Gay Sex in the 70s

This documentary gives us a look at the freedom and decadence that was a big part of gay culture between the repression of the 50s and 60s pre Stonewall era and the AIDS crisis of the 80's and 90's. What we had were the crazy 70s! The documentary acts as both a celebration of this period and as a cautionary tale about how too much excess can be dangerous and how many of the men discussed in the film had to eventually "Pay the piper".

There are some things to note for example. There seems to be more acceptance and tolerance of gays and lesbians in America now then there ever was even during the "sexual revolution" of the 70s. Back then if you were gay the only way you could truly live a free life was if you packed your bags and moved to a big city like New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, or Chicago!

Probably the first documentary ever done about gay sex before AIDS hit. It has interviews with various men who lived through the 1970s and some incredible film footage and photographs. It shows how Stonewall liberated gays and made them fight back. It opened the doors for gay bars, bathhouses and virtual nonstop anonymous sex. The movie doesn't pass judgment on the subjects. It just shows it how it was.

I was born in 1962 so when I came out in the 1980s AIDS was in full effect. I've heard how great the 70s were and this documentary shows me a time we'll probably never see again. It doesn't shy away from the dark side--it makes it clear people were robbed or beaten (or killed) and there were plenty of STDs being passed around. Also it shows the rampant drug abuse going on. I honestly can't say that I personally agree with the nonstop sex and drugs, but it does show gay men having sex and not apologizing for it--and that's just great.

This is obviously not for everybody--it's unrated but no one under 18 is admitted--and some of it may be too graphic for some (there's PLENTY of sex and nudity). Still, it chronicles an important time in gay and US history and is invaluable. I give it an 8 because it does have its slow spots.

For those unfamiliar with the topic, this documentary offers good information. For those already familiar with, or who lived through or participated in it, the film's a trip down memory lane.

Joseph Lovett has assembled some period footage and photo stills to help depict his subject. But the film mostly consists of "talking heads": men in their 60s, sharing personal experiences on the atmosphere, attitudes and action from the 70s. A couple of women in their 30s also offer reflective remarks.

What a rare opportunity for people in the Northeast area of the country to be able to see this film locally, at Cleveland's unique Cinematheque. Not yet available on video or DVD, and rarely shown outside of New York, these Ohio screenings are all the more valuable.

The diverse and appreciative audience was very interested in the subject, and reacted to the humor audibly. While all this is now history, the 70s represents for many a time of liberation, experimentation, exploration and fulfillment. --h/76

This is a film that suffers from the same malady that so many gay films suffer from. It's all about New Yorkers, and only eighteen of them. (Count the cast yourself.)

Like Longtime Companion, and even Angels in America, it assumes that homosexuals only live and love in NYC.

Considering the title I guess I expected a broader more enlightening documentary.

In the opening segment it promises to cover 69-81, Stonewall till AIDS. Then it goes on to cover AIDS anyway, in a tact-on perfunctory manner. "See how the consequences played out?" it seems to say.

The film is not particularly enlightening in any way and nothing that hasn't' been said before.

It would certainly be nice to see a film someday that could encompass the gay experience of all of America instead of a tiny group of New Yorkers.

The fact that San Francisco is not even mentioned should tell you that this film does not live up to it's title.

If you want to see a film about gay sexuality, you would be better off looking up "SEX IS," or even renting some classic gay porn.

It was almost deja vu for me, watching what lifestyle was like in those heady days of Gay sex in the 70's.

The thing about it was that it really happened just like that - not only in NYC but around the world! I lived in Perth, Australia and it was all happening here as well! This is a very good archive of a time in history and valuable in today's world.

It was fun to see all the pretty young things in their heyday who are all past middle age, yet knowing that they'd come a long way to get here.

I enjoyed it and highly recommend it to anyone who was around at the time.