hollywood food chain navigate the minefield of love, aging, and ambition. Oh,
and they're all played by men! Another interesting twist in this movie is that
there are no females... waitresses, party guests, etc are all played by men
(don't worry, I won't tell the union... ha ha). A cute camp and entertaining
film with a favorite of mine, the lovely Coco Peru (Clinton Leupp). Also
starring Evie (Jack Plotnick) and Varla Jean Merman (Jeffery Roberson). TR:5.0
Glass Bottom Boat (1966): Jennifer (Doris Day) has been working at a
NASA research facility. As she starts dating her boss (Rod Taylor), she is
suspected of being a spy when "company secrets" are leaked. There is a big
formal gala at the end of the film where a whacky, overzealous security guard
(Paul Lynde) dresses up as a woman (full length satin gown and blonde beehive
wig) so he can spy on Jennifer in the ladies lavatory... where of course, is
where she makes all her secret spy calls. It's a good-natured comedy where
Doris is a cross between zany, brainy, and sexy. However, they forgot to write
an ending... they build up all these problems between Doris and Rod, then
without resolving *any* of them, they speed off in a boat as newlyweds... geez!
TR:4.0
Glen Or Glenda? (1953): Ed Wood seeks to teach us about the world of
crossdressers, but it's almost too campy and painful to watch. An interesting
film though, and certainly bold for the time. AKA: I Changed My Sex. AKA: I Led
2 Lives. TR:4.0 (for the time period and for angora)
Click for frame grabs.
Go For Broke (2002): Two friends (Pras, Michael Goorjian) purchase a
winning lottery ticket, only to have it stolen by a woman robbing the cafe
where they are having lunch. The woman is caught and sent to prison. What are
the guys to do but become Jackie and Romie, commit a felony, and get sent to
the womens prison to retrieve the ticket. Yeah... no one said it was going to
be believable! TR:3.6
Go For Broke 2 (2005): Needing money, two guys Darnell (Jared Day) and
John (John Jean) agree to dress up as women and go on dates in order to steal
the priceless Zulu diamond. To help the transformation process, they enlist the
aid of drag queen hairdressers Delishia (Reasure Jacobs) and Goldilocks (Jess
Wells). It's painful to watch and even though the guys are not believable, they
don't look *too* bad. TR:3.5
Go West (1925): An out-of-work man (Buster Keaton) tries his luck as a
cowboy. One scene involves a stampede through Los Angeles where he ducks into a
ladies clothing store to round up some stray cattle. The rather large lady in
the store is a cameo by Fatty Arbuckle. TR:2.0
Go West (2005): A homosexual couple, Muslim cellist Kenan (Mario Drmac)
and Serb Milan (Tarik Filipovic), attempt to escape Yugoslavia. Witnessing the
brutality of Serb forces and their hatred towards Muslims, Milan desperately
improvises: he disguises Kenan as a woman and begins to present him as his
bride Milena... a predicament in which Kenan doesn't seem to object much. It's
pretty depressing, but Mario looks very natural as a woman and spends the
majority of the film as such. TR:4.8
Gold Diggers, National Lampoon's (2003): Calvin (Will Friedle) and
Leonard (Chris Owen) attempt to rob two older sisters (Louise Lasser, Renee
Taylor) with Calvin disguised as a Jewish rabbi and Leonard as a nun. They end
up marrying the sisters with each hoping to get rich off the other. It's a
short scene, but check out the DVD special features for an extended cut. AKA:
Lady Killers. TR:2.0
Good Shepherd (2006): Edward (Matt Damon) is inducted into a secret
society with ties to federal government intelligence agencies. He recalls the
night he was asked to join... he was playing a female part in the Yale student
musical H.M.S. Pinafore. He looks fairly good too. It's an okay movie, but it
jumps around in time a little too much for my taste. TR:3.8
Good Night, Nurse (1918): This is a 21 minute short. It starts with
Roscoe (Fatty Arbuckle) trying to light a cigarette in the rain with no help
from a woman with an umbrella (Buster Keaton). At the sanitarium, Fatty steals
a nurses uniform, and for some unknown reason, starts flirting with the doctor
(also Buster Keaton). TR:3.4
Gran Slalom (1996): In this Spanish comedy, Manuel (Juanjo Puigcorbe) is
about to have an affair with Vicky (Laura Del Sol) when her husband returns
early with business associate Pepe (Jose Maria Pou). Manuel escapes their room
by dressing up (badly) as a woman, but has been reported missing and is locked
out of his room. He decides to return to Vicky's room to try to get one of her
husband's suits. However, Pepe becomes enamoured with Manuel and the four of
them go out to dinner. The plot becomes a bit more involved as he gets attacked
by a homophobe and meets two slightly more convincing transvestites (Fernando
Cuervo, Enrique Francisco). He stays in drag for about 85% of the movie until
he finally recovers his baggage toward the end of the movie. An interesting
point is that with each scene, he works harder at his femme image and becomes
slightly more convincing each time. I will also point out that this movie has a
negative slant towards both the gay and transgendered communities. TR:3.9
Grand Illusion (1937): Even though this movie is known for it's filming
artistry, societal metaphors, period realism, statement on class distinctions,
and "war is bad" sentiments, let's just say it's a story about French soldiers
in a German concentration camp during WWI. These weren't your concentration
camps of recent. The captors provided costumes, wigs, etc when the prisoners
wanted to put on a show. Little drag scenes here and there to include a great
can-can number. AKA: La Grande Illusion. TR:4.4
Click for frame grabs.
