Ed Wood

The film begins during a thunderstorm, setting a spooky atmosphere as flashes of lightning reveal an old house. Inside, a coffin springs open, and Criswell makes his haunting entrance, resembling iconic openings from past films.

Outside a dilapidated theater, Edward D. Wood Jr. anxiously awaits the press's review of his play, *The Casual Company*. Unfortunately, the performance is met with disappointingly empty seats, highlighting the struggle of his early career.

Ed, along with his friend Bunny and the main cast members, gather to read a scathing review written by Victor Crowley. Despite the harsh criticisms, Ed clings to the one positive remark about their costumes, trying to uplift his team's spirits.

That night, Ed lies in bed with Dolores, overwhelmed with self-doubt regarding his filmmaking future. He reflects on his idol, Orson Welles, achieving fame at a young age, causing him to question his own aspirations as he nears thirty.

Days later, while delivering a potted palm at a film studio, Ed seizes the opportunity to view stock footage. He overhears a conversation about a film on Christine Jorgensen, prompting him to express interest in directing a related project.

Ed meets with George Weiss, the head of Screen Classics, to pitch himself as director of a new sex-change film, *I Changed My Sex*. Despite revealing his secret about being a transvestite, Weiss remains skeptical of Ed's qualifications.

On his way home, Ed meets his idol, Bela Lugosi, leaving a funeral home. Their conversation reveals Bela's frustrations with life and hints at his decline, leading to the blossoming of a strong friendship between them.

On Halloween, Ed visits Bela's home to watch *White Zombie*. During the film, Bela expresses his despair over being forgotten in favor of new actors, but Ed encourages him, leading to a unique and entertaining Halloween night.

Ed convinces Weiss to allow him to create the film, striving to finish the script for *Glen or Glenda* in just two days. He takes this opportunity to come out to Dolores about his cross-dressing, sparking a furious argument.

Filming for *Glen or Glenda* commences amidst multiple challenges. Ed faces opposition from Weiss over the direction of the film, but ultimately, they reach an agreement to proceed with Ed’s vision.

Production faces numerous hurdles, especially with Bela's discomfort around references to his rival Boris Karloff. Ed manages to soothe Bela's nerves, reflecting the internal tension as Dolores struggles with Ed's on-screen persona.

After *Glen or Glenda* fails to attract screenings, Ed faces harsh criticism from Weiss, who berates the film's quality. Despite these setbacks, Ed's determination to pursue future projects remains unyielding.

Ed meets Kathy O'Hara at the hospital, where her kind nature captures his interest. As they bond, he reveals his cross-dressing secret, and she accepts him wholeheartedly, marking a turning point in his personal life.

As rain falls on the night of the premiere for *Plan 9 from Outer Space*, Ed introduces the film, dedicating it to Bela. Filled with pride, he watches it unfold, hoping to leave a lasting legacy while planning to marry Kathy.

The film concludes with a reflection on Ed's struggles in the industry. Though he fades into obscurity and battles alcoholism, his unique vision eventually gains recognition, earning him the title of 'The Worst Director of All Time'.