Before Stonewall

An absolutely fascinating account of gay life in the United States before 1969, especially how WWII changed everything.

This collection of interviews, archival material, and history gives a clear picture of how gays and lesbians lived and interacted in this country before people "came out" publicly.

I was impressed with those who came out openly in the 50s and started the first gay and lesbian organizations and magazines. These were people of extreme courage.

The incorporation of gays and lesbians in the civil rights movement and the women's movement was thoroughly examined.

This film should be seen by all to have a better understanding of oppression in America, and how far we have come.

A humanising and edifying account of the emerging gay rights movement across the early to mid twentieth century. Before Stonewall documents the struggles gay people faced leading to the protests of the 1960s. Containing archive footage of early depictions of gays on film, original interviews with gay rights activists, frequenters of early gay scenes of New York and San Francisco and authors including Allen Ginsberg. This film made me realise what a force for the creative voice the gay scene was in how it championed the subversive and the ironic. It is testament to the boundless positivity and optimism of the prominent individuals of the gay rights movement featured in this film that despite the often painful experiences they had to endure, their stories are retold in a witty and engaging way. Highly recommended for both educational and entertainment purposes!

The Stonewall Uprising in 1969 is widely seen as the kickoff of the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. Greta Schiller's "Before Stonewall" looks at the history of LGBT people throughout the 20th century. I would never have guessed that World War II turned out to be an earlier kickoff.

Since this documentary only goes up to Stonewall, it doesn't cover Harvey Milk (he got his own documentary that same year). A similar documentary is "The Celluloid Closet", about the depictions of LGBT people in cinema. All three documentaries are worth seeing to learn about LGBT history in the US. It sounds as though there's a sequel to this one, so I'll try to see that also.

Very interesting look at how gay and lesbian people lived pre 1969 and the difficulties the lifestyle entailed. Well worth seeing, especially for anyone who thinks they're oppressed now. Educational and important.

Have many pictures of our father (Louis Dumar) in silents - my sister has one of him in Salome in her guest bedroom. Just found out last year, from a German website, about the film's "all gay" reputation.

He died 50+ yrs ago, so no way to find out real scoop now.

I purchased a Video of the short version - apparently all that remains - of the film and have have had some good laughs showing it to friends. The costumes are great and the whole thing very much before it's time. Hope to find out more about it's history.

Our dad's brother (Gino Corrado) was also in the movies, and is credited with something 272 appearances from 1916 to the 1970's. Remember seeing him in "B" movies on TV as a kid.