fallof55.com Blog

Dear Friends,

I want to welcome readers of the Twin Falls Times-News. The paper ran a story, written by Nichole Carnell, which you can read HERE. It discusses the film’s Twin Falls Premiere on Thursday, and a candlelight vigil held Friday — both as part of the first Magic Valley Pride Week.

Twin Falls was a wonderful experience, and I’m thankful to the Pride committee for inviting us to show the film there. The theme of their first Pride is “Building Bridges. It wraps up today, Saturday June 27, with a BBQ/Potluck.

Come and join the celebration at our Pride Celebration BBQ/Potluck. The SIGLBT will provide the main course all we ask is for you to bring something to share. There will be GLBT groups joining us in this celebration and will be available to answer questions and share valuable information. There will be door prizes given throughout the day and a raffle to enter. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and come down and join us for the celebration!

Music entertainment provided by Idaho favorite Rochelle Smith (who also performs a voice role in THE FALL OF ‘55)!

Where: Cascade Park also known as Candy Cane Park.

Time: 1pm -4pm

Cost: There is no cost to attend this event. Just bring a salad/desert to share.

CSI alliance club raffle tickets will be available at the event! The club will be drawing winners names towards the end of the picnic. Prizes include tickets to the upcoming Kathy Griffin show in Boise, and passes to the Lagoon theme park in Utah.

Talk soon,
Seth

Dear Friends,

-Seth

THE LAST BOISE BOY COMES HOME

He grew up in an era that seems tougher and tougher to imagine in these days of gay marriage and pride parades. When men who loved other men were compelled to either deny their feelings or hide in the water closet. In the 1950s, men could go to prison for having sex with another man. And arrest, publicity, prosecution, could bring great shame and tear lives and families apart.
With his white hair, leisurely gait and easy smile, Jim didn’t necessarily look like a trailblazer or a pioneer. And he certainly didn’t view himself as one. Still, he stood at an important moment in LGBT history.

Until his passing last month, he was the last survivor of the 16 men prosecuted in the 1955 Boise Morals Drive, the so-called “Boys of Boise” cases. He pleaded guilty to “Infamous Crime Against Nature” for an encounter with another man.

After Jim’s prosecution and subsequent probation, he and his parents left Boise. Despite the experience, he was not bitter or resentful. Jim had clearly made peace with the past. He said he did not blame the men responsible for the scandal. He moved on, and would not let the frightening ordeal of 1955 consume his life.

Jim and I corresponded numerous times, by phone and letter, starting in 2000. Ultimately, he did not appear in “The Fall of ‘55″ for family reasons. However, he did help fill-in-the-blanks in a number of areas, giving me ― and history ― a better sense of what really happened.

In September 2006, we had an opportunity to finally meet in person. I was in New York City with Alan Virta, the film’s historian, for NewFest, the Big Apple’s LGBT film festival. Jim invited us to dinner at an old favorite hangout, a hotel restaurant more than a generation beyond its glory days, with cracking blue plaster and dingy paint. In this comfortable environment, we talked more about his life and experiences in Boise in the 1930s-50s. Meeting him face-to-face was a unique privilege. His kindness, tenacity and peaceful spirit were striking.

The following evening, he attended the World Premiere of “The Fall of ‘55″ at NewFest. He also offered a lot of positive feedback on the film and its fairness.

Afterward, he was our guest of honor at the post-film dinner in a chic Manhattan penthouse. Jim was joined by several of his friends, also older gentlemen, and I could tell he was deeply loved. These men were like family to him.

Like so many of the other men who fled Boise, Jim chose to come back for his final rest. He lies next to his parents, shaded in the long shadows of several large trees at a local cemetery. The last Boise boy comes home.

Although he is buried within several miles of his childhood home, an obituary has not yet run locally.
Jim was 86 years old. He is missed by many.

-Seth Randal

* The first of the defendants to pass away died in San Francisco in 1961. That man drank himself to death within five-and-a-half years of his prosecution. He is buried less than 100 feet from his childhood friend and classmate, Jim.

THE FALL OF ‘55
Friends of the Documentary 6/25
OUR FILM IS NOW AVAILABLE ON DVD!!!

Dear Friends of the Documentary,

Thank you so much for your continued support and contributions to the success of our film, THE FALL OF ‘55. I’m writing you from Twin Falls, Idaho, where our film will show tonight as part of their first Pride Week. I’m going to announce to them something I want to tell you first:

THE FALL OF ‘55 IS NOW AVAILABLE ON DVD!

You have all been extremely patient while the film travelled to universities and libraries around the country, and your support and kindness are much appreciated! Now, The Fall of ‘55 is available on Home Video from Frameline Distribution. The price is $30.36, which includes tax and shipping.

