Research Catalog

First dance

Title
First dance [videorecording] / Newtom Cable Television Foundation ; produced by Wesley Horner.
Publication
Boston, MA : Fanlight Productions, 1984.

Items in the Library & Off-site

Filter by

1 Item

StatusFormatAccessCall NumberItem Location
VHSBy appointment only Y VTH 1912 FOffsite

Details

Additional Authors
Feldman, Steven, 1954-
Subject
  • Homosexuality
  • Homophobia
  • Gay youth
  • Prejudices
Credits (note)
  • Director, editor, Steven Feldman; writer, Richard Siggelkow; photography, Bestor Cram.
Performer (note)
  • Tom Bloom, William Cavness, Joan Gale, Richard McElvain, Andrew Sawler, Alan Zaremba.
Title
First dance [videorecording] / Newtom Cable Television Foundation ; produced by Wesley Horner.
Imprint
Boston, MA : Fanlight Productions, 1984.
Description
1 videocassette (19 min.) : sd., col. ; 1/2 in.
Credits
Director, editor, Steven Feldman; writer, Richard Siggelkow; photography, Bestor Cram.
Cast
Tom Bloom, William Cavness, Joan Gale, Richard McElvain, Andrew Sawler, Alan Zaremba.
Summary
Based on actual courtroom transcripts, this dramatization re-creates the court hearing which ensued when a Rhode Island high school senior was refused the right to attend the senior prom with his male date. On the witness stand, the student, Marc Harris, pleads his case by citing the prejudicial views of the principal and attesting to his completion of graduation requirements which made him eligible for a prom ticket. On the stand, Principal Edward Winter attempts to justify his position by saying that the attendance of Marc and friend Peter Grayson could cause disruptive behavior or violence and would hurt the school's sports image. Under cross examination, Winters is revealed to have ignored Marc's repeated complaints of harassment by other students, even though the student handbook bans prejudicial behavior. The judge rules in Marc's favor, stating that school discipline does not preclude an individual's right to free speech. Three weeks after the hearing, Marc and Peter went to the prom amidst heavy media coverage. In voiceover, Marc recounts the initial tentativeness of the students when he and Peter started to dance. Gradually, the entire dance floor filled with happy prom-goers.
Connect to:
Request Access to Reserve Film and Video Collection Special Collections material
Added Author
Feldman, Steven, 1954-
Branch Call Number
VTH 1912 F
View in Legacy Catalog