Greatest Show On Earth (1952): This film is part drama, part circus
documentary, and part advertisement for Ringling Brothers. It stars Charlton
Heston and Betty Hutton. At one point the ringmaster announces the smallest
trick horse rider (Alberto Zoppe) in the world who comes out in a pink sequin
leotard, tutu, red satin panties, and curly blonde wig. During his riding
acrobatics he loses the wig while continuing his act. Also several of the
clowns wear female costumes with one guy who specializes in female clowns.
TR:3.7
Click for frame grabs.
Grito En El Cielo, El (1998): Miranda Vega (Maria Chonchita Alonso)
hosts her own variety show but her ratings are falling and the producer wants
more outrageous guests. They decide to hold a viewer contest for a new co-host
and end up with a prostitute, living statues, a butch lesbian, and a
lip-synching taxi-driver. One of the variety acts on contest night is a pair
of hairy female impersonators. The show receptionist is also played by M->F
transsexual Antonia San Juan. AKA: Shout Out. TR:3.3
Guinevere (1999): An uninspired love story chocked full of big names and
starring Sarah Polley and Stephen Rea. Scott Kaske (Newlydeads and Birdcage) is
listed in the cast as "Transsexual Babe", but there was no tip-off in the film.
There is a girl in red at a surprise birthday party that sneaks a dance with
Stephen Rea... but I'm doubtful. If anyone knows... let me know. TR:n/a
Guns (1990): An Andy Sidaris "Babes, Bullets, Bombs" movie. And as with
all Sidaris films, the plot is nowhere to be found... but I guess that is
inconsequential. Juan (Erik Estrada) is a South American gunrunner and hires
two assassins (Chu Chu Malave, Richard Cansino) to take care of his dirty
business. It just so happens the two are also transvestites (they are called
she-males in the movie, but they certainly are not) and do all their "hits"
in drag (badly, I might add). At one point the good guys (2 GG's and a guy)
track the assassin to a bar where the guy (Michael Shane) gets in drag, and
looking just as bad and tarty as the assassins. TR:2.4
Guys & Balls (2004): This lighthearted German film is about a soccer
team that dismisses their talented goalie Ecki (Maximilian Bruckner) when they
discover he's gay. Ecki attempts to assemble his own gay soccer team to
challenge his former teammates. You're not missing much when transvestite
Veronika (Sascha Herzogenrath) shows up for tryouts. Short clip. AKA: Manner
Wie Wir. TR:2.8
Hackers (1995): A yawning techno thriller. There are at least two
transgendered characters (one in a white dress dancing next to one in a
chandelier headdress) at a dance party where Kate (Angelina Jolie) is looking
for help from a couple of (rather femme) Asian hacking experts. She also has
a contest with a boyfriend and the loser has to wear a dress on their next
date. TR:0.9
Hairspray (1988): Edna Turnblad (Divine/Glen Milstead) is mom to portly
teen Tracy (Ricki Lake), who dreams of dancing on the popular "Corny Collins
Show." When fantasy becomes reality, Tracy is thrust into the spotlight and
must use her newfound status to conquer the reigning teen queen, win the
affections of the hunky heartthrob and integrate a TV network - all the while
maintaining her "do"!. TR:
Hairspray (2007): Edna Turnblad (John Travolta) is mom to portly teen
Tracy (Nikki Blonsky), who dreams of dancing on the popular "Corny Collins
Show." When fantasy becomes reality, Tracy is thrust into the spotlight and
must use her newfound status to conquer the reigning teen queen, win the
affections of the hunky heartthrob and integrate a TV network - all the while
maintaining her "do"! Also, her Dad (Christopher Walken) dons Tracy drag to
help divert television security. It's quite interesting seeing hunky Travolta
in full drag and completely covered in prosthetics... let alone, dancing in
heels and getting in touch with his feminine side! TR:5.0
Half Ticket (1962): Vijay (Kishore Kumar) is planted with a stolen
diamond by "Uncle"... and spends the rest of the movie adopting different
disguises to elude him. You're not missing much when he picks the costume of a
dancing woman for a little musical number. I will admit that he does a good job
singing both male and female parts... something he insisted on. TR:1.8
Hamlet (1948): William Shakespeare's tale of tragedy starring Laurence
Olivier (who also directs). The boy playing the Queen in the traveling actor
troupe is Tony Tarver in his one and only credit... and he's very cute! TR:4.0
Happy New Year (1987): Small-time crooks Nick (Peter Falk) and Charlie
(Charles Durning) plan and execute a jewelry heist. While staking out the
"joint", Nick uses several costumes to include that of a wealthy older lady.
"She" gets three appearances and two outfits... not too shabby! TR:4.0
Hard Ticket To Hawaii (1987): An Andy Sidaris "Babes, Bullets, Bombs"
movie. Two babes Donna (Dona Speir) and Taryn (Hope Marie Carlton) stumble into
a diamond-theft ring and release a contaminated toxic snake. Nope, not related
and not that it matters. The bad guys insert their spy Michael (Michael
Andrews) at the local hotspot as Michele the bartender. Funny, the bad guys use
appropriate name and pronouns even when talking privately with him. It's a
shame he used so much makeup... you know immediately it's a guy. Also see:
Malibu Express. TR:3.6
Hard Time (1998): Logan McQueen (Burt Reynolds) and Charlie Duffy
(Charles Durning) are cops investigating a robbery. Tough guy Logan is blamed
for a shooting and thrown in jail where he becomes friends with transvestite
Ron (John Allsopp). Despite a hairy chest, Ron doesn't look too bad. TR:3.3
Hart's War (2002): This is a good WWII POW flick. Lieutenant Hart (Colin
Farrell) is ordered to defend a black officer falsely accused of murder. The
prisoners have a theater in their camp and are seen rehearsing for a play that
contains two soldiers dressed like "Swiss Miss" girls. TR:1.6
Harvard Here I Come (1941): Max 'Slapsie Maxie' Rosenbloom decides he
needs to become more educated and attempts to get into Harvard. During
fraternity hazing, he is required to perform various stunts all while dressed
up in a little girl's dress, bonnet, and makeup. No, it's not a pretty sight.
