Cruising (motion picture) Collection, 1979-1980

Collection context

Summary

Creators:
Stop the Movie Cruising.
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.
Extent:
0.4 linear foot. [5 folders]
Language:
Preferred citation:

Cruising (motion picture) Collection, Coll2011-030, ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives, Los Angeles, California

Background

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."

Biographical / historical:

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.

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.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Contact ONE archivist regarding access restrictions.

Terms of access:

Contact ONE archivist regarding use and publication restrictions.

Preferred citation:

Cruising (motion picture) Collection, Coll2011-030, ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives, Los Angeles, California

Location of this collection:
909 West Adams Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90007, US
Contact:
(213) 821-2771