Pat Rocco Dared

I'd never given much thought to the first male/male kiss in cinematic history. And I certainly had never thought about the artistic representation of homosexuality on the big screen.

Charlie David's new documentary about Pat Rocco opened my eyes to so many different things. Not just Pat's films - but to his activism, his charitable works and, I think most importantly, his 45 year relationship to his husband David.

I enjoyed the clips of the films, of course, but I really found the discussions between Charlie and Pat the most engaging. I'm so glad Charlie got such great footage.

This documentary is for anyone who loves cinema, gay representation, or just to see a trailblazer in action. I highly recommend it.

Pat Rocco was an early gay pioneer who made erotic (but not pornographic) films, often with his subjects ending up naked, kissing and caressing. He also put his talents to use in documenting the early gay liberation movement, including parades and speeches by Harvey Milk. Here, Charlie David "interviews" him - or lets Rocco take us down memory lane, as we are shown clips of Rocco's films. There are interviews with other analysts, and documentation of Rocco's other charitable work.

I liked the clips, both as illustration of what he had done, and as a way of avoiding the talking head syndrome. As Rocco was before my time, I am happy to get to know him and his work.

Another fantastic documentation of the queer community by Charlie David.

Pat Rocco was a visionary, an artist, an advocate; a servant even. Overall a seemingly fine example of humanity, Pat was an incredible person who deserves to be remembered for his trailblazing filmmaking and LGBTQ+ activism.

I'll be completely honest in admitting that {before watching this documentary} I knew very little regarding Pat Rocco. However I enjoy everything I've ever seen by Charlie David and am always looking to educate myself more regarding LGBTQ+ history ... 'Pat Rocco Dared' was an absolute #winwin for me!!

What an entertaining and informative documentary. I did not know films like what Pat Rocco created existed, especially in the sixties! They are X-rated, yes, but they seemed more tasteful, artsy, than the more hard core X-rated. Pat Rocco was a revolutionary. Not only creating gay-positive art, but also fighting for gay rights, starting charities and shelters for gay teens. He was a cornerstone for gay rights. A trail blazer, he paved the way for others who wanted to create gay-positive films, photography, art. A real pioneer. I want to see these films brought to life. What a hard working and special guy.

Really interesting documentary. Canadian filmmaker pat rocco finds his way to hollywood.... starts out making softcore films. In harvey milk's orbit, he's in the right place to document police activity at the club "the meat market". Later making softcore films with a gay, romantic story. They not only have a backstory, but it's almost a magical romance in very ordinary places. He actually filmed a gay love story at disneyland, which they did not approve, and of course, placed a cease and desist order. Nude men in some of his films, (probably not at disney), frolicking, actually kissing, dancing. And sadly, at the end, the two men would have return to the harsh real world full of rules and police. Includes interviews with rocco, his partner, by charlie david, a director and actor in his own right. Very well done! It was fun learning about a guy that most of us had probably never heard of. He not only filmed gay parades and events, but had a hand in organizing them. And has become part of history himself.