Movie Review: ‘Making the Boys’

The documentary, Making the Boys, tells the story of Mart Crowley, the writer of Boys in the Band, a 1968 play (and later film) depicting all gay characters. The play ran off-Broadway for 1001 performances and became a sensation. Now, 43 years later, director Crayton Robey’s film gives us behind-the-scenes access.

Whether or not you are familiar with Boys in the Band, the territory covered is completely fascinating because it tells the story of an era in which the newer generation knows nothing about. This was a time when you didn’t see gay characters on TV or in movies at all.

I particularly love documentaries and can watch just about any topic, but I especially like documentaries about the 1960s. It was such a transition in our culture and I hadn’t seen any that specifically dealt with the gay culture. During this time, it was especially important to have a close knit set of friends to share experiences and have a support network. Mart Crowley wrote Boys in the Band after noticing that there were no plays dealing particularly with gay life. He had a hard time finding funding for the play and the first night was only mildly successful, but after word spread, performances we suddenly sold out.

I’m afraid that if I go anymore into the topic, I will spoil this very interesting tale.  Making the Boys mainly focuses on the writer, Mart Crowley, and how his creation has had an impact not only on his life, but the lives of countless others. This documentary is not to be missed and it will give you a further appreciation for how even the smallest of ideas can have a lasting effect for generations.

Making the Boys opens March 11, 2011 at the Quad Cinema in New York, NY.

Rating: Interesting topic that keeps you entertained and informed. 8/10

New York Premiere at the Tribeca Screening Room