1985 Academy Award: Best Documentary
A skillful and emotionally compelling documentary, The Times of Harvey Milk charts the political rise and brutal slaying of the first openly gay city official in the United States. Ironically, the election that brought Milk to the board of SF city supervisors also elected the man who killed him, a former police officer and fireman named Dan White. After White shot both Milk and Mayor George Moscone, his defense lawyers convinced the jury that White's judgment was impaired by depression and junk food, resulting in a conviction for manslaughter instead of murder - a verdict that prompted riots. Astonishingly, thanks to the infamous "Twinkie Defense,” in which he blamed his depression on too much junk food, White served just five and a half years in prison.
With care and conviction, The Times of Harvey Milk shows not only Milk himself, but also the political and social landscape in which these events took place. The interviews--with friends, politicians, and journalists--are articulate and heartfelt, expressing the impact that Milk
This event is co-sponsored by the UM Lambda Alliance.
Discussions to Follow Each Screening. Please join us.
Producer's Web Site: www.TellingPictures.com/HarveyMilk/main.html