Cruising (motion picture) Collection

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: Coll2011-030

Staff Only

Scope and Content

Flyers, clippings, articles, correspondence, article draft, screenplay excerpts, news releases, photographs, production schedule, and notes documenting controversary in regard to the production and release of the film Cruising, 1979-1980. The film, a crime-drama, elicited opposition from gay and lesbian activists for its portrayal of homosexuality and violence. The collection documents actions directed against the production and release of the film, as well as controversy within the gay and lesbian community over the issue of censorship. Much of the material was generated by two ad-hoc organizations: "Stop the Movie Cruising" and "People Concerned About the Movie Cruising."

Dates

Creation: 1979-1980

Creator

Stop the Movie Cruising (Creator, Organization)

Access

Contact ONE archivist regarding access restrictions.

Publication Rights

Contact ONE archivist regarding use and publication restrictions.

Historical Note

In July of 1979 a writer for the Village Voice published excerpts from writer/director William Friedkin's screenplay for his film Cruising, which elicited strong reactions from gay activists, some of whom subsequently organized efforts to disrupt on-location shooting of the movie. Opposition centered on the film's portrayal of New York's gay men's leather bar scene. Gay and lesbian groups protesting the film's release included "Stop the Movie Cruising," based in San Francisco, and "People Concerned About the Movie Cruising" (Los Angeles). Actions intended to interfere with the production of the film--for example, through pressure on corporate sponsors--produced controversy within the gay community regarding the issue of censorship.

Extent

0.4 Linear Feet ([5 folders])

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Flyers, clippings, articles, correspondence, article draft, screenplay excerpts, news releases, photographs, production schedule, film publicity, and notes documenting controversy regarding the film Cruising (1980), a crime-drama that elicited opposition from gay and lesbian activists for its portrayal of homosexuality. The collection documents actions directed against the production and release of the film, as well as controversy within the gay and lesbian community over the issue of censorship.

Processing Information

Processing this collection has been funded by a generous grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

In order to provide access to this collection, minimal processing on this collection was expedited in 2011. Date spans were given wherever possible, but do not reflect the most accurate inclusive dates.