Ladies or Gentlemen: A Pictorial History of Male Cross-Dressing in the Movies

by Jean-Louis Ginibre

From Greek drama through vaudeville and modern cinema, nothing in the theatrical experience has ever guaranteed a laugh like a man in a dress. This spectacular pictorial history examines the grand tradition of male cross-dressing in the movies through more than 700 photos, more than half of which are previously unpublished. The screen's greatest stars, from comedians like Buster Keaton and Peter Sellers to "serious" actors like Marlon Brando and Max von Sydow, are pictured in everything from bustiers to ball gowns. Just as in real life, the cinematic motives for cross-dressing are complex, ranging from plot device ( I Was a Male War Bride ) and social commentary ( Tootsie ) to the simple sight gags of Laurel and Hardy. The book explores these and myriad other reasons actors are coaxed out of dress suits and into dresses. By turns provocative, serious, and silly, Ladies or Gentlemen is a delightful study of a seldom-explored facet of cinema history.

Genres: Nonfiction

408 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2005

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ladies or Gentlemen: A Pictorial History of Male Cross-Dressing in the Movies (Hardcover)
by Jean-Louis Ginibre

Coffee table book, highly illustrated.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating history of cross-dressing in cinema. Everyone I expected to see was in here along with a few surprises (Sean Connery as a bride!) Fun, but a little repetitive at times.