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★ 7.320231h 44m

Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed

DocumentaryBiography

The biography of renowned actor Rock Hudson is examined in this relevant investigation of Hollywood and LGBTQ+ identity, from his public "ladies' man" character to his private life as a gay man.

Title overview

Core release details, quality markers, and stream status stay together here instead of floating below the fold.

DocumentaryBiography

Year

2023

Duration

1h 44m

IMDb

7.3

Playback

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Release2023

Runtime1h 44m

IMDb★ 7.3

Cast

Stephen Kijak

Director

Rock Hudson

Self

RS

Roy Scherer

Self - Rock Hudson's Father

KH

Ken Hodge

Self - Rock Hudson's Boyfriend

RH

Richard Hodge

Self - Nephew of Ken Hodge

HW

Henry Willson

Self - Rock Hudson's Agent

Robert Hofler

Self - Henry Willson's Biographer

Mark Griffin

Self - Rock Hudson's Biographer

Kathleen Hughes

Self - Co-Star

Piper Laurie

Self

Piper Laurie

Self - Millicent Blaisdell

RP

Robert Preble

Self - Rock Hudson's Boyfriend

George Nader

Self - Fellow Actor

George Nader

Self - Friend

MM

Mark Miller

Self - George Nader's Long-Term Partner

David Thomson

Self - Film Historian

Douglas Sirk

Self - Director

Ross Hunter

Self - Film Producer

Illeana Douglas

Self - Actor & Author

BA

Betty A. Griffin

Self - Script Supervisor

Phyllis Gates

Self - Rock Hudson's Wife

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Comments

10 Comments

Christ OlessongoAug 4, 2023

We learned quite a bit about his legendary Hollywood dominance and overall story. In the end, a very sad and tragic end to a man so full of life. This is a well-told and heartbreaking story for the most part. There are so many valuable contributors interviewed throughout the documentary. It was touching to hear their experiences and see their shared personal videos and photos of aspects and points in time of Rock's life. My only complaint is that we are treated to an (over) abundance of movie clips cleverly edited to help tell his/the story via dialogue from various movies . By the last half hour or so those clips became a bit grating. The cut back and forth with this creative approach took something away from the actual story and interviews.

Lintle SenekaneJul 20, 2023

This bio doc should have concentrated more on the convergence of its subject with the AIDS crisis since that is the sole part that is powerful or, indeed, even all that interesting. The first half attempts to paint a portrait of an unhappily closeted actor but, try as hard as he might, director Stephen Kijak cannot quite conceal the exact opposite, namely that Hudson gladly made the decision to hide his homosexuality from the public in exchange for stardom. A better film would have examined the question of why Hudson was so untroubled by living this double life as opposed to, say, Tab Hunter, who clearly was not ok with it. I also agree with previous reviewers who have criticized this film's lack of attention on Hudson's under rated work as an actor as well as finding the use of gay subtext film clips clumsy and over done. Once we enter the 1980s, however, and the AIDS shroud falls upon America, Kijak has a subject worthy of our attention. I agree with the film's thesis that the death of Hudson, the first real celebrity victim of this scourge, marked a dividing line between the moralistic voyeurism that went before and the beginnings of real efforts to find a cure that followed. I also commend Kijack's forceful condemnation of Ronald and Nancy Reagan, on both a personal and policy level, for their disgraceful cold shouldering of a good friend, an attitude that mirrored their indifference to the epidemic, in general. Give it a B minus. Top 10 Rock Hudson movies: 10) Ice Station Zebra 9) Lover Come Back 8) Pillow Talk 7) Something Of Value 6) Magnificent Obsession 5) Written On The Wind 4) Tarnished Angels 3) Seconds 2) Giant 1) All That Heaven Allows.

