THE CELLULOID CLOSET

Armistead Maupin wrote Lily Tomlin’s narration for this pioneering documentary on Hollywood’s treatment of homosexual characters in the 20th century. Based on the seminal book by Vito Russo and produced by the Oscar-winning team of Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman, “The Celluloid Closet” presents clips from over a hundred mainstream films, illustrating the ways in which gays and lesbians were repeatedly depicted as either tragic figures, buffoons or monsters. Maupin is among the interview subjects, along with Tony Curtis, Tom Hanks, Susie Bright, Susan Sarandon, Whoopi Goldberg, Gore Vidal and others.

“Spectacular!”   - Bruce Williamson, Playboy

“Two thumbs up!”   - Siskel and Ebert