Synopsis
At the height of the Cold War, President Eisenhower deems homosexuals to be security risks. A vicious witch hunt ensues, ruining thousands of American lives.
Votre Filmothèque
Cast
- Glenn CloseNarrator (voice)
- Joan CassidyHerself (archive footage)
- David Hyde PierceDr. Franklin E. Kameny (voice)
- T.R. KnightDrew Ference (voice)
- Joseph McCarthyHimself (archive footage)
- Cynthia NixonMadeleine Tress (voice)
- Zachary QuintoDennis Flinn (voice)
- David K. JohnsonHimself
- Lillian FadermanHerself
- John D'EmilioHimself
Recommandations
- 85
Film Threat
The Lavender Scare is essential to watch and an excellently produced documentary about a time the communist threat overshadowed the so-called “gay threat” from our history books. - 80
Los Angeles Times
A vivid, disturbing and rousing picture of specious government intrusion at its worst. - 80
Variety
Essential and absorbing documentary. - 75
Movie Nation
Straight America can finally get to know the name of Dr. Frank Kameny, a very smart man with a very big grievance against the government, one he was willing to endure mockery and the loss of his original career to settle. - 75
IndieWire
This is yet another instance where the film’s short runtime seems to have shortchanged the depth of reporting. - 70
The Hollywood Reporter
Running a brisk 75 minutes, this is one of those rare documentaries that feels too short. Some of its stories could have been more fleshed out, greater historical context could have been provided, and its use of such musical selections as Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are a-Changin'" and Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors" are beyond cliche. But these are small quibbles about a film that should be essential viewing in these times when intolerance is on the rise. - 50
TheWrap
A compact and fairly well-made documentary.