Click this link to buy your copy today: http://www.frameline.org/shop/item.aspx?catid=12&id=327

TWIN FALLS PREMIERE
I’ll be updating this blog with news, and maybe pictures, from the Magic Valley premiere of the film. Also, I hope to include links from some of the news stories relating to the trip — I’ve already done interviews with Boise State Radio, KIDO Radio, and a video interview with the Times-News newspaper today.

All my best,
Seth

THE FALL OF ‘55
Friends of the Documentary 6/24
Twin Falls Pride, Journal, Twitter

Dear Friends of the Documentary,

It’s nice to be speaking with you again with more news of our film, THE FALL OF ‘55.
 
TWIN FALLS PREMIERE
I’m very pleased to tell you about the film’s Magic Valley premiere — TOMORROW NIGHT.  It will show at the College of Southern Idaho as part of their first Pride week.  This free community showing is sponsored by Southern Idaho GLBT Community Center and Alliance at College of Southern Idaho.  It starts at 7 p.m. at the CSI Aspen Building, tomorrow, Thursday 6/25. 
 
Please plan to arrive early, especially if you’re able to drive from out of town.  I’ll be doing a Q&A session with the audience after the film
 
Thank you, also, to the good folks at KLIX Radio.  This past Monday, they devoted 20 minutes of the “Top Story” morning show to talking about the events of 1955 and the Twin Falls showing of the film.

HOME VIDEO
Thank you for your patience during the past few years while you’ve waited for the home video DVD of THE FALL OF ‘55.  The wait is almost over.  I will be announcing the details of our DVD release in the very near future.

JOURNAL MENTION
THE FALL OF ‘55 was mentioned in a recent edition of the Journal of Historical Sociology, an academic journal read by read by historians, anthropologists, geographers and sociologists.  Dr. Jen Schneider from the Colorado School of Mines wrote an article called Queer Wordplay: Language and Laughter in the “Boys of Boise” Morals Panic.  The 22-page article explores how the use of language may have a factor in the furor surrounding these cases, and I’m quoted throughout.

 In the author’s words, 
The article first analyzes the rhetoric of local newspaper editorials, arguing that they relied on familiar tropes of “purity” and “danger” to foment hysteria about deviant sexual behaviors, in effect manufacturing child victims that did not exist. Second, analysis of trial transcripts illustrates the ways in which this hysteria and hostility were connected to fears that homosexuality might be infectious, could be passed on to children and young men, and therefore pose a long-term, unmanageable threat to heteronormative forms of masculinity and the American family. 

TWITTER
Are you on Twitter?  You can now find me there @SethRandal or at twitter.com/SethRandal.

MYSPACE
Remember to add both me, and the film, to your list of MySpace Friends.  You can find me at www.myspace.com/SethRandal and the film is at www.myspace.com/FALLof55

Thanks again for your support and interest in the film!  Another update will be coming out very soon with details on new ways to see the documentary.

All my best,
Seth
–
Seth Randal, Writer/Director/Producer
SethRandal@gmail.com
www.myspace.com/SethRandal
www.FALLof55.com 
@SethRandal 

Dear Friends,

In advance of THE FALL OF ’55’s Magic Valley premiere, I’m set be interviewed on Twin Falls station KLIX, NewsRadio 1310 this coming Monday. “Top Story” hosts Kelly Klass and Jill Skeem are scheduled to talk about the film at 8:30 a.m on Monday the 22nd.

THE FALL OF ‘55 shows at the College of Southern Idaho Thursday at 7 p.m. as part of Magic Valley Pride Week.

You can listen to the interview live, online at newsradio1310.com, then click on LISTEN LIVE.

Talk soon,
Seth

“A fascinating and disturbing documentary, The Fall of ‘55 details through vivid interviews and diligent research a witch hunt instigated by Boise authorities in search of a ’sex ring’ of men preying on teenage boys.”
– BOISE WEEKLY • Boise, ID

“Seth Randal has created what surely must be the definitive work on the issue… Spirited and meticulously fair, ‘The Fall of ‘55′ is deeply instructive to the rest of us, who might think it could never happen where we live.”
– GAY.COM

This riveting documentary profiles a story that changed Boise, Idaho forever.
– REELING FILM FESTIVAL PROGRAMMERS • Chicago, IL

“Director Seth Randal has crafted a truly noteworthy documentary… Five years of careful research and interviews with Boise residents touched personally by the events reveal surprising new information about many of the men involved.”
– NEWFEST FILM FESTIVAL PROGRAMMERS • New York City

Randal shows how the discovery of a so-called homosexual sex ring preying on minors snowballed with alarming speed into an hysterical paranoia, leading to the conviction of 15 men and the intimidation of hundreds more. Well-documented pic should easily find a home on gay-friendly cable.
– VARIETY

