Flotilla DeBarge
presents

Norman... Is That You?

(1976, George Schlatter)

Norman... Is That You?

Called the "first pro-gay fag joke" by Vito Russo, NORMAN... IS THAT YOU? stars comedian Red Foxx and the iconic Pearl Bailey as an African-American couple who discover their only son is gay - and that his lover is white. Adapted from a Broadway play of the same name about a Jewish family, director George Schlatter (ROWAN & MARTIN'S LAUGH-IN) translates Borscht-belt Gay Jewish jokes into a collection of stereotypes about black culture. With appearances by Madame and Waylon Jennings, the result is dated, fascinating, and ultimately results in a positive attempt to show a father trying to understand his gay son. Presented by Cheryl Dunye, whose landmark feature, The Watermelon Woman (1995) explores the history of both black women and lesbians, don't miss this rare screening of a film whose original poster boasted, "There's a Sexual Revolution Going On...And All the Leaders Are in My Family!"

Screened: November 19, 2012