TR:3.2
Harvest, The (1993): You're not missing much when George Clooney is
seen in drag at a gay bar in a gold lame bra and shorts. Bizarre... the whole
scene is about two seconds and the character is never seen again. TR:1.0
Haunted Honeymoon (1986): Larry (Gene Wilder) and Vickie (Gilda Radner)
are voices on the radio murder mystery "Haunted Honeymoon". They travel to
Aunt Kate's (Dom DeLuise) spooky mansion for their marriage where family
members are gathering... including his crossdressing cousin Francis (Roger
Ashton-Griffiths) who likes to impersonate Aunt Kate. Fat guys in drag... ehhh.
It's a silly comedy, but it does have a certain charm. TR:3.5
Head (1968): A plotless movie starring the Monkee's (Davy Jones, Peter
Tork, Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith). In three clips, they are at a restaurant
that is run by a man (legendary TC Jones) dressed up as a waitress. There is
also a clip at the end where Peter is rescuing the rest of the Monkee's that
are tied to a conveyer belt heading for a slicer. When he arrives there is just
one person tied there, an individual wearing a waitress uniform with long
blonde hair (possibly one of the guys in drag). He carries her out to the car
and takes off. In the next scene, she is gone, but all the Monkee's are in the
car. TR:3.0
Head On (1998): This film follows Ari (Alex Dimitriades), a jobless
aimless Greek gay guy, while he searches the alleys for his next sexual
encounter. One of his friends is Johnny (Paul Capsis, cult rock musician) who
is an out crossdresser that stands up for his principles. We are teased with
glimpses of him until we see him in full drag for a night out on the town with
Ari. TR:4.0
Head Over Heels (2001): This is a cute love story starring Freddie
Prince Jr. and the beautiful Monica Potter. Amanda (Monica), moves in with a
group of models and they bribe the crossdressing building super (John Bivens)
with clothing in exchange for access to certain parts of the building. There
is only one scene where we see him dancing around his disco-decorated room
wearing Roxana's (Ivana Milicevic) leopard print dress. Unfortunately, it's
hairy, laugh drag. TR:1.7
Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things (2004): Asia Argento directs and
stars in this film as Sarah, a drug-addicted prostitute who pulls her son out
of a loving foster home into a living hell. In one bizarre scene, her son
(played by twins Dylan and Cole Sprouse) observes her putting on makeup. She
calls him over and starts applying it to him, curls his hair, and chanting
that he should have been born a girl. The next scene we see him all done up in
a baby doll nightgown dancing very seductively. Then we see Sarah in the same
outfit prancing around and seducing her latest beau, however the beau keeps
asking why the boy is dressed and acting like this. This mechanism is used to
imply the boy is doing this and pretending that he is Sarah. The conclusion
comes when Sarah suddenly arrives home and throws a fit when she sees what is
going on... leaving us a little puzzled about who initiated what. All in all, a
rather disturbing film. TR:3.9
Heat And Dust (1983): Anne (Julie Christie) investigates the life of her
great-aunt Olivia (Greta Scacchi) who lived in the culture of India. At one
point, they decide to introduce the Hijra sect (Indian transsexuals) to
Olivia... but it's a short scene. TR:2.0
Heaven (1998): Heaven (Danny Edwards) is a transsexual stripper who has
amazingly accurate visions of future events. Through some harrowing
experiences, her life becomes entangled with a struggling architect (Martin
Donovan) who is fighting for custody of his son. The story is unwound in a very
neat way... through brief flashbacks that tie-in with Heaven's visions. It's a
little dark, but I found it to be quite an enthralling thriller. TR:4.5
Hedwig & the Angry Inch (2001): A rock musical in which Hedwig (John
Cameron Mitchell) tells us the story about how he escapes East Berlin by
becoming the "wife" on an American GI and afterwards how she stalks an
ex-boyfriend/bandmate (Michael Pitt) who stole her songs. TR:4.6
Hell Squad (1987): Vegas showgirls train to become commando's and rescue
the kidnapped son of a diplomat. Wow, this movie is really bad... in sort of a
good way. Spoiler: The girls discover the secretary, Ann (Jennifer West), is
really an undercover spy (Mark Brandon). Even though the character is played by
a woman, Mark does appear in drag for the short "unmasking" scene at the end.
