By Jan Wahl–
One of my favorite Frameline offerings is a fabulous documentary, Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed. Beautifully directed by Stephen Kijak (Sid and Judy), it not only guides us through the life and sexuality of the movie icon, but also dives deep into the closeted world of a man forced out of the closet by a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS. It will be shown on June 22, 6–7:44 pm, at the Castro Theatre with expected guests Kijak and Carolyne Jurrianns (producer) in attendance.
I have long been fascinated by Rock’s story. As a good friend in the last years of producer Ross Hunter’s life, I was told much about Rock from Ross and his lifelong love, Jacques Mapes. The one thing they would never disclose is something everyone in the business knew: Rock was gay.
Like Clifton Webb, Raymond Burr, Vincent Price, and later Richard Chamberlain and Tab Hunter (to name a few), Ross and Jacques stayed closeted. So many of these men came from a time where they truly believed it was the love that dare not speak its name. Flamboyant Ross (I wish he worked in today’s Hollywood; we need more glitter!) and sweet, shy Jacques always used beards when they went out; even on cruises they would be extremely discreet. It was always sad for me to see in romantic places like Capri or even in view of a beautiful Beverly Hills sunset they could not join hands and just enjoy the physicality of their relationship.
In interviews and even when hanging out, Ross always denied that his good friend and colleague Rock was gay. At Rock’s end, both men told me he was anorexic or sick with an exotic disease. If Rock had come out sooner, he could have helped millions more with awareness. If Rock had come out in his later years, perhaps during the McMillan & Wife television times, the show could have been about McMillan as a gay detective. It could have moved the conversation forward. But Rock was far from ready. All of the could haves and should haves don’t matter. We are all human and have to go at our own pace and beliefs.
This fine documentary shows us the Rock many of us loved. Aside from his hunky good looks, he had a sweetness and gentleness. Director Kijak told me Rock could be dashing and commanding. He was also unusually mailable and very trusting of his director. He put his faith in his directors, writers, costars, and crew. He was always known to be extremely popular on set. He was loved off the set too, as is shared in interviews and books about him. He could reflect desires—a cipher for women at the time. In the 1955 film All That Heaven Allows he played with subtext. He was lurid, smooth, and sexy, but also a reflection of our shared need to be understood.
Rock got his actor’s training in the studio, becoming a fine actor. I’m quite mad for Giant and would tell folks to watch that one. As the documentary makes clear, his most bizarre yet interesting movie is 1966’s Seconds, which was almost a cosmic coincidence for this restless, unhappy closeted man. It was sad to see Rock’s condition towards the end of his life in shows such as Dynasty and Doris Day’s Best Friends (about animal advocacy). Maybe he was in denial and wanted to stay relevant.
Mark Griffin has a superb biography of Rock titled All That Heaven Allows. And thinking again of the documentary, which will air on HBO on June 28, look for Tales of the City series author Armistead Maupin in it. Rock might have been reluctant, but he ended up doing his best.
In other Pride entertainment news, I hope to see you on Saturday, June 17, at the iconic San Francisco Fairmont Hotel for a fabulous drag brunch. There will be amazing food, fun Pride, incredible performers like Sister Roma and Juanita MORE!, music … absolutely divine. For tickets and more information, call 1-800-441-1414 or visit https://www.fairmont-san-francisco.com/
Jan Wahl is a Hollywood historian, film critic on various broadcast outlets, and has her own YouTube channel series, “Jan Wahl Showbiz.” She has two Emmys and many awards for her longtime work on behalf of film buffs and the LGBTQ community. Contact her at www.janwahl.com
Off the Wahl
Published on June 8, 2023
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