50 years in 50 weeks: 1980's 'Cruising' film

  • by BAR staff
  • Wednesday June 9, 2021
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Photo: Courtesy B.A.R. Archive
Photo: Courtesy B.A.R. Archive

The 1980 film "Cruising," starring Al Pacino, was the topic of a front-page story in our January 31, 1980 issue. Gay community members formed an ad hoc group to try and stop the film's release, which did not happen. The movie prompted riots when it was filmed in 1979 in New York City, according to the article. Controversy surrounded the movie because it was about a serial murderer who targeted gay men in New York's leather and BDSM scene, and members of the community felt it stigmatized them. To view the issue, click here.

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