TR:3.0
Hellbent (2004): Four gay guys attend a Halloween carnival while being
stalked and murdered by a masked serial killer. Tobey (Matt Phillips) surprises
his friends by going in drag (big curly blonde wig, sequin dress, and killer
high heels). You'll also find plenty of drag queens (Kris Andersson, Danny
Seckel, Nick Collins) on the streets, at the carnival, and at the bar. It's a
gay slasher film, but interesting to note that all the gay roles are played by
straight guys. TR:4.3
Help! I'm A Boy (2002): Emma (Sarah Hannemann) and Mickey (Nick
Seidensticker) switch bodies when they run across a wizard's magic book. There
is a little bit of physical crossdressing when the bodies are switched and
Mickey wakes up in Emma's nightgown and changes into one of her shirts and
girly jeans. When they switch back he ends up in her swimsuit. AKA: Hilfe, Ich
Bin Ein Junge. TR:2.2
Henry V: The Chronicle History (1944): The film depicts Henry V's
(Laurence Olivier) leadership in recapturing the throne of France for England.
It starts off as if we are watching the play by the Royal Shakespeare Company
and we see the actors busy backstage. Since all parts were played by males, we
see a boy in a corset top being helped into a wig by a man dressed as a matron
with shaving cream on his face. However, every woman that appears on stage and
thereafter is an actual female... I'm sure for the comfort level of present day
actors and audience. The last scene is the wedding of Henry and as the camera
pans away, we see all the females previously on-stage are replaced by males...
curtain falls. TR:3.2
He's a Woman, She's a Man (1994):
Also see: Who's the Woman, Who's the Man. TR:
He's My Girl (1987): What happens when Bryan (David Hallyday) wins a
getaway contest for him and his girlfriend, and he doesn't have a girlfriend?
Of course, he takes his best friend Reggie (T.K. Carter) in drag! Standard drag
situations apply. TR:4.0
High Heels (1991): AKA: Tacones Lejanos. TR:5.0
High School High (1996): Richard (Jon Lovitz) elects to become a
teacher at the run-down, ghetto Marion Barry High School. One of the teachers
(Tia Carrere) remarks he looks like his father, but a picture reveals he looks
much more like his Mother (him dressed up). His "Mother" also briefly appears
in person at the end of the movie at the graduation ceremony. TR:3.2
High Time (1960): Bing Crosby appears quite frequently here in the TG
Movie Guide (hmmm...), but now it's his turn in drag. Harvey (Bing) decides to
go back to college at the tender age of 51. As part of his fraternity
initiation, he is dressed up as a southern belle to attend a formal gala.
TR:4.6
Click for frame grabs.
High Wind In Jamaica, A (1965): Chavez (Anthony Quinn) and Zac (James
Coburn) are pirates on the high seas until they take on some unlikely
passengers... a group of small children. They lure unsuspecting ships in by
simulating they are on fire and requesting to come aboard with their wives...
however the "wives" are the pirates in drag! Entertainment is provided on long
nights by drinking and dancing while wearing their skirts. TR:3.9
His Secret Life (2001): A woman (Margherita Buy) discovers her husband's
secret life after his accidental death and that it involved his intimate
relationship with a gay man Michele (Stefano Accorsi) and his friends in their
communal living arrangement. One of those friends is transsexual Mara (Lucrezia
Valia) who is bemoaning her trip back home for the first time as a woman. Hers
is a very minor role though. AKA: Fate Ignoranti. AKA: Ignorant Fairies.
TR:2.0
His Wedding Night (1917): This is a 19 minute short. At a drugstore,
Roscoe (Fatty Arbuckle) and Al (Al St. John) are rivals for Alice (Alice Mann).
The delivery boy (Buster Keaton) delivers her wedding gown and she asks to see
how it looks. It's logical that he be one that models it for her (hey, the
heels fit too!). Al mistakes Buster for Alice, kidnaps "her", and brings her to
the Justice Of The Peace. Roscoe finds out and sets off for a rescue. TR:4.0
Hitman (2007): A hitman (Timothy Olyphant) must uncover the leaders of a
conspiracy and protect a girl (Olga Kurylenko) while being hunted by Interpol,
Russian police, and other assassins. While having dinner, he is asked how
observant he is and recognizes the lady in the red silk dress behind him is
really a man (uncredited)... although, that is not an incredible feat. TR:3.7
Click for frame grabs.
Holcroft Covenant (1985): The son of a German General, Noel Holcroft
(Michael Caine), becomes part of a conspiracy to access hidden Nazi funds. Noel
and Helden (Victoria Tennant) step into the streets of Berlin and run into a
street festival being run by a guy in a red corset and fishnet stockings (Jorg
Trees). While walking along the floats, Helden is confronted and kidnapped by a
man wearing a gold dress and makeup. TR:3.4
Holiday Heart ():
Hollywood Harry (1986): I got this movie as part of my Christopher
Morley collection. It's your basic "gum-shoe" private detective movie. He plays
the part of a Claudia, an informer/roommate character. Not a big part, but
still looking great as ever. TR:3.5
Click for frame grabs.
Hollywood Homicide (2003): Two LAPD detectives Joe (Harrison Ford) and
K.C. (Josh Hartnett) investigate the murder of an up-and-coming rap group.
During the investigation, Joe gets some information from a police officer (Lou
Diamond Phillips) who is undercover as a female prostitute. You will also find
an uncredited transvestite in a red dress at the police station. TR:3.6
Hollywood Vice Squad (1986): Rather jumpy action/comedy/drama movie that
is based, as it states in the beginning of the film, on real stories. The first
clip involves a transvestite hooker (Logan Carter) being picked up by the
police and the ensuing chase into a swimming pool. He is dragged to jail and
thrown in with the other TV hookers. Another story involves a crime lord and
his secretary, Charlene, is played by Sandie Crisp/Johnnie Baima (goddess
Bunny). For Star Wars fans, a mostly unused Carrie Fisher has top billing.
