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Poster for Before Stonewall

Before Stonewall

Seen it?

1984 | 87 min | Documentary, History

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (94% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had almost no lasting buzz and soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who likes learning something new and anyone who likes stories from the past brought to life. You'll come away knowing something you didn't. Liked Paris Is Burning? This is a good next one.
The mood
Eye-opening.
The pace
Well paced for a documentary, at 1 hr 27 min. Done before bedtime.
What might put you off
Skip it if you want made-up drama tonight.

New York City's Stonewall Inn is regarded by many as the site of gay and lesbian liberation since it was at this bar that drag queens fought back against police June 27-28, 1969. This documentary uses extensive archival film, movie clips and personal recollections to construct an audiovisual history of the gay community before the Stonewall riots.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    94% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerBelow par

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    About 5K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Greta Schiller, Robert Rosenberg

  • Rita Mae BrownNarrator (voice)
  • Red Jordan ArobateauSelf - Writer
  • Ann BannonSelf - University Professor
  • Lisa BenSelf - Former Secretary
  • Allen GinsbergSelf
  • Martin DubermanSelf