The mainstreaming of gays in entertainment did not happen overnight. Growing up in the late 1980s and early 1990s, I remember when movies and TV shows described as “gay” were synonymous with AIDS-related drama or flamboyant caricatures. Gay characters weren’t people as much as they were social issues and cheap comic relief with names.
“Will & Grace” and “The Kids Are All Right” did not just magically appear. Someone or something had to pave the way for progress. One influence, undoubtedly, was Mart Crowley’s classic play, “The Boys in the Band,” which is given a proper tribute in Crayton Robey’s wonderful new documentary “Making the Boys.”
“The Boys in the Band” opened off-Broadway in 1968. At the time, it was considered groundbreaking because it depicted gay characters with real problems. Despite the then-controversial content, the show quickly became a hit, moving to Broadway and inspiring a movie adaptation (directed by William Friedkin, who later helmed “The French Connection”) and spawning touring shows.
Its immense success, however, didn’t make everyone happy. As the ’60s morphed into the sexually empowering ’70s, critics scoffed at the play’s stereotypes and self-loathing attitude. After his second play flopped, Crowley traveled the world aimlessly before returning stateside to become a producer on the TV show “Hart to Hart.” The original show’s cast had difficulty landing roles after leaving the play; a few actors, such as the late Cliff Gorman, grew resentful over their big break. Sadly, many associated with the production succumbed to AIDS in the 1980s and 1990s.
Robey doesn’t just cover the play’s history, which is fascinating on its own. But he deftly juggles multiple angles (the play’s development and influence, the story of its cast and creator) and how social history has redefined “The Boys in the Band’s” legacy. This is highlighted via Robey’s interview subjects, whom all contribute something constructive, whether it’s anecdotes, honesty, or insight. Not all of it is positive. Legendary playwright Edward Albee, all tart eloquence here, initially deemed “The Boys in the Band” a “highly skillful work that I despised.”
Albee’s verdict, however, doesn’t ruin “Making the Boys.” Robey’s heartfelt film shows the emergence of gays in popular culture through a work that many readers may have never heard of before reading this review. There’s no need to worry about the knowledge gap. A band of writers, performers and directors has gloriously built upon what “The Boys in the Band” offered 43 years ago.
Rating: W W W W
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