TR:3.6
Honey (2003): Honey (Jessica Alba) is a sexy, tough music video
choreographer who struggles with opening her own dance studio. Your not missing
anything when she has a business meeting at a gay club and "vogueing" can be
seen on stage. TR:1.5
Hot Chick (2002): Through magic earrings, Clive (Rob Schneider) trades
bodies with a "hot" teenager, Jessica (Rachel McAdams). It's actually funnier
than I expected and I found myself laughing out loud at parts. Throughout the
movie Rob is wearing the clothes of his teenage counterpart, but as intended,
it's for laughs. There is a very minor subplot that is never really explored
that involves Jessica's little brother (Matt Weinberg) being an "out"
crossdresser (see frame grabs). Rounding out the cast is Anna Faris (an
absolute doll) as one of Jessica's teenage friends. TR:2.6
House Bunny (1962): Playboy Bunny Shelley (Anna Faris) is kicked out of
the Playboy mansion and is arrested for living out of her car. She ends up
giving various fashion tips to the female convicts, including to "tone down"
the makeup for a transvestite (Jonathan Loughran). I must admit I was wary of
this one, but it ended up being really cute and quite funny! And it doesn't
hurt that Anna is a hottie! TR: 1.4
House On Bare Mountain (1962): Granny Good (Bob Cresse) runs a school
for women in a secluded house on a mountain, but really it's a front for her
bootlegging business. Actually, the entire film is just a front for a lot of
women going around topless! Bob is lovable in his Granny role... and seems to
be a cross between Jonathan Winters (who he looks and sounds like) and Benny
Hill. Don't expect a good plot or talented acting in this one. TR:2.4
Homo Heights (1998): Gay guru and fading icon Malcolm (Quentin Crisp)
wants to escape from the town Homo Heights, which is ruled by the drag queen
leader of the gay mafia, Maria Callous (Stephen Sorrentino). I won't attempt to
further describe this confusing movie which is filled with lesbian and drag
queen characters. TR:2.9
Homicidal (1961): In this Psycho rip-off, we find that one of the main
characters, Emily, is eventually revealed to be Warren. The actor credited for
the part is Jean Arless, whos gender ambiguous name still leaves the central
question of whether Emily was played by a man or woman unanswered. For many
years the identity of Jean Arless was regarded as a mystery. In actuality,
Arless was actress Joan Marshall who did a small amount of tv and film work
throughout the decade. For this film, director William Castle renamed her as
Jean Arless, the only time she would ever appear under the name. TR:n/a.
Click for frame grabs.
Hotel New Hampshire (1984): The film talks about a family that weathers
all sorts of disasters and keeps going in spite of it all. When the leader of a
group of boys that raped Frannie (Jodie Foster) return to town, her family
takes a little revenge. The bizarre scene involves her brothers (Rob Lowe, Paul
McCrane) and hotel staff dressing up as female nurses. Also, don't miss Natasha
Kinski as the bear! TR:3.6
Click for frame grabs.
How To Frame A Figg (1971): Hollis Figg (Don Knotts) is a civil servant
who is framed for misuse of public funds. When an warrant is issued for his
arrest, he disguises himself as old lady to gain access to a computer room
which has evidence of his innocence. TR:3.4
Howling VI: The Freaks (1991): I got this movie as part of my
Christopher Morley collection. In this one, he plays Carl/Carlotta as part of a
traveling carnival freak show that disrupts a small town. Except for the show,
he's mostly androgynous here... though with a pretty realistic prosthetic!
BTW, don't miss the bearded mermaid! TR:3.6
Hunting Venus (1999): Simon (Martin Clunes) used to be pop star as
member of the band "The Venus Hunters", but now he is just a petty thief. He is
conned into getting the band back together for a one-time television
performance. The band has not been together for 15 years and has severed ties,
but it's up to Simon to find and convince them all to participate. The first
band member he finds is Charlie (Neil Morrissey) who is now a post-op
transsexual and works singing at a small gay club. Neil is in drag the whole
movie and though taller than most everyone else (at 6'4), he looks quite good,
especially with the excellent breast prosthetics used in the initial scene.
TR:4.6
Click for frame grabs.
I Am My Own Woman (1992): The life story of Charlotte von Mahlsdorf,
born Lothar Berflede. Miss Charlotte survived the Nazi reign and the repression
of the Communists as a transvestite and helped start the German gay liberation
movement. Two actors (Jens Taschner, Ichgola Androgyn) play the young and
middle-aged Charlotte and she plays herself in the later years. AKA: Ich Bin
Meine Eigene Frau. TR:4.0
I Could Go On Singing (1963): Jenny (Judy Garland) is a successful
singer who wishes to reunite with her teenage son Matt (Gregory Phillips) who
is at boarding school. During their initial meeting, he invites Jenny to their
school play that night, H.M.S. Pinafore. In this all-male school, half the cast
is playing female parts... the First Lord's sisters and aunts. The boys look
extremely cute in their Victorian bustle dresses and I don't know if it was
customary for plays of the time to go to the lengths they did here... elaborate
costumes, hats, wigs, "breasts", gloves, makeup and even jewelry. The movie
shows just a small portion of the play, and then some backstage scenes when the
boys gather around the piano (still in costume sans wigs/hats) and sing
together with Jenny. TR:4.8
Click for frame grabs.
I Love You, Alice B. Toklas (1968): Harold Fine (Peter Sellers) is a
30-something square who falls in love with hippie Nancy (Leigh Taylor-Young).
