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Films >> Milk (2008) >>

0:00:28 Contextualizing the era
Archival footage shows people being arrested for homosexuality and newspaper headlines alleging police brutality in the arrests. There is a man who is sitting in a gay bar who puts his hands over the lens of the camera in a bid to remain anonymous. Combined, the footage shows an atmosphere of fear of the police and of detection within the gay community.
0:02:28 Harvey begins recording his memoir
The camera pans from a finger pressing “record” up to the face of Harvey Milk. He is speaking into a microphone while sitting at his kitchen table. He reveals that the date is Friday, November 18th and that this recording is only to be played in the event of his death by assassination.
0:02:56 Harvey’s signature speech intro
Harvey stands on the steps of City Hall with a microphone and says, “Hello, I’m Harvey Milk, and I’m hear to recruit you.”
0:03:01 Harvey uses humor to diffuse tension
Harvey is back at his kitchen table speaking into his microphone. He says that if he was speaking to a hostile group that he’d try to break the tension with a joke.
0:03:11 Harvey addresses union workers
Harvey is addressing a less than impressed crowd of union workers. He is there to give a campaign speech and says, “I know, I know, I’m not what you were expecting, but I left my high heels at home.” This elicits a laugh from the audience.
0:03:17 Harvey’s activism makes him a target
Harvey, back at his kitchen table with his microphone, reveals that he realizes that his gay activism makes him a potential target for people insecure, terrified, or disturbed.
0:03:26 Harvey Milk & Mayor Moscone are assassinated
The scene opens in City Hall where police officers are speaking on walkie talkies in the midst of chaos. There is press everywhere, and a body-filled bag on a stretcher is visible. A voice is heard above the confusion that reveals that both Mayor Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk have been shot and killed. The audience gasps in shock. We return to Harvey at his microphone saying, “I wish I had time to explain everything I did. Almost everything that was done was done with an eye on the gay movement.”
0:04:19 Harvey meets Scott Smith
A title card reveals that we are now in New York City in 1970. Harvey, clean-cut and dressed in a suit, is heading up the stairs on the subway when he sees Scott Smith, a young hippie wearing tight jeans coming up the stairs in the opposite direction. Harvey introduces himself and reveals that today is his birthday. Harvey is flirting heavily and reveals that he works at The Great American Insurance Company. Scott smiles but makes fun of Harvey’s suit and tie. He tells Harvey that he doesn’t do guys over 40 to which Harvey smiles and says that’s good news because it’s only 11:15 and he’s still only 39 years old.
0:06:01 Harvey and Scott have sex for the first time
Harvey and Scott are in Harvey’s apartment and are smiling at one another and look to be on the cusp of having sex. In the background, Wagner’s Tristan and Isolde plays.
0:06:42 Harvey says he needs a change of scenery
Harvey and Scott are lying in Harvey’s bed post sex and are eating birthday cake. Harvey asks where Scott is from and warns the young man that he has to be careful because the police are tough in New York City. Scott asks Harvey if he is afraid of the police, and Harvey claims he is just discreet because if people found out he was gay he could lose his job. Scott tells Harvey that he needs a new change of scenery and new friends. Harvey agrees that he needs a change and says, “Forty years old and I haven’t done a thing I’m proud of.” He also reveals his belief that he won’t make it to fifty.
0:07:59 Harvey and Scott arrive in San Francisco
Harvey is now revealed to have a beard and is dressed as a hippie. The year is 1972. He is in a car with Scott, and they are traveling cross county. The scenes look like that of an old home movie, and the camera lingers on a sign reading San Francisco.
0:08:28 Harvey takes in Castro Street
Harvey is using his camera to take pictures of Castro Street. We see what Harvey sees through his lens: a hardware store, a liquor store, empty buildings, and boarded windows. We then see the Castro theatre marquee before the camera settles on a window sign that reads “Eureka Valley Merchants Society.” Two young men walk by Harvey with their arms around, and Harvey smiles at this openness. Harvey also notices an empty storefront with a “For Rent” sign hanging in the window.
