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NEIGHBORHOODS: THE HIDDEN CITIES OF SAN FRANCISCO: THE CASTRO: A DOCUMENTARY (TV)

Summary

One in this series of films documenting the neighborhoods of San Francisco. This episode focuses on the history of the Castro district, utilizing interviews, historical narration, and archival footage and images. First, the documentary examines the history of the settlement of Eureka Valley -- which was the original neighborhood now known as the Castro -- from the 1880s to the 1950s, followed by interviews with several individuals who lived in the area during its heyday in the 1950s. Dorrwin Jones, Del Martin, and Phyllis Lyon then discuss the suppression of homosexuality during that era, which caused gay people to live double or invisible lives. Mary Ragusin OÕShea and C. Rodney Silk reminisce about the close-knit, traditional Irish-American community of Eureka Valley, while Stuart Cross recalls that in spite of the California laws against homosexuality, San Francisco was still known as being a relatively gay friendly environment. Cross also remembers when the atmosphere changed, becoming hostile to homosexuals. Allan Berube describes the police raids that took place beginning in 1955, which led to a wave of gay arrests and blacklisting -- but which also produced gay political organizations and activism. The stand off between gay activists and the police force came to a head when then the police raided the Benefit for the Council on Religion and the Homosexual (CRH), arresting both homosexuals and straight supporters of the CRH. Rather than suppressing the gay community, the police raid resulted in increased public awareness and support of the struggles of homosexuals. Soon, more radical change came to San Francisco during the ÒSummer of Love,Ó and the city became known for its acceptance of alternative lifestyles. Phyllis Burke and Cleve Jones talk about moving to the city in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and finding a place where they felt free to live openly as gay people. Throughout the 1970s, the neighborhood transformed as old Eureka Valley residents moved out and people from around the country flocked to what was beginning to be considered a gay mecca. In 1977, a backlash against the gay community resulted in incidents of physical assault and arson. However, out of the chaos grew a movement, headed by spokesperson Harvey Milk, which officially transformed Eureka Valley into the Castro. The community began drawing together with new traditions of elaborate street fairs, pride parades, and Halloween parties, as well as with MilkÕs merchant association, the Castro Village association. Robert and Thomas Van Etten recall the fun, friendly atmosphere in the Castro during that era; but Lyon and Brian Freeman note that the Castro wasnÕt quite as welcoming a place for lesbians or people of color. Although backlash against homosexuals continued, spearheaded by Anita BryantÕs ÒSave Our ChildrenÓ campaign, the gay community countered with demonstrations and marches reminiscent of earlier Civil Rights struggles. Their new political power was exemplified by the election of openly gay officials such as Harvey Milk, who was now a city Supervisor. However, the early 1980s, brought a new devastating blow to the community in the form of a mysterious disease. Walter Park and daughter Felicia Park-Rogers recall the pall that fell over the neighborhood as friends and loved ones died by the dozens. The Van Ettens explain that because the public knew so little about AIDS, the sick were often shunned or mistreated. However, as the fatalities mounted throughout the decade and more information about the virus became available, the community responded with programs such as AIDS support groups, meal delivery programs to the sick, and other creative efforts such as the Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt. As Park explains, his generation set the stage for a younger generation to build a stronger gay community. Several gay and lesbian youths explain their perceptions of the Castro and discuss some of the challenges facing them; and several other residents describe their bond to the neighborhood inspite of discouraging changes it has undergone. The program concludes with scenes of current activities around the Castro district in 1997.

Cataloging of this program was made possible by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, 1999.

Details

  • NETWORK: PBS
  • DATE: June 12, 1998 Friday 9:00 PM
  • RUNNING TIME: 1:26:55
  • COLOR/B&W: Color
  • CATALOG ID: T:53080
  • GENRE: Public affairs/Documentaries
  • SUBJECT HEADING: AIDS (disease); Documentaries; Homosexual rights; Gays; Lesbians
  • SERIES RUN: PBS - TV, 1998
  • COMMERCIALS: N/A

CREDITS

  • Peter L. Stein … Executive Producer, Director, Writer
  • David Condon … Associate Producer
  • Jim Yager … Contributing Producer
  • Miriam Culter … Music by
  • Robert Zaborny … Music (Misc.), Music Consultant
  • Terri Orth-Pallavicini … Narrator
  • Allan Berube
  • Phyllis Burke
  • Anita Bryant
  • Stuart Cross
  • Brian Freeman
  • Cleve Jones
  • Dorrwin Jones
  • Phyllis Lyon
  • Del Martin
  • Harvey Milk
  • Mary Ragusin O'Shea
  • Walter Park
  • Felicia Park-Rogers
  • C. Rodney Silk
  • Van Etten, Robert
  • Van Etten, Thomas