While Harold is visiting Nancy at her workplace, a dress store, a man (Ed Peck)
walks in needing assistance in picking out a dress. He tries it on a bright
pink mini-dress, but feels that it needs to be shortened. TR:2.3
I Love You Baby (2001): This is a neat film. Marcos (Jorge Sanz) moves
to town and falls for Daniel (Santiago Magill). Marcos gets hit in the head
with a disco ball that changes his sexual preferences. He drops Daniel and
starts dating Marisol (Tiare Scanda). Daniel is still in love with him though
and dresses up as a girl to try and win him back... and he doesn't look too
bad. TR:4.0
Click for frame grabs.
I Now Prounounce You Chuck & Larry (2007): Chuck (Adam Sandler) and
Larry (Kevin James) pretend they are gay domestic partners for the legal
benefits. At a gay club, Chuck spots a shapely Playgirl Bunny, but ends up
being an unshapely David Spade... who also briefly appears as a sexy (not
really) firegirl. Many other transvestites can be seen at the club. TR:3.4
I Shot Andy Warhol (1996): Based on the true events surrounding Valerie
Solanas (Lili Taylor) and her murder of Andy Warhol (Jared Harris). The TG
content involves the portrayal of many of the transgendered people that Andy
hung around with (and used in his movies) like Candy Darling (Stephen Dorff)
and Jackie Curtis (Jamie Harrold). TR:3.4
Click for frame grabs.
I Vitelloni (1953): You're not missing much when Alberto (Alberto Sordi)
dresses up as a woman for the carnival. TR:2.5
I Wanna Be A Beauty Queen (1985): Divine (Glen Milstead) hosts the
"Alternative Miss World" beauty pageant that is presented here in sort of a
documentary type style. It definitely has a "local village entertainment" feel
to it. The contest is open to all, so about half of the contestants are genetic
females. TR:2.2
I Want What I Want (1972): The story of a Roy's (Anne Heywood)
transition into womanhood. Similar to "Woman Inside", although I thought this
movie was better and more accurate... despite some obvious "time" issues. I was
a little disappointed with the ending as it left a lot of things unexplained.
Although I really dislike it when they use females in transsexual roles... I
thought she was "fairly" believable. Definitely a positive and bold step in
1972. TR:3.7
I Was A Male War Bride (1949): You're not missing much when Henri (Cary
Grant) puts on a skirt and mop wig to invoke the "War Bride's Act" to stay with
his new bride (Ann Sheridan). TR:1.1
If I Had My Way (1940): This is the last film of the great Julian
Eltinge... although there are no TG aspects *now* since many versions have cut
a musical number featuring Julian. It stars Bing Crosby and Gloria Jean
(amazing voice) and is a wholesome fun film. They kept a scene of Julian
briefly appearing as a fisherman. If anyone has the full version, I would love
a copy. TR:n/a
If You Only Knew (2000): Parker (Johnathon Schaech) accidentally starts
a fire in his apartment so he needs to find a new place. He interviews with a
fanatic crossdresser (Blumes Tracy) when looking for a roommate... and "she"
looks pretty good. However, he pretends to be gay to room with pretty girl
Samantha (cutie Alison Eastwood) and goes out on a date with a guy to keep up
the charade. In a bizarre scene... they go to a gay club and on the stage is a
boxing ring with two drag queens softly fake boxing. Finally, he does get
together with Samantha and they go to a Halloween party with him dressed as
Carmen Miranda and Samantha as a mustached guy. TR:4.0
Igby Goes Down (2002): Igby's (Kieran Culkin) peculiar upbringing
renders him unable to competently cope with the struggle of growing up. One of
his acquaintances is a gay man, Russel (Jarad Harris), who lives with drag
queen Peeka (Michael Formica Jones). However, we only see "her" in a very short
scene involving Lucky Charms. Since I'm reviewing, we also catch Russel wearing
a red fur-trimmed female coat in one scene. Even though it has a very high IMDB
rating, I found this movie tedious, incoherently jumping from one scene to the
next. TR:2.9
I'm Lady (2002): This is a movie from Thailand. It's about a group of
young gay guys going off to college and trying to get on their schools
cheerleading squad. After being rejected, they form their own squad called "The
Queen". I had to watch this several times to try and figure out who were girls
and who were guys dressing as girls. Many of the Asian TG's are almost flawless
in their femme appearance... except for the voice. It's interesting that the
crossdressing seems to be a moot point... as long as they weren't gay. AKA:
Cheerleader Queens. TR4.8
Imaginary Heros (2004): A drama, starring Sigourney Weaver and Jeff
Daniels, about a family trying to pull themselves together after the death of
a family member. The family attends a Christmas party where entertainment is
provided by Kiki DuRane (Justin Bond) and Herb (Kenny Mellman). I saw them in
concert and they have a fabulous show that I highly recommend. Also see:
Fanci's Persuasion. TR:3.0
Importante E' Non Farsi Notare (1979): This Italian spy comedy (Italian,
no subtitles) is a lot of fun. It's fairly formulaic of the spy genre, male
spies arrive in disguise, they fall in love with girl spies, a bunch of chase
scenes, then guy gets girl. Hey, it's not going to win any awards, but that's
not the point. The interest for us is that the male spies (Tito LeDuc, Mauro
Bronchi, Neil Hansen... AKA The Bandiera Sisters) arrive in drag and stay in
drag for most of the movie... and they look fantastic (well, two out of three
ain't bad)! The thing I like about this movie, is that the guys play it sexy
and are not afraid to flash their panties more (much more) than the women. The
outfits are great too... from lingerie, to swimsuits, to floaty chiffon
dresses, to wedding gowns. If that's not enough, you get a bunch of snappy
little song and dance routines. I highly recommend this little gem.
