17/04/2020
There's a choice for LGBTQ viewers in need of broadly gay and lesbian themed programming on the television on Friday evening, 17th April. “Philadelphia” starring Denzel Washingtom and Tom Hanks shows on Sony Movies Classic Channel from 6.35pm. The movie was perhaps Hollywood's first attempt at creating an AIDS era blockbuster, and although very sad, with its haunting theme music by gay friendly and left wing rock legend Bruce Springsteen, the movie nevertheless stands as a testament to the work of the gay community and its allies during the dreadful years before HIV became a manageable condition. “Philadelphia” was first released in 1993. Meanwhile, over on Talking Pictures TV, the vintage movie channel, “The Killing of Sister George” starring the late great Beryl Reid, goes at at 10.35pm. The film is also generally downbeat in tone, and on its release in 1968 was slammed by some critics, although this was probably due to its portrayal of lesbian romance and sexuality rather than for any dramatic failings. Today it is much more favourably viewed as an attempt to offer up a drama in which lesbian love was depicted in a naturalistic fashion. Perhaps it is too much to ask of a drama dating from such a different era to our own to give the characters a happy ending. Nevertheless, there are some comic moments in “Sister George” and the film is essential viewing for the student of lesbian and gay history. Beryl Reid was nominated for a Golden Globe for her role in the movie.