Randal’s telling of this story is both straight forward and well researched. Players in the historical drama are portrayed sensitively and without bias. ‘The Fall of ‘55′ could elicit emotions ranging from sadness to indignation…
– AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

Recommended… [T]he film stands as an excellent starting point for the historical context of homosexuality in contemporary America. And it creates a platform for discussion of broader questions related to community standards of morality verses individual rights.
– EDUCATIONAL MEDIA REVIEWS ONLINE

‘The Fall of ‘55′ is an invaluable window into a critical set of events in 20th century gay American history.
– GAYLE RUBIN, ANTHROPOLOGY AND WOMEN’S STUDIES • U. OF MICHIGAN

Any argument against blind prejudice is worth seeing. And any story about such prejudice is worth telling. Again and again.
– THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW • Spokane, WA

Magic Valley Pride 2009
June 22 -June 27
Schedule of Events

Monday June 22, 2009
How To Win The Battle In The Media: A Boot Camp For GLBT and Allies
Where: KMVT Community Room (110 Blue Lakes North in Twin Falls)
Time: 7pm – 9pm
What: From using PR for your business to talking about civil rights to a reporter, come learn how to get your message across to the media in an effective positive manner!

Cost: There is no cost to attend this event.
Sponsored by National Social Workers Association

Tuesday June 23rd, 2009
Legislative breakfast to discuss human rights amendment
This event is by invitation only.
Sponsored by National Social Workers Association

SIGLBT Community Center Reception
Theme “Building Bridges: Visions of a Diverse Future.”
Keynote Speaker: Idaho State Senator Nicole LeFavour
Also speaking: Monica Hopkins-executive director ACLU of Idaho
Music by Swift & Sassy

Where: Pandora’s (516 Hansen street Twin Falls)
Time: 7:00-10:00 PM
Cost: Free appetizers will be served..open to everyone!

Thursday June 25, 2009
Movie Night: The Fall of ‘55
Come meet Idaho film director Seth Randal and learn more about this misunderstood chapter of Idaho history. The “boys of Boise” still affects the LGBT community today!

When: 7pm-9pm
Where: Aspen Building room 108, College of Southern Idaho campus
Cost: There is no cost to attend this event.

Friday June 26, 2009
Idaho Equality Meet and Greet Luncheon
This is a great opportunity to meet the organizer for the only state-wide LGBT advocacy organization to talk about current work and upcoming strategies to promote
the rights of LGBT people in Idaho.

When: 12:00-1:30 PM
Where: Maxie’s Pizza 170 Blue Lakes Blvd, Twin Falls.
Cost: Free and open to the public

Candlelight Vigil: Dedicated to people who cannot be visible.
We will be walking from the Lynwood Parking area on Blue Lakes to the Twin falls County courthouse where we will then be having a candlelight ceremony.

When: We will meet at the parking area at 8:oopm and the walking will begin at 8:30pm
Where: Lynwood Parking area to the Twin Falls county courthouse
Cost: There is no cost to attend this event.

Saturday June 27, 2009
BBQ/Potluck
Come and join the celebration at our Pride Celebration BBQ/Potluck. The SIGLBT will provide the main course all we ask is for you to bring something to share. There will be many GLBT groups joining us in this celebration and be available to answer questions and share valuable information. There will be door prizes given throughout the day and a raffle to enter. Come down and join us for the celebration!

Where: Cascade Park also known as Candy Cane Park. (click here for directions)
Time: 1pm -4pm
Cost: There is no cost to attend this event. Just bring a salad/desert to share.

For Immediate Release:
June 15, 2009

FOR SCREENERS, IMAGES OR LICENSING CONTACT:
Maura King
Frameline
maura@frameline.org
415/703-8650 x306

FOR COMMENTS OR INTERVIEWS CONTACT:
Seth Randal
www.FALLof55.com
sethrandal@gmail.com
208/284-0982

FILM ON NOTORIOUS IDAHO SCANDAL COMING TO TWIN FALLS
Documentary THE FALL OF ‘55 Chronicles So-Called “boys of Boise” Cases

BOISE, IDAHO — A film hailed as “the definitive work” (Barbara Wilcox, gay.com) on the notorious “boys of Boise” sex scandal is coming to the Magic Valley. The Fall of ‘55 will show at the College of Southern Idaho Aspen Building on Thursday, June 25th at 7 p.m. This free screening is open to the public and sponsored by the Alliance at the College of Southern Idaho and SIGLBT Community Center as part of Magic Valley Pride 2009.

“The Fall of ‘55 documents an important and misunderstood part of Idaho history,” said Director Seth Randal. “Countless people fled Idaho because of these events,” Randal said. “I’m thrilled we can bring this story to folks in the Magic Valley.” Immediately after the screening, Randal will participate in a question-and-answer session with the audience, where he will discuss some of the research conducted in the Twin Falls area, as well as the filmmaking process.

