ShangLuda Admirable film.

FuzzyTagz If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

Kaydan Christian A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

Fatma Suarez The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

Bart Anthony Tanner Before seeing the film, I had read Mr. Hunter's autobiography 5 or 6 years ago. Unlike the book this film seems to capture not only the essence of a movie star, but the odyssey of a human life with purpose, determination and finding inner love and peace. It's apparent that his friends and colleagues respect the man as well as the celebrity. I highly recommend for anyone who enjoys a life story with a great narrative. I thoroughly liked when the film did not shy away from issues that are topical in today's market, such as the media trying to find a story that is not genuine. One of the best 90 minutes one could spend and learn about show business.

moonspinner55 Documentary on closeted matinée idol Tab Hunter (born Arthur Kelm, later Arthur Gelien) is a wonderful record of the journey the actor took to Hollywood in the 1950s, through Hollywood in the '60s, and back from Hollywood in the '70s. From his teenage days being chased around his high school by smitten female students, Hunter was shy talking about himself and completely private when it came to matters of the heart...and nothing has changed! Though this project was co-produced by his partner of 30 years, Allan Glaser, Hunter is still reticent discussing his homosexuality and the relationships this produced. Fortunately, there are a bevy of acquaintances, co-stars, columnists and friends on hand to lend their insights into Hunter's career, and the well-researched movie and television clips provide amusing nostalgia. Do we get a no-holds-barred glimpse into the faded celebrity of a handsome Hollywood movie star? No, but the benign, matter-of-fact way in which Hunter recalls his life is probably more entertaining (if not emotional) than a soul-searching therapy session might be. Hunter has come to terms with himself and his past, and he's happy to trot off quietly on his horse into the sunset. His movie career has been capped nicely by both his 2006 memoir and this film: a once-famous name and face who now enjoys the finer things in life. *** from ****

jakob13 Tab Hunter Confidential is based on the actor's 'tell-it-all' book. Don't expect a Hollywood version of 'Dorian Grey'; of a young drop-dead Adonis who, at 85, has lost his looks. Far from it, he may be an 'old man', but he has exercised his druthers throughout his life to let us into his closeted life.Today, we cannot imagine the Hollywood of the Eisenhower era, when young premiers like Hunter captured the hearts of millions of young girls (and boys). Director Jeffrey Schwarz has smartly recovered those days of the '50s through studio photographs, magazines and Hunter's films. Hunter had piercing blue eyes that held you as though against your will; his smile, his seemingly white perfect teeth sparkled, and his bare muscled chest aroused strange feelings of pleasure that in those days, if publicly expressed, would not garner approval.And what's more, Hunter plied his trade through hard work and an inner enthusiasm that made him a star. As his fellow actor Robert Wagner remarked he was a spark that caught fire, for his role in the film version of Leon Uris' bestseller 'Battle Cry'. In a way, his Danny Forrester commits adultery with an officer's wife, a no-no subject of those days, which to a moderate degree stepped on the Screen Code.He was under contract to Warner Brothers, and Jack Warner used all the studio's resources to bolster his career. Tab Hunter had talent as clips from Playhouse 90, a live television show, that proved he was a 90-day wonder, nor go against teenybopper idol type. Furthermore, he had a talent for song: his version of 'Young Love' (which Pat Boone also sang) stayed on the charts at number 1 got six weeks, knocking even Elvis off his pedestal.He had a short-lived television, that bombed for its mindlessness.But Hunter had a secret: he was a homosexual, when, homosexuality was, according to medical authority, a mental disease. Tightly locked in his closet, Warner Brothers publicity department did everything to project an image of him as a boy any mother would want for her daughter. Anything and everything was done to protect the studio's cash cow!For a good idea of 'gay' Hollywood way back then, it is worthwhile to see Bill Condon's 'Gods and Monsters'. The secret got out in the tabloids when he left his agent, and his career dried up when he bought himself out of his contract. As his career dried up, he was forced to take any role he could in very bad films. He found financial stability in equestrianism and dinner theater, but at a price on his health. The strain of doing that form of acting that rewards him handsomely but left him little time for a life was costly, and in early middle age he had a heart attack, and subsequently left the theatre.We get a glimpse of Hunter's love life, that is, as much as he wishes to tell us; he had a good/so-so-good tumble with Anthony Perkins. And at 53, he found his long-time companion Allan Glaser, who produced 'Tab Hunter Confidential'.Abandoned by his father, he was the good son who took care of his mother who had severe mental problems until she died well into advanced age. Brought up a Catholic, he eventually made peace with his church.The spark of his career flamed up again when paired by John Waters with Divine in 'Polyester' and more so in 'Lust in the Dust'. But by then, Hunter sought his life in the comfort of his privacy, making rare appearances.Lightly touched on is his champion-like ability as an ice skater, other than his affair with a star ice skater. And nary a word is spoken of the utter disaster that was in performance with Tallulah Bankhead in Tennessee Williams 'Under Milk Wood'. Eighty-five this July, Hunter has had a full live, a lover of more than 30 years, 30 years his junior, and takes daily pleasure in caring for his horse and riding. Stiff with that stiffness old age brings, he is at peace with himself and looks back on his life with a keen eye and an blue eye on the morrow.

mmaloy9017 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.