This listing is for the standard edition Blu-ray release. The limited edition slipcover was limited to 1,000 units and is sold out. The two versions are identical, aside from the slipcover.
From arthouse to Canuxploitation, Canadian International Pictures (CIP) is devoted to resurrecting vital, distinctive, and overlooked triumphs of Canadian cinema. This label is focused on the country’s original cinematic boom years – spanning the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s – occasionally venturing past that period (and the country’s borders) to highlight the films of Canada’s most inspired actors and filmmakers. Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing CIP's brand new line of home video releases!
30th anniversary special edition
In the 1950s, a wave of lesbian pulp literature emerged, exploring a then taboo subject in vivid, sensationalistic detail. While these writers often took a critical, moralistic view of gay life, they provided a jumping-off point for women still discovering their suppressed sexual desires. But with society unwilling to grant them a place in public life, they channeled their passion for these novels into a vibrant underground culture full of distinctive codes, roles, and rituals. Mirroring the shadowy traditions of noir fiction, they also faced violent opposition from police and other protectors of the status quo, resulting in a dangerous, but ultimately liberating path to sexual awakening.
Mixing lively testimonials from unforgettable women at the forefront of mid-century lesbian bar culture with scripted segments that take the Hollywood melodrama in provocative (and sexually explicit) new directions, Forbidden Love: The Unashamed Stories of Lesbian Lives is an eye-opening cultural history – and one of the most memorable Canadian films of the ’90s. With a soundtrack of late ‘50s and early ‘60s hits by The Fleetwoods, Connie Francis, Jimmie Rodgers, and The Shirelles, this is a stirring, funny, and ultimately moving portrait of rebellion flourishing in the face of repression.
directed by: Lynne Fernie, Aerlyn Weissman
starring: Stephanie Morgenstern, Lynne Adams, Ann Bannon, Ruth Christine, Jeanne Healy, Reva Hutkin, Carol Ritchie-MacKintosh Keely Moll, Nairobi Nelson, Stephanie Ozard, Lois M. Stuart, Amanda White
1992 / 85 min / 1.33:1 / English DTS HD-MA 1.0
Additional info:
Overall rating: 4.9 / 5 from 20 reviews.
Review topics: ["documentary","interviews","history","release","story","features"].
"A documentary detailing the release and the life-changing impact that 50s lesbian pulp novels had. There’s stories about endless rejection from family, society and the law. And even more stories about inclusion, tenderness, self-discovery and hating cops. Can't stop smiling."
"Incredibly cozy documentary about lesbian bars in the 60s in Vancouver and the women who frequented them. As a cinema programmer, I immediately began to look into how to screen this. It’s that good!"
"Really lovely archival interviews with some short dramatizations interspersed. Great slice of queer history preserved on disc."
"Extremely well done documentary. Really interesting to hear these women’s recollections of navigating through their lives during times when alternative lifestyles were less than accepted. The dramatization intermixed throughout the documentary added some pizazz too. Very tasteful, and important release from CIP."
"Fantastic documentary. The interviewees are all great, as are their stories. Recommended!"
"Fascinating documentary is a must own. I love the lesbian pulp scenes brought to life, they got really good actors and the soundtrack is great. All of the women reflecting on lesbian bar culture have crazy stories to share and it's frequently funny. Can't believe I've never heard of this- among the best blind-buys that I own. Comes with an informative booklet with the fantastic pulp fiction art. Plenty of extras too."
"Nice collection of interviews with pulp a pulp backdrop."
"This would make a great pairing with “The Celluloid Closet”. The writers they interview are great storytellers."
"I have no idea how this isn’t more well known. This is a fantastic slice of LGBTQ history. The bonus features are insightful and well done."
"Another banger release from CIP, great packaging and transfer."
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