Uya KuyaJul 18, 2023

If you know nothing about Rock Hudson's gay history, it seems very easy to criticize this excellent documentary from HBO for covering very little about Hudson as a man, or more of his career. But, if you know even a little about Hudson, the title itself should give away what you're going to see. Hollywood, though certainly populated by more than a few gay people was extremely homophobic in the 1950s when Rock Hudson became a leading man. In many ways, this continues today, more than 70 years later. People like Rock Hudson HAD to be a "certain way" both on the screen and off. I've heard it explained that "if it plays in Peoria," then it's OK. A gay leading man, even one as handsome and talented as Hudson, would never have played in Peoria. That is, at its heart, what this documentary is about. What I found most compelling is that most narration is kept off-screen, and what you see on-screen are clips and pictures, and news articles, all throughout. It's an interesting way to do a documentary and it didn't feel forced, but very much in line with what you'd want to see to keep the story focused. For example, at one point, we hear some interview material from Linda Evans, who played against Hudson in one of, if not his last, role on TV's "Dynasty." Accompanying Evans' narration are pictures and footage from the time that Hudson appeared on the show. So, instead of concentrating on what Linda Evans may look like now, as opposed to what she looked like in 1984, you only concentrate on her words talking about that time. Distractions are minimal, which makes the documentary that much more powerful. In my view this is a perfect documentary of the life that Rock Hudson was forced to endure to be a star. It was an especially unforgiving environment for an actor who was gay or lesbian. In reality, not much has changed in that respect. There are still several gay actors whose livelihood depends on them remaining closeted. Those who have come out are relegated to smaller roles on TV, or less. There are still no movie stars who have come out as gay and been accepted as "box office" by mainstream movie-goers. This documentary is a solid 10. Highly recommended.

Althea AblanJul 18, 2023

Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed is a documentary that explores the life and career of one of the most popular and handsome stars of the 1950s and 1960s, who was also a closeted gay man in a homophobic industry and society. The film is directed by Stephen Kijak, who has made several documentaries about music and culture, such as Wham! And Scott Walker: 30 Century Man. The film is based on the biography by Mark Griffin, and features interviews with Hudson's friends, lovers, co-stars, and biographers, as well as archival footage, photos, and audio recordings of Hudson himself. The film covers Hudson's childhood, his service in the Navy, his rise to fame under the guidance of his agent Henry Willson, his marriage to Willson's secretary Phyllis Gates, his collaborations with Douglas Sirk and Doris Day, his struggle with AIDS, and his legacy as an LGBTQ icon. Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed is not just a film about a star, but also a film about a person. The film shows Hudson's charm, charisma, talent, humor, generosity, and vulnerability. It also shows his pain, loneliness, fear, and courage. The film does not shy away from the dark aspects of Hudson's life, such as his abusive relationship with Willson, his blackmail by tabloids, his denial of his sexuality, and his death at the age of 59. The film also celebrates his achievements, such as his Oscar nomination for Giant, his groundbreaking concert in China with Wham!, his participation in Live Aid and Band Aid, and his public disclosure of his illness. Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed is a must-see for fans of Rock Hudson and classic Hollywood, but also for anyone who appreciates a well-made and compelling documentary. The film is informative, entertaining, emotional, and inspiring. It gives us a glimpse into the life of a man who was much more than his image, and who left an indelible mark on cinema and culture. Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed is a 10 star film that honors the memory of a Hollywood legend.

𝓜𝓪𝓻ي𝓪𝓶Jul 18, 2023

To those reviewers who feel this doc about Rock Hudson "offered nothing new," I disagree. What exactly did you expect it to reveal, which way he hung? (to the left.) I won't list them here, but it does indeed offer some new insights and info even to those of us who thought we knew almost everything about Rock Hudson. It not only delves into his personal and professional life from beginning to end, but it focuses on the kind of person he was. I found the doc thorough and very well done, and I especially enjoyed the comments of those who were his lovers. It reveals more about his personal life than anything I've previously seen. Unfortunately, there will always be bitter queens who find fault with everything no matter what the subject. Age, frustration, and chronic loneliness will do that. I highly recommend this doc. Beefcake abounds!

Korede BelloJul 15, 2023

Yeah, I'm sure he was a nice guy, but there is nothing admirable about using vulnerable young men as sex objects and disposing them afterwards. The conversation about the "equipment" of the one studio worker was appalling. No consideration if that man had a family. He was just "a lot of fun". Hudson came off as a loveless, selfish, perfunctory being with a sex addiction. And not a very good actor. Not sure why he wasn't honest about his illness at the end either. Yes, and as everyone commented, the intercut of the movie clips was tiring. Furthermore, nothing new was revealed. The movie tried to be more than it was, just like its subject.

