The Third Sex 1934
"Women With the Soul of Men and Men With the Soul of Women!"
Directed by Richard C. Kahn, *The Third Sex (1934)* is a controversial drama-horror exploitation film that delves into the complexities of identity and desire during a time when such themes were rarely explored on screen.
Director: Richard C. Kahn
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Third Sex (1934) about?
The film follows Elinor Gordon, a young woman haunted by past trauma, as she struggles with her own identity and the advances of her emotionally intense female roommate. With the help of a psychoanalyst, she confronts her feelings and receives unexpected advice to pursue a more traditional path.
Who directed The Third Sex?
The Third Sex was directed by Richard C. Kahn, a filmmaker known for pushing boundaries during the pre-Code era.
Who stars in The Third Sex?
The cast includes S. Dana Hubbard, Morgan Wallace, Luana Walters, Jean Carmen, and Sheila Loren.
Is The Third Sex (1934) worth watching?
While its runtime is brief, *The Third Sex* offers a fascinating glimpse into early cinema's approach to LGBTQ+ themes. Its historical significance and dramatic intensity make it intriguing for genre fans, despite its lost status.
How long is The Third Sex?
The Third Sex runs for 59 minutes.
About The Third Sex (1934) — A Lost Drama-Horror Tackling Forbidden Desire
Directed by Richard C. Kahn, *The Third Sex (1934)* is a controversial drama-horror exploitation film that delves into the complexities of identity and desire during a time when such themes were rarely explored on screen. The story centers on Elinor Gordon, a young woman paralyzed by childhood trauma, who grapples with her own shifting attractions and the emotional turmoil of a close female companion whose feelings blur the lines of friendship. Kahn crafts an atmosphere of psychological tension, blending early horror tropes with raw, sensitive storytelling that challenges societal norms of the era.
Set against the backdrop of a mid-century law office, the film unfolds as a quiet battle of wills between Elinor's inner turmoil and the suffocating persistence of her affectionate roommate, Bobby Allen. With a runtime of just 59 minutes, *The Third Sex* is a concise yet impactful exploration of forbidden emotions, guided by the stern advice of a psychoanalyst determined to steer Elinor toward conventionality—namely, marriage to a football player. The film's lost status only adds to its mystique, making it a curiosity for fans of early cinema and queer narratives alike.