Tab Hunter has a life story no one else but he could do justice telling.
Thankfully, he's done it first with a book (2005) and now a very moving documentary.
This beautifully produced and directed film cleverly takes the viewer into his confidence touring his amazing life journey over 8 decades. The compelling stories he lets us in on are told with honesty, taste, wit, self-deprecation and a humility that is sadly uncommon in this 21st century of self-absorption and self-promotion. The secret almost all viewers will want to know about is not that during his intense fame he was a closeted gay man, a dangerous situation in the rigid era of the 1950's that led many to self-destruction. The real revelation that comes over you while watching this unique story is the focus, faith and character Hunter has and how he got it. It would give him the ability to endure all the seasons of his fame and his personal life challenges.
He was a product of "the studio system" during its twilight years when moguls like Jack Warner had total control over its movies and stars. For Tab that was sometimes a blessing or a curse. What becomes clear early on is whatever Tab Hunter put his focus on - acting, professional ice skating or horse riding - he always became a master at. The documentary has something for everyone interested in movie history, social mores, pop culture and most importantly - how someone can maintain dignity and character throughout a life with compromises that could have sent anyone else off a cliff.
Thankfully, he's done it first with a book (2005) and now a very moving documentary.
This beautifully produced and directed film cleverly takes the viewer into his confidence touring his amazing life journey over 8 decades. The compelling stories he lets us in on are told with honesty, taste, wit, self-deprecation and a humility that is sadly uncommon in this 21st century of self-absorption and self-promotion. The secret almost all viewers will want to know about is not that during his intense fame he was a closeted gay man, a dangerous situation in the rigid era of the 1950's that led many to self-destruction. The real revelation that comes over you while watching this unique story is the focus, faith and character Hunter has and how he got it. It would give him the ability to endure all the seasons of his fame and his personal life challenges.
He was a product of "the studio system" during its twilight years when moguls like Jack Warner had total control over its movies and stars. For Tab that was sometimes a blessing or a curse. What becomes clear early on is whatever Tab Hunter put his focus on - acting, professional ice skating or horse riding - he always became a master at. The documentary has something for everyone interested in movie history, social mores, pop culture and most importantly - how someone can maintain dignity and character throughout a life with compromises that could have sent anyone else off a cliff.