0:09:23 Harvey wants to open a camera shop
Scott is telling Harvey about cashing his last unemployment check while he smokes marijuana. Harvey is taking photos of Scott and tells Scott he is thinking that they should open a little shop.
0:10:07 The Merchant’s Association doesn’t want Harvey
The empty store-front that Harvey visited is now his camera store. It still looks like a hippie owns the store with makeshift signage and a few cameras on display. The man from the liquor store across the street, McConnelly, comes in to the shop, and Harvey welcomes him warmly. McConnelly shakes Harvey’s hand begrudgingly and then uses a handkerchief to clean his hands. He tells Harvey that the neighborhood doesn’t want “his kind” and that the Merchant’s Association will pull Harvey’s license. Scott demands to know what rule of law they have violated, and McConnelly replies that there is man’s law and then there is God’s law.
0:11:36 Harvey wants to form a gay business association
Scott and Harvey are kissing in front of their camera store. Back at their apartment, Harvey talks about forming their own business association and ways to get money to come back into the community. Scott wonders what why Harvey is so politically active all of a sudden. While Harvey surprises Scott with dinner, Harvey continues to talk about organizing the community to be politically active.
0:12:54 Pro-gay businesses take over the Castro
Harvey is shown back at his kitchen table with his microphone as he talks about the changes to Castro. There are archival photos showing a vibrant gay community. There is also a noted tension between the gay community and the police. A voiceover from Harvey says that those businesses that accepted the gay clientele thrived while those who did not went out of business. We then see Harvey enter McConnelly’s thriving liquor store, and he asks the man if he minds all the homosexuals in his store. McConnelly offers a tight smile in response.
0:14:01 Harvey’s inner circle
Harvey’s camera store has become the place where other activists and marginalized people within the community come to hang out. We are introduced to a number of new characters. Danny Niccoetta is an art student who runs the camera shop. He likes to argue with Harvey over the merits of opera. Jim Rivaldo is a Harvard graduate with a noted keen mind. Dick Pabich is a protegee of Jim Rivaldo and is interested in politics. Dennis Peron is the local drug dealer who seems to provide marijuana freely to the rest of the group.
0:15:14 Coors Beer boycott
A man enters the camera shop who instantly arouses the suspicions of its occupants. He is teamster Allan Baird, and he approaches Harvey and says he has heard that Harvey is the unofficial Mayor of the Castro. Baird asks Harvey if he can get Coors Beer, which has refused to go union, out of the gay bars. Scenes of Coors being dumped from neighborhood bars play as Harvey’s voice-over tells us that the boycott was successful and that “one week later, Allen Baird hired the first ever openly gay union boys to drive Teamsters trucks.”
0:15:58 Castro Street erupts
Harvey, Jim, Dick, Scott, Danny and Dennis are debating the merits of working within the system versus dropping out when a man runs into the store and screams that the cops are up on Castro Street. The cops are yelling at men waiting to enter the gay bars to clear the street. Some move while others do not. The cops begin assaulting the men while Harvey, Scott, and the others try to pull the cops off of their friends. Danny takes photos of the riot while Scott gets hit with one of the police officer’s batons.
0:16:49 Harvey wants to enter politics
Scott sits on a toilet while Harvey cleans the blood from Scott’s head-wound. Harvey says that the gay community needs someone to advocate for their interests the way the black community has people to advocate for their interests. Scott asks Harvey if he wants to run for Supervisor and Harvey, half jokingly, says he wants to be mayor. After telling Scott he will be his campaign manager, Harvey says, “Politics is theatre. It doesn’t matter if you win. You make a statement. You say, ‘I’m here. Pay attention to me.”
0:18:11 Harvey on his soap box
On his microphone, Harvey notes that Castro was still not a safe place. If you heard a whistle, it meant to come running because someone needed help. Back at the Castro, we see Harvey bring a box marked “soap box” to Market Street. He sets it next to a SFPD officer and gets up on it. He then talks about how police officers came into their area and sent fourteen of their people to the hospital for “blocking a sidewalk.” A crowd begins to form, and Harvey says, “My fellow degenerates, I would like to announce my candidacy for San Francisco City Supervisor!” There is a montage of Harvey and his friends handing out campaign flyers. Harvey eagerly approaches everyone trying to solicit votes and is seen talking to a variety of people from young to old and of varying ethnicities.
0:20:19 Harvey meets Cleve Jones
Harvey is handing out campaign literature when he notices a young, long-haired teenager walk by him. The young man’s name is Cleve Jones, and Harvey tells him he likes the way Cleve’s pants fit him. Extremely cocky, Cleve tells Harvey he isn’t interested in old men. Harvey smiles and asks Cleve if he registered to vote. Cleve reveals that he sometimes hustles to make money and Harvey tells him that politics matter because it is a way to keep Cleve safe as he hustles. Cleve just laughs and tells Harvey that all he needs is the money in his pocket because he is leaving for Spain tomorrow. Harvey watches Cleve run and join his friends.
0:22:05 Harvey considers soliciting an endorsement
The normal crew is hanging out in the camera shop passing around photos from a customer. Jim notes that it looks like Dianne Feinstein and other straight candidates deemed “gay friendly” are going to be backed by the big donors. Harvey asks who are the so-called “gay leaders” and asks him if he should be soliciting their endorsement. Thelma, an elderly volunteer for Harvey’s campaign, tells him there is a letter Harvey needs to see.
0:23:03 Harvey receives a death threat
Scott is reading the letter that Harvey has brought back to the apartment. It is a death threat that explicitly describes what the person wants to do to Harvey. Scott wants to call the police, but Harvey jokes that they probably wrote it. Scott is increasingly upset, and we see a part of the letter in which a stick figure representing Harvey has been drawn and is being tortured with bullets and knives. Harvey takes the letter and puts it up on his refrigerator, much to Scott’s horror. Harvey says having the letter out in front of them takes away all of its power.
0:23:49 Harvey meets David Goodstein & Rick Stokes
At an expensive looking home, Scott jumps naked into a pool while Harvey, dressed in jeans and looking scruffy, meets with David Goodstein and Rick Stokes, the “top gays” in San Francisco. Harvey is looking for their endorsement. Goodstein is the owner of The Advocate and who tells Harvey that he likes to use his money and influence in “quiet” ways. Harvey notes that he has the union rank and file thanks to the Coors boycott as well as seniors and that he wants The Advocate’s endorsement. Goodstein says that the Castro sets a bad image for gay people and that no one is ready for a gay man to hold office. He advocates working with gay friendly people on City Council. Rick says you can’t demand acceptance overnight, to which Harvey counters, “why not? How can we ask them to respect us if we don’t show ourselves some respect.” Goodstein insists that Harvey needs to “quiet down,” and Harvey tells the men that the movement is the candidate.
0:26:01 Harvey ditches his hippie persona
A montage of image showing the citizens of the Castro voting. A voice-over says that out of thirty-two candidates vying for six seats that Harvey came in 10th. The voice-over then says that they decide to run again with just a few adjustments. Harvey then appears clean-shaven and wearing a suit. His ponytail is also gone. Scott takes one look at this new Harvey and says that his new look isn’t at all sexy.
0:26:52 Harvey takes on the Democratic Machine
A montage shows lots of campaign activity within the camera shop. Harvey’s voice-over notes that they ran and lost the Supervisors race in 1975 but with more votes. In 1976, Harvey’s voice-over says that they really decide to go big by running against the Democratic Machine’s candidate, Art Agnos, this time for California State Assembly.
0:27:23 Harvey debates Art Agnos
Harvey debates Art Agnos. Agnos notes his experience as a social worker, to which Harvey grills him on his knowledge of the Castro and the unsolved murder of Robert Hillsborough who was stabbed fifteen times after walking home with his long-time partner. Harvey demands to know why the Democratic establishment hasn’t demanded justice. After the debate, Agnos tells Harvey, “You talk a lot about what you’re against. What are you for? In this town, you gotta give ‘em a reason for optimism or you’re cooked.” As Agnos leaves, Harvey is considering his words.
0:28:48 Harvey says this is the last campaign