In the fall of 1955, a gay sex scandal erupted in Boise, as teenage boys who had prostituted themselves to older men began to disclose their dalliances to authorities. Overnight, Boise’s homosexual underworld — comprised mostly of married family men — was splashed onto headlines and thrust into the national spotlight. Reputations were shattered and lives ruined as the rumors and accusations flew. What followed was a classic witch-hunt, marked by intense homophobic hysteria, in which the whole town became embroiled.

The Fall of ‘55 was made by a local team led by Randal, a former TV news producer. He and Boise State University archivist Alan Virta conducted research and interviews throughout the country over a period of five years, uncovering many details never before made public. The film brings the scandal alive through new and archival interviews, vintage letters, news articles, film and photographs.

The documentary has appeared at film festivals and community events throughout the country, including in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Boise and Spokane. It is also being used as as an educational tool at universities including Duke, University of Michigan, Northwestern, University of Virginia and Boise State.

Working with a budget of less than $80,000, Randal found significant support within his local community, with Idahoans contributing not only their stories and talent but also providing completion funds for the documentary.

“The Boise morals drive made national headlines, and the consequences continue even today. This happened more than 50 years ago, but we believe the story still has great relevance to Idaho — and America — today,” Randal said.

###

About Frameline
Founded in 1979, Frameline’s mission is to strengthen the diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and further its visibility by supporting and promoting a broad array of cultural representations and artistic expression in film, video and other media arts. Frameline’s year-round programs provide critical funding for LGBT filmmakers, reach hundreds of thousands with a collection of more than 200 films distributed internationally, and create an international stage for the world’s best queer film through the San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival and additional year-round cinematic events. Frameline titles have aired on cable channels such as The Sundance Channel, Logo and HereTV, in addition to numerous local public television stations.

For more information about Frameline please visit www.frameline.org

About Seth Randal
An Idaho native, Seth Randal wrote, directed, produced and helped research The Fall of ‘55. He inspired hundreds of people in Boise and beyond to help tell the controversial story of the 1955 morals drive. Randal has told telling compelling, real-life stories for well over a decade, primarily through his career in print and broadcast journalism. He has been quoted by numerous national media sources including National Public Radio and co-wrote an opinion piece for The New York Times’ Sunday Edition about the arrest and prosecution of former Senator Larry Craig. The Fall of ‘55 is his first film. He also directed “State of Change,” a 23-minute short documentary about the 2008 Ada County Democratic Caucus. That film is available as a free download through iTunes.

Quotes about The Fall of ‘55
“A fascinating and disturbing documentary, The Fall of ‘55 details through vivid interviews and diligent research a witch hunt instigated by Boise authorities in search of a ‘sex ring’ of men preying on teenage boys.”
— BOISE WEEKLY

“[T]ruly noteworthy… Five years of careful research and interviews with Boise residents touched personally by the events reveal surprising new information about many of the men involved.”
— NEWFEST FILM FESTIVAL PROGRAMMERS • New York City

“Spirited and meticulously fair, ‘ The Fall of ‘55 ‘ is deeply instructive to the rest of us, who might think it could never happen where we live.“
— GAY.COM

Dear Friends,

I want to tell you about a film coming to a Boise theater with a unique connection to Idaho. Kirby Dick’s documentary, Outrage tells the stories of closeted gay politicians who vote against gay rights. The film “outs” a number of politicians, many of whom you may recognize.

Outrage plays at The Flicks starting at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 24th. It features an interview with Idaho Statesman columnist Dan Popkey. He was researching the allegations against Senator Craig before his arrest. You may remember, Dan appeared on the panel discussion after the Boise premiere of THE FALL OF ‘55, where he shared his insights into the Boise community. Dan will also appear in a panel interview after the Boise screening of Outrage.

The Boston Globe had a fascinating story about the film written by Richard Leiby. Here are a few excerpts, including Director Kirby Dick’s feelings about the arrest and prosecution of Idaho Senator Larry Craig:

[T]here is a special place in his heart for one particular conservative lawmaker: Larry Craig, the former senator from Idaho, who was famously busted in 2007 on suspicion of lewd behavior in a Minneapolis airport men’s room.

“The psychology of these people who would, in exchange for a political career, lead a double life – that’s almost a Shakespearean character,” Dick says.

His last quote resonated with me because of my own interest in politics. My life could have taken the same path. When I was younger, I followed Republican politics very closely, going so far as volunteering for the local Republican party in ninth grade. Had I not come out, my life possibly could have taken the path of the men featured in Outrage. I’m thankful I make films instead.

The clips of Outrage are very interesting. You can check them out below, along with several interviews.

Talk soon,
Seth

TRAILER OF THE FILM:

INTERVIEW WITH CNN’S DON LEMON – SHORT







INTERVIEW WITH CNN’S DON LEMON – LONG