“A fascinating and disturbing documentary, The Fall of ‘55 details through vivid interviews and diligent research a witch hunt instigated by Boise authorities in search of a ’sex ring’ of men preying on teenage boys.”
– BOISE WEEKLY • Boise, ID
“Seth Randal has created what surely must be the definitive work on the issue… Spirited and meticulously fair, ‘The Fall of ‘55′ is deeply instructive to the rest of us, who might think it could never happen where we live.”
– GAY.COM
This riveting documentary profiles a story that changed Boise, Idaho forever.
– REELING FILM FESTIVAL PROGRAMMERS • Chicago, IL
“Director Seth Randal has crafted a truly noteworthy documentary… Five years of careful research and interviews with Boise residents touched personally by the events reveal surprising new information about many of the men involved.”
– NEWFEST FILM FESTIVAL PROGRAMMERS • New York City
Randal shows how the discovery of a so-called homosexual sex ring preying on minors snowballed with alarming speed into an hysterical paranoia, leading to the conviction of 15 men and the intimidation of hundreds more. Well-documented pic should easily find a home on gay-friendly cable.
– VARIETY
Randal’s telling of this story is both straight forward and well researched. Players in the historical drama are portrayed sensitively and without bias. ‘The Fall of ‘55′ could elicit emotions ranging from sadness to indignation…
– AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
Recommended… [T]he film stands as an excellent starting point for the historical context of homosexuality in contemporary America. And it creates a platform for discussion of broader questions related to community standards of morality verses individual rights.
– EDUCATIONAL MEDIA REVIEWS ONLINE
‘The Fall of ‘55′ is an invaluable window into a critical set of events in 20th century gay American history.
– GAYLE RUBIN, ANTHROPOLOGY AND WOMEN’S STUDIES • U. OF MICHIGAN
Any argument against blind prejudice is worth seeing. And any story about such prejudice is worth telling. Again and again.
– THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW • Spokane, WA