Watch Making the Boys

Making the Boys is a documentary film released in 2011, directed by Crayton Robey. The film delves into the complex history of the groundbreaking play "The Boys in the Band" that premiered in 1968, and the impact it had on American culture and society. The documentary is narrated by Mart Crowley, the playwright of "The Boys in the Band," who provides a first-person account of the play's creation, reception, and legacy. The film begins by examining the state of the gay community in America in the 1960s, where homosexuality was still perceived as a mental illness and homosexuality was illegal in most states.

The narrative then moves onto the creation of the play, which was a pioneering work of art that depicted homosexual relationships honestly and openly. The play was set at a birthday party where a group of gay men come together to celebrate and confront their anxieties, fears and prejudices. The play was brutally honest, unapologetic, and largely controversial, marking an important shift in the portrayal of gay men in popular culture.

The documentary examines the impact that the play had on society and the way in which it challenged the stereotypes and prejudices surrounding homosexuality. Featuring interviews with those who witnessed the play's original Broadway run, including legendary playwright Edward Albee and producer Joe Allen, the film discusses the taboo-breaking significance of "The Boys in the Band."

Interviews with people such as Matt Baney, Mark Gatiss, and Michael Musto reflect the influence of the play on contemporary culture, from movies and television to theatre, music videos and fashion. The film references the AIDS epidemic, the Stonewall Inn riots, and the gay rights movement, underlining the play's importance as a cultural touchstone during a time of profound social change.

The documentary also details the backlash that the play received from both the gay and straight communities, with some arguing that it perpetuated negative stereotypes of gay men as effeminate and debauched. The film explores these critiques thoughtfully, while ultimately asserting the play's enormous cultural impact.

Making the Boys presents a fascinating portrait of the societal context in which "The Boys in the Band" was created, as well as the play's lasting impact on American culture. The film provides glimpses of the original Broadway production, interviews with those who were critical participants in the history of the play, and uses archival footage and photographs to paint a vivid picture of the changing landscape of homosexuality in America.

The film is a loving tribute to the play's enduring influence and groundbreaking legacy. It chronicles the history of a play that changed the cultural landscape of America and helped to pave the way for greater tolerance and understanding of homosexuality. Making the Boys is an important document of the history of LGBTQ+ rights in America, and is a must-see for anyone interested in the evolution of queer culture in America.