The Fall of '55 Data File

Movie Title: The Fall of '55

Year: 2005

Director: Seth Randal

Producer: Seth Randal

Screenwriter: Seth Randal

Cast: Narrated by Claudia Weathermon, formerly of ABC affiliate KIVI.

Crew:

MPAA Rating: NR

Genre: Documentary (Drama)

Keywords: Crime, Mystery, Historical, Homosexual, Scandal, Boise, ID., Justice,

Witch hunt

Length: 85 minutes

Source of Story: Independent research on historical events.

Tagline: Leaves changed. Lives changed. A community changed.

Film or Tape Format: DVC ProVideo

Brief Description 1: (61 words) Even now, some people don't like to talk about the investigation that began in the fall of 1955. Many are uncomfortable not only with the subject matter, but with the way the people of Boise reacted. This documentary explores how the investigation touched not only the "victims" and those prosecuted, but also the greater impact on the community.

Brief Description 2: (150 words) In late 1955 and early 1956, the citizens of Boise, Idaho believed there was a menace in their midst. On Halloween, investigators arrested three men on charges of having sex with teenage boys. The investigators claimed the arrests were just the tip of the iceberg – they said hundreds of boys were being abused as part of a child sex ring. There was no such ring, but the result was a widespread investigation which some people consider a witch hunt.

By the time the investigation ended, 16 men were charged. Countless other lives were also touched. In some cases, men implicated fled the area. At least one actually left the country. The investigation attracted attention in newspapers across the country, even Time Magazine. In 1966, author John Gerassi wrote a book on the investigation, "The Boys of Boise". The " Morals Drive" left scars which remain to this day.