Movie Review: Tab Hunter Confidential

I first became aware of Tab Hunter through his performance in John Waters’ Polyester, but of course he had kind of an incredible career before that. Beginning in the late 1950s he starred in such films as Battle Cry, The Sea Chase, The Girl He Left Behind and Damn Yankees, and had a singing career as well, scoring a #1 hit with “Young Love” in 1957. Not bad, eh? During that time he had that all-American boy image, which was partly natural (he’s an incredibly good-looking man), partly conceived and constructed by the studios. A decade ago, he co-wrote a book in which he confirmed the rumors that he’s gay. Partly because in my mind he was connected with John Waters, this news seemed no big deal. But it was quite different from the image that had been carefully created for him in the past. The documentary film Tab Hunter Confidential is based on that book, and through a series of interviews with Tab and with others in his life, his career and personal life are explored.

The film opens with Tab speaking, in voice over, about cocktail parties in the 1950s where gay men and women would meet and dance. “Parties like this were illegal,” he says, and he recounts a time when the cops busted in and arrested him. I like that this documentary gets right to that subject, rather than easing in. The film then shows us a series of images of Tab Hunter as the all-American boy. Interviews with Tab Hunter are at the center of this film, and he is allowed to tell his own story, rather than having any outside narration. He talks about his youth, about being raised by his mother, and tells a heartbreaking anecdote about going to see his father in New York during his teen years while working for the coast guard. Tab Hunter is incredibly likeable, charming and honest, as he speaks candidly about his life and career.

There are so many great anecdotes in this documentary, some quite humorous. For example, when speaking about getting his start in the film business, he says: “The first interview I had was for Island Of Desire. So they sent me to meet the director. He looked up and said, ‘That’s the boy I want.’” Rex Reed says, regarding his performance, “He doesn’t demonstrate any shred of acting ability in that film.” Tab himself agrees, and mentions how his mother, at the end of the screening, told him he was lousy. Ouch! But rather than let that get him down, he decided to really learn the craft, and a part in Our Town led to his getting a contract with Warner Bros.

The material regarding his image with Warner Bros. is particularly fascinating, such as the women the studio coupled him with (Debbie Reynolds, Natalie Wood, etc.). There are interviews with fellow actors Debbie Reynolds, Robert Wagner, George Takei, Connie Stevens, Marilyn Erskine and others. There are also interviews with female fans, including the woman who won a date with him through a contest. (She is so sweet.)

But as interesting as all of that is, it is the material on his relationships with men that is perhaps the most interesting. Tab talks about his first relationship, that with figure skater Ronnie Robertson, and about his relationship with Tony Perkins. I am a big fan of the film Fear Strikes Out, and I had no idea that Tab Hunter played the role of Jimmy Piersall before Anthony Perkins did, Tab’s being a television performance. The documentary treats us to a bit of footage of it, and now I need to see that entire program (so please, someone, release it on DVD). By the way, the story of Tony Perkins getting the film is pretty wild and is what led to the end of their relationship. There is also an interview with Allan Glaser, Tab’s partner of many years.

And yes, there is material on Polyester. John Waters is interviewed and says that after offering the role of Todd Tomorrow to Tab, “I prayed that he would never go watch Pink Flamingos.”

This documentary has a very positive vibe, which I appreciate. It’s ultimately a happy story, and an incredibly enjoyable film. Tab Hunter Confidential was directed by Jeffrey Schwarz, and is available now on digital HD. I’m told that a DVD release is planned for the near future.