Wan Soloist'Jul 15, 2023

I'm blaming the interviewers. Considering that many of his partners and friends are still alive, none of them added any insight to the story I know of Rock Hudson. The interviews were pathetic. Quick clips of his movies and millions of fotos, but nothing in-depth or interesting. His hobbies, passions, nothing. One ex-lover elucidates that he had a 'a big dick.'"....and this helps how? His many movies with Doris Day (which My siblings and i loved watching growing up on Saturday matinee afternoons.). Was a given a measly couple of minutes. You are better served watching the documentary of Tab Hunter. As a gay man stuck in the impenetrable gay closets of 50s, 60s etc., his documentary is insightful , with depth. Despite the pressures, he seemed to be a happy man and his love for horses is admirable.

Raeesah MussáJul 10, 2023

To those reviewers who feel this doc about Rock Hudson "offered nothing new," I disagree. What exactly did you expect it to reveal, which way he hung? (to the left.) I won't list them here, but it does indeed offer some new insights and info even to those of us who thought we knew almost everything about Rock Hudson. It not only delves into his personal and professional life from beginning to end, but it focuses on the kind of person he was. I found the doc thorough and very well done, and I especially enjoyed the comments of those who were his lovers. It reveals more about his personal life than anything I've previously seen. Unfortunately, there will always be bitter queens who find fault with everything no matter what the subject. Age and frustration will do that. I highly recommend this doc. Beefcake abounds!

Priscys VlogJul 9, 2023

As "Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed" (2023 release; 104 min) opens, we see a clip of the TV show "This Is Your Life" in 1952, where Rock Hudson, then a rapidly up-and-coming film star, is feted. We then go back to "Illinois, 1932" as the then 7 yo Roy Fitzgerald grows up without distinction. After WWII, Roy ends up in Hollywood... At that point we are less than 10 minutes into the documentary. Couple of comments: this is the latest from director Stephen Kijak ("Shoplifters of the World"). Here he reassesses the legacy of Rock Hudson, one of Hollywood biggest matinee idols ever, and a child of Hollywood's "golden age" of the 1950s-60s. Alas, as we now know all too well, Hudson lived a secret life as a gay man in private, and utterly unable and/or unwilling to admit as much in public. It makes for a rather sad reminder of that era, to be honest. "Golden" era? I don't think so. The documentary uses tons of Hudson lovie clips, arranged in such a way as if Hudson os commenting on the various issues raided in this documentary. The documentary works best towards the end, as we witness how the AIDS crisis overwhelms the (mostly) gay population, while the Reagan administration brazenly stands by and does... absolutely nothing, year after year after year. For shame. "Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed" recently premiered on HBO and is now streaming on Max, where I caught it the other evening. If you are a fan of Rock Hudson, or simply interested in learning how a man led separate public and private lives, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

Djenny DjennyJul 9, 2023

Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed is a devastating documentary about a guy who perished in the middle of a time that most people relished to live in (shout-out to the "Greed Decade"). I mean just when you thought you could forget about the actor that is Rock, well here is his dead soma dug up and brought back to heightened life by director Stephen Kijak. Hudson was quote unquote, "the Tom Cruise of his day", with movie star looks, a 6' 5" frame, a way with the ladies, and a solid screen presence. Howbeit, there were hints about his sexuality throughout his steady career until the truth finally came to fruition. Rock Hudson died of AIDS via 1985, becoming one of the first celebrities to bring awareness to this awful disease. Helmer Kijak lays bare his orientation through interviews for much of the pic's running time. Maybe it's overkill, maybe it's not. Whatev. I mean how else was "Heaven's" demised conclusion gonna fully play out. Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed feels like Rock's slow-burning, wiki page entry until it doesn't. Containing archive footage over 50 years or so while omitting the faces of those probed, "Heaven" drags a little until it finds its footing while unfolding like a skulking sledgehammer. Yup, I was eventually knocked over. The musical score by Laura Karpmen is tops, the editing by Claire Didier reveals a darker palate from the get-go, and lines delivered by Rock Hudson in his flicks effectively intertwine with "Heaven's" chronological storytelling. HBO films, well it doesn't pander to the normal, clean style here which seems to be a regular accompaniment. Refrain cinematic looker-on-s. This is a docu that decides to conjure up sad memories of a Tinseltown legend that acted along stars Doris Day, James Dean, and Kirk Douglas. I'll "allow" it.