Translation: Important To Not Attract Attention. TR:5.0
Click for frame grabs.
Imposters (1998): This star-studded tedious comedy involves two
out-of-work actors (Oliver Platt, Stanley Tucci) who accidentally stowaway on a
cruise ship to hide from a belligerent lead actor who has sworn to kill them...
and who of course, also ends up on the ship. They attend the Captain's Ball in
disguise, with Oliver in a lace evening gown. Stanley also ends up in drag in
the big mistaken-identity wrap up at the end of the movie. TR:3.8
In A Year With 13 Moons (1978): Elvira/Erwin (Volker Spengler) is a
divorced gay man who had a sex-change for Anton (Gottfried John). The only
problem here is that Anton has no feelings for Elvira. The film tries to
understand and ultimately resolve these issues that may be linked to Elvira's
past. It is written and directed by Rainer Fassbinder who was working through
issues of his lovers suicide at the time, so it is rather dark and
depressing... to include a rather brutal real-life view of a slaughter house
that is not for the squeamish. AKA: In Einem Jahr Mit 13 Monden. TR:3.7
Click for frame grabs.
In America (2002): An Irish immigrant family moves to New York. There
are apparently some transvestites who live in their neighborhood... of who we
only get glimpses. TR:0.9
In Dreams (1999): Claire (Annette Bening) has disturbing visions of a
killer which leads to her confinement into a mental hospital. A cross-cutting
sequence has Claire mimicking the young male killers escape from the same
hospital by killing a nurse, disguising himself as her, and flirting with a
security guard. He looks fair with his longish hair and young age. TR:4.4
In Like Flint (1967): Derek Flint (James Coburn) is back in action and
in danger at the Virgin Islands where the bad guys... are girls! Yes, these
women plan to take over the world by brainwashing women through hairdryers...
no, I'm not kidding, this is the real plot. Anywho, Head of Intelligence Lloyd
(Lee Cobb) disguises himself as a woman (a bad one at that) to get into the
resort. It's a short scene. TR:2.4
Click for frame grabs.
Inconvenient Woman, An (1991): I got this movie as part of my
Christopher Morley collection. It's an ABC television movie starring the
gorgeous Rebecca De Mornay. Christopher Morley appears about halfway into the
film as a female impersonator (performing as Marilyn Monroe) at an all-male
after-hours club. After he finishes, the next act is a trio of FI's. Too bad
it's a short clip. I'll let you watch the movie to find out why Uncle Ernie
always wore a strand of pearls underneath his clothing. TR:3.2
Click for frame grabs.
Invitation To The Wedding (1985): Obviously a star vehicle for Susan
Brooks disguised as a dismal comedy. A guy mistakenly marries a woman but
refuses to get an annullment. The estate's legal team is Clara and Charles
Eatwell... both played by Ronald Lacey. Though dressed rather matronly, he does
a pretty good job with the role. TR:3.5
Iron Ladies (2000): True story of a Thai male volleyball team that
competes in the national championship in 1996. The team consists of mostly
gays, transvestites and transsexuals... although they are played "over the
top". The movie is done with actors, but we get to see the real Iron Ladies
during the closing credits. The actor who played the transsexual cabaret
performer Pia (Kokkorn Benjathikoon), is listed by IMDB as a male, but there
ain't no way! AKA: Satree Lek. TR:4.0
Iron Ladies 2 (2003): Might have been best to leave the original alone.
It's a mess of past and present muddled scenes and stereotypical "gayness" is
played to the hilt... unless of course you like flat-chested gay boys with
makeup wearing teenage girl's clothing. At least we again see the lovely Pia
(Kokkorn Benjathikoon) and get a glimpse of her LadyBoy show. The LadyBoys are
also present and cheering at the big volleyball game at the end along with some
"regular" crossdressers. AKA: Satree Lek 2. TR:2.5
Is She A He? (1975): Spanish. Susana Gimenez. AKA: Mi Novia El...?
AKA: My Fiancee the Transvestite. TR:n/a
Is There Sex After Death? (1971): How to describe this film? A campy
70's sexploitation film masquerading as a mockumentary about the sexual
revolution. At the start of her film career, Holly Woodlawn gets top billing
even though her interviews are pretty short. Buck Henry gets some funny bits
and don't miss Mink Stole's cameo as a dominatrix. TR:1.5
It's In The Water (1997): A wonderful comedy about a woman, Alex (Keri
Jo Chapman), living in the small Texas town of Azalea Springs. Towards the end
of the movie, she inquires about the disappearance of one of her childhood
friends, Ray Ray (Dion Culberson), and finds he is now performing at an
alternative club as a drag queen named Obsession. TR:3.7
Izzy & Moe (1985): Izzy (Jackie Gleason) and Moe (Art Carney) are two
retired vaudeville performers who become two of the best prohibition agents in
the 1920's. One of their many disguises included that of newlyweds with Art
making quite an ugly lady. Loosely based of the exploits of the two real-life
agents. TR:3.0
Jaan-E-Mann: Let's Fall In Love... Again (2006): Confident Suhaan
(Salmon Khan) helps shy and awkward Agastya (Akshay Kumar) win the heart of
his ex-wife (Preity Zinta) by acting as his mouthpiece... sort of a modernized
Cyrano de Bergerac. Suhaan has to keep close, so he adopts several disguises as
not to be recognized by his ex-wife. When Agastya enters a dance club, Suhaan
appears dressed as a woman and ends up dancing (and fighting) in drag. His face
is not too bad but he is so muscular that a white halter dress is not his best
fashion choice! It's an enjoyable movie. TR:3.7
Jackass Number Two (2006): One of the repeated gags involve Spike Jonze
dressed up as Gloria, an old gray-haired lady who "accidentally" exposes her
*extremely* saggy boobs. The prosthetics, although disgusting, were quite
realistic. TR:2.5
Jacques Brel Is Alive And Well And Living In Paris (1975): An artsy
film comprised of 35 songs written by traveling Belgian troubedor Jacques
Brel. When the bartender sings about his love, the homely lady sitting at the
bar is a man. He is seen again dancing amongst the other patrons. TR:2.6
Jane Doe (1995): Horace (Christopher Peditto) is a writer who meets and
falls in love with Jane (Calista Flockhart). Early in the film, we find that
Horace's "real" job is working as a bartender at a drag club. Truly a staged
scene, we see a few paripatetic drag queens (Alfonse King, Angela Price, Ron
Bagden) at the club. AKA: Pictures of Baby Jane Doe. TR:2.0
Click for frame grabs.
