Archives
Sticks and Stones- The movie 1969-70
The topic of Gay and Fire Island were off limits in Hollywood, but somehow movies got made. Yes the budgets were low, however the Camp aspect was high, and so we have “Sticks and Stones” Stan Lopresto’s 1970 Fire Island film which documents a July 4th party thrown by Peter and Buddy, lovers in a strained relationship. Partygoers include leather queen George; a hippie known as “the Lavender Guru”; nervous newcomer Bobby; and Fernando, a biker boy with a new Prince Albert piercing. It doesn’t get campier than that…
Fire Island Pines People- Leonard Frey
Leonard Frey was an actor who spent time here in the Pines. He originally wanted to become an artist, but in college he became interested in acting. He made his stage debut in an off-Broadway production of “Little Mary Sunshine” and his film debut as a celebrant in Passages from James Joyce’s Finnegans Wake (1966), but he first rose to prominence in the role of Harold, the self-proclaimed “Jew fairy”, in both the stage and screen versions of The Boys in the Band (1970). Written by playwright Mart Crowley who also spent time here.
A Very Natural Thing- 1974
An important film in the history of American gay filmmaking, "A Very Natural Thing" is considered the first feature film on the gay experience made by an out gay man to receive commercial distribution. Many scenes were filmed in the Pines.
After Dark magazine on Fire Island Circa 1972
After Dark 1968-1983 was an entertainment magazine that covered theater , cinema, stage plays, ballet, performance art, and various artists, including singers, actors and actresses, and dancers, among others. First published in May 1968, the magazine succeeded Ballroom Dance Magazine....
Longtime Companion~ 1990
Filmed in the Pines in 1989 when the world still was finding out about the plague called AIDS that was rampant in places like New York, San Francisco, and Fire Island. Filming took place pre season in the spring. Unfortunately the weather was not cooperating as it was a rainy spring making outdoor filming difficult. Cast was put up in several homes and crew at the Botel. Then president of FIPPOA Alan Brockman and many community members were against the filming as there was fear of the showing of the community in a film about AIDS.