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The Times of Harvey Milk

Play trailer Poster for The Times of Harvey Milk Released Sep 20, 1984 1h 27m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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96% Tomatometer 27 Reviews 94% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
Operating from his camera store in San Francisco's Castro district, charismatic Harvey Milk is defeated three times before being elected to the city's Board of Supervisors, making him California's first openly gay public official. On the job he meets fellow supervisor Dan White, a homophobic ex-fireman with whom Milk develops a troubled working relationship. White grows increasingly disgruntled, resigns from his position and subsequently assassinates both Milk and Mayor George Moscone.
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The Times of Harvey Milk

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Critics Consensus

True to its title, The Times of Harvey Milk looks back on the life of the titular politician and activist -- and the era he helped define with his trailblazing career.

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Critics Reviews

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Gene Siskel Chicago Tribune ''The Times of Harvey Milk'' is anything but a dispassionate documentary. Rated: 3.5/4 May 28, 2020 Full Review Paul Attanasio Washington Post ... an unremarkable documentary about the San Francisco politico... Jan 4, 2018 Full Review Michael Sragow The New Yorker [A] lucid, empathic 1984 documentary ... Jun 19, 2017 Full Review Michael Bronski Gay Community News (Boston) Both a documentary and a personal statement; a skillful recreation of history and an analysis of what history means to us as a gay community. It is as much a story of the birth and emergence of gay pride and gay anger as it is the story of any one man. Sep 21, 2022 Full Review Rob Gonsalves Rob's Movie Vault The subject commands more respect and affection than does the movie itself. Rated: B- Aug 31, 2022 Full Review Alan Jones Radio Times Eloquent, insightful and narrated by Torch Song Trilogy's Harvey Fierstein. Rated: 4/5 May 28, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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helder f Harvey Milk, a remarkable documentary, chronicles his remarkable journey to becoming a San Francisco supervisor, culminating in his tragic murder. This captivating piece of history serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. Perhaps minorities, in particular, should watch it more than non-minorities. As society evolves towards seemingly accepting many differences, we still have a long way to go. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/18/25 Full Review terry w An important event in USA history. It's so helpful to hear opinions directly from people who were there, including allies. There's a scene near the end that always makes me intensely angry. It helps me understand why anyone would go out and burn the symbols of unjust authority. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member A surprisingly non-manipulative doc that chronicles this explosive time in American history that shines with inspiration as well as irony of activist movements of any kind. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 12/31/17 Full Review Audience Member Very good round up of the life of H. Milk surrounding his rise to the city of San Francisco council in support of the homosexual life style. He was the most outgoing and outspoken of them all, making humourous and compelling arguments in defense of homos. It was a fight and the conservative side did not like losing the battle at the mayoral offices, forcing Dan White to go back in position. DW was refused and HM actively pressured the mayor to refuse his reinstatement. DW somehow lost it and killed the ennemies, the mayor and HM. Good extras in the DVD that brings more light to the situation at the time and many other supporting characters. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/20/23 Full Review Audience Member I love this movie !! Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Audience Member one of the best documentaries! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/22/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Times of Harvey Milk

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Cast & Crew

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Rob Epstein

Director

Harvey Fierstein

Narrator

Harvey Milk

Self

Anne Kronenberg

Self

Tory Hartmann

Self

Tom Ammiano

Self

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The Times of Harvey Milk

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Movie Info

Synopsis Operating from his camera store in San Francisco's Castro district, charismatic Harvey Milk is defeated three times before being elected to the city's Board of Supervisors, making him California's first openly gay public official. On the job he meets fellow supervisor Dan White, a homophobic ex-fireman with whom Milk develops a troubled working relationship. White grows increasingly disgruntled, resigns from his position and subsequently assassinates both Milk and Mayor George Moscone.
Director
Rob Epstein
Producer
Richard Schmiechen
Screenwriter
Judith Coburn, Carter Wilson
Distributor
New Yorker Films, TC Films International
Production Co
Pacific Arts, Black Sand Productions
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Sep 20, 1984, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 29, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA)
$13.6K
Runtime
1h 27m
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