Tab Hunter Confidential – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Tab Hunter Confidential

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2015

68%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

The real story behind Hollywood's golden boy who had to hide his truth—a poignant doc about Tab Hunter's closeted stardom in the 1950s.

7.5/10

89%

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Tab Hunter Confidential

movie

NR, 2015

68%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

The real story behind Hollywood's golden boy who had to hide his truth—a poignant doc about Tab Hunter's closeted stardom in the 1950s.

7.5

89%

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7.5/10

89%

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Screenwise Verdict

This is a well-made, important documentary that shines light on a hidden chapter of Hollywood history. Tab Hunter was a massive star who had to live a lie, and hearing him tell his own story is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

The catch? It's a documentary for people who actually care about old Hollywood and LGBTQ+ history. If you're looking for something to put on for family movie night with younger kids, this is absolutely not it. But for high schoolers learning about history, or adults who want to understand what life was like before Stonewall, it's genuinely enriching.

The ratings are strong across the board because it does what it sets out to do: tell an honest, dignified story about the cost of fame and the courage to eventually live authentically. It's not flashy or particularly innovative as a documentary, but it's solid, moving, and educational. Worth watching if the subject matter interests you or your teen.

Age Fit

Best for ages 14+ who have interest in film history, LGBTQ+ history, or biographical documentaries. Younger teens (12-13) could watch with a parent to provide context. Adults will find it genuinely engaging. Not for kids—they'll be bored and won't grasp the significance.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Documentary presents Tab Hunter's life story with dignity and honesty, modeling authenticity and courage in the face of societal pressure. Emotionally mature handling of his closeted Hollywood experience without sensationalism. Tone is reflective and humanizing, though the subject matter of hiding one's identity under studio pressure carries emotional weight.

Imaginative

As a biographical documentary, it offers historical insight into 1950s Hollywood's manufactured star system and the contrast between public persona and private reality. The storytelling is straightforward rather than innovative, relying on archival footage and interviews. Sparks curiosity about a hidden era of entertainment history but doesn't invite active creative engagement.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 12+, which aligns with mature themes around sexuality, closeted identity, and Hollywood's darker manipulations. No graphic content, violence, or explicit material, but the subject matter involves adult themes of hidden relationships and studio-enforced secrecy. The documentary format keeps everything discussion-based rather than visually shocking. Some references to relationships and the pressures of being closeted may require context for younger viewers.

Enriching

Strong ratings across the board (89% RT critics, 96% RT audience, 7.5 IMDb) indicate meaningful content. Offers valuable historical perspective on LGBTQ+ experience in mid-century America, Hollywood's studio system, and the cost of fame. Builds empathy and understanding of how societal pressures shaped lives. Educational about a significant cultural period and the courage required to eventually live authentically. Genuinely enriching for understanding both film history and LGBTQ+ history.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Excellent window into LGBTQ+ history and what it meant to be closeted in 1950s Hollywood—genuinely educational and empathy-building
Tab Hunter himself narrates, giving firsthand perspective on living a double life under studio control
Strong critical reception (89% RT critics, 96% audience) suggests it's well-crafted and engaging for those interested in the subject
Humanizes a piece of film history that's often glossed over, showing the real cost of fame and societal pressure
Conversation starter for discussing authenticity, courage, and how much society has (and hasn't) changed

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What to Watch For

This is a documentary for teens and adults—younger kids will be bored and won't have context for the themes
Deals with mature themes of hidden relationships, studio manipulation, and the pain of living in the closet
It's a talking-heads documentary with archival footage, so if your kid needs fast-paced action, this ain't it
Some discussion of relationships and sexuality that requires maturity to understand in historical context

Conversation Starters

"What do you think it would have been like to be famous but have to hide who you really were?"
"How do you think things have changed for LGBTQ+ people since the 1950s? What still needs to change?"
"The studios controlled everything about stars' lives back then—do you think that happens now with social media and celebrity culture?"
"Tab Hunter eventually came out and wrote his memoir—why do you think it took so long? What gave him the courage?"

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