Jane White Is Sick & Twisted (2002): Jane White (Kim Little) is
obsessed with television and is sure that talk show host Gerry King (David
Lander) is her long-lost father. Wanting to meet her father, she dresses as a
"closet transvestite prostitute" and starts on her quest to be on his show.
While on the streets she meets many interesting characters to include two
transvestite prostitutes Candy (Eric Lutes), Desiree (Andrew Lauer), and
crossdressing hotel clerk Simone (Dustin Diamond). Super silly. You can turn
your brain off when watching this one. TR:3.6
Jitterbugs (1943): Stan Laurel And Oliver Hardy team up with shadey
business man Chester (Robert Bailey) to help con some swindlers who conned
Susan's (Vivian Blaine) aunt out of $10K. Part of the scam involves Stan
dressing up as Vivian's aunt from Boston and he does so for a good portion of
the movie. TR:4.4
Jo Jo Dancer (1986): Richard Pryor's autobiographical film and his
directorial debut. The show in which he was involved had several different
acts... comic (Richard Pryor), Stripper Satin Doll (Paula Kelly), singer, etc.
The last "bury the show" had them doing each other's parts... Richard came out
dressed like Satin Doll and did her strip act to include gold pasties and
sequin bikini underneath the dress! The costume was so complete, when he first
came out I thought he *was* Satin Doll. TR:4.5
Johnny Mnemonic (1995): Johnny (Keanu Reeves) is a mnemonic data courier
hired to carry information from Beijing to Newark. You're not missing much when
he has to fight off crossdressing bodyguard Yomamma (Falconer Abraham). TR:2.5
Journey To The End Of Night (2006): Father (Scott Glenn) and son Paul
(in an unusual role for Brendan Fraser) own a brothel in Sao Paulo, but try to
score big with a cocaine deal. Anger-prone Paul has a run-in with tranvestite
prostitute Nazda (Matheus Nachtergaele), but she proves she's a fighter when
returning for revenge after having her face cut. TR:3.6
Jubilee (1977): This is really a horrid film about a group of punk girls
who go about killing people. One of those they happen to kill is Lounge Lizard
(Wayne/Jayne County) who shows us a small (thankfully) bit of his so-called
singing while wearing some type of manly chiffon gown. The only good part of
this film is when the credits roll. The special feature "Jubilee: A Time Less
Golden" has a little better TG content when they talk about the influences and
life of director Derek Jarmen and show a small vintage clip in the backroom of
a drag club. TR:1.5
Junior (1994): Alex (Arnold Schwarzenneger) is refused FDA approval for
his new fertility drug so he uses it on himself and becomes pregnant. Needing
to hide from greedy scientists, he disguises himself as a woman and hides out
at a pregnancy camp. I know... Arnie dressed up as a woman... can anyone say
"East German Female Olympics"? TR:3.9
Just Can't Get Enough: True Story Of The Chippendales' Murders (2001):
Spencer (Paul Clark) is a Chippendales dancer and truly can't get enough. He's
done it with every type woman except an Indian with a bindi. Spoiler: He
finally gets the chance until her wig comes off and it ends up being a guy in
drag (Vinny Achutha) who claims, "Hey, how else am I going to be able to see
the show. Can't we just finish this while pretending?", and... they do.
TR:2.5
Just Like A Woman (1992): Adrian Pasdar, Julie Walters
Just One Of the Girls (1997): Standard drag situations apply when Chris
(Corey Haim) hides from the school bully as Chrissie. Corey's been in drag
before and he looks pretty good... and I love the cheerleader outfit! Also,
towards the end of the movie, his "love interest" (yep, you guessed it, the
bully (Cameron Bancroft)) dresses up as a girl to sneak around to see "her".
AKA: Anything For Love. TR:4.5
Juwanna Mann (2002): Jamal's (Miguel Nunez) ego has got him thrown out
of the national basketball league so what's he to do... how about disguise
himself as a woman, join the women's league, and fall in love with the team
captain (Vivica Fox)? Yeah, it's formulaic and filled with one inconceivable
situation after another, but I must say that Miguel still creates a lovable
character and looks quite good as a woman (although the voice is a bit
annoying). It's a fun little watch. TR:4.8