Watch Glen or Glenda IN COLOR!

Glen or Glenda is a groundbreaking film by Edward D. Wood Jr. that addresses gender identity issues in a time when the topic was hardly talked about. The movie, released in 1953, is notable not only for its bold themes but also for its plethora of quirks and oddities that make it a cult classic in its own right. At its core, Glen or Glenda tells the story of a man named Glen, who is struggling with his desire to dress up in women's clothing. The film opens with Bela Lugosi, playing a character referred to as "The Scientist," waxing poetic about the mysteries of human behavior and the need for understanding and acceptance. He then introduces the audience to Glen, who is about to marry a woman named Barbara.

Before Glen can tie the knot, however, he must confess his secret to Barbara. She takes the news surprisingly well, but Glen continues to struggle with his identity, caught between his desire to be honest about himself and the fear of rejection and ridicule from society.

As the film progresses, we learn more about Glen's past, including a traumatic experience in childhood that likely contributed to his gender confusion. We also meet other characters, like Glen's friend Johnny, who has his own hidden desires, and Lyle Talbot's character, a tough prosecutor who seems determined to put an end to "abnormal" behavior.

Throughout the movie, there are interspersed scenes of surreal imagery and bizarre footage that seem to have little to do with the main plot. These scenes include women dancing in feathers, a puppet of a devil, and an extended sequence depicting the "pleasures and perils" of cross-dressing.

One of the most striking aspects of Glen or Glenda is its use of color. While many movies of the era were still shot in black and white, Wood opted to film in color, giving the movie a surreal, dreamlike quality. The colors are often bright and garish, with characters wearing wildly mismatched outfits and the sets decorated with odd props like giant spiders and spooky lanterns.

Despite its many quirks, Glen or Glenda is a movie with a message. Throughout the film, Wood's camera seems to plead with the audience to be more understanding and accepting of those who don't fit the mold of conventional society. The movie was undoubtedly ahead of its time, and it's easy to see how it has influenced later works that tackle themes of gender and sexual identity.

Of course, the movie is not without its flaws. The acting is often stilted and wooden, with Lugosi's strange monologues standing out as particularly jarring. The plot can be confusing at times, and the surreal imagery can border on the nonsensical.

Despite these issues, Glen or Glenda is a movie worth watching for anyone interested in the history of cinema, as well as those who want to see a bold and unconventional film tackling topics that are still taboo in many parts of the world. With its bright colors, strange imagery, and heartfelt message of acceptance, Glen or Glenda is a true gem of cult cinema, and one that should not be overlooked.

Glen or Glenda IN COLOR! is a drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 9 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.2.