First documentary (I believe) on TV that dealt with homosexuals. It was hosted by Mike Wallace and looks at the homosexual "problem". This was done before Stomewall so some of the misinformation and views are incredible.
First off most Americans believe that homosexuality (the word "gay" is never used) is a harmful serious problem--worse than adultery, abortion and prostitution. When this was made you could get arrested for homosexual acts. If you did it more than three times it led to life imprisonment! Most Americans thought it was an illness that could be cured and should never happen--even between consenting adults in private. All thought it should be punished. There's a lecture from a psychiatrist who makes it clear that this "behavior" is learned... I could go on but I think you get the idea. Every single myth and outright lies about gays is put out as truth. The only thing that makes this bearable is it is presented in an objective way and doesn't make any judgment calls. Still it's scary to think that people believed this all those years ago.
First off most Americans believe that homosexuality (the word "gay" is never used) is a harmful serious problem--worse than adultery, abortion and prostitution. When this was made you could get arrested for homosexual acts. If you did it more than three times it led to life imprisonment! Most Americans thought it was an illness that could be cured and should never happen--even between consenting adults in private. All thought it should be punished. There's a lecture from a psychiatrist who makes it clear that this "behavior" is learned... I could go on but I think you get the idea. Every single myth and outright lies about gays is put out as truth. The only thing that makes this bearable is it is presented in an objective way and doesn't make any judgment calls. Still it's scary to think that people believed this all those years ago.