David Leland in Britain" won the Prix Italia (an international Television award) in 1984. In 1986 he wrote the screenplay for the thriller-drama "Mona Lisa", featuring Bob Hoskins. This film was critically acclaimed and Leland earned nominations for the Golden Globe and the Writers Guild of America. He then wrote "Personal Services" in 1986. It was directed by Terry Jones and was about Cynthia Payne, a real-life British madam who ran a private brothel. Julie Walters took the leading role. While "Personal Services" dealt with the adult life of Cynthia Payne, Leland's next film, "Wish You Were Here", concerned her teenage years.
The Christine Jorgensen Story world came flying into Hollywood demanding he was Christine", said Jorgensen later. George/Christine is played by John Hansen. Irving Rapper said Small gave him the job as director because it required someone who had sensitivity. Reviews were mixed. Jorgensen later unsuccessfully tried to get a restraining order to stop Small's estate from exploiting the film, claiming Small diverted $100,000 owed to her for his own use. Jorgensen said she was worried United Artists would exploit the film as a B movie. "The Christine Jorgensen Story" was released to DVD by MGM Home Video on October 12, 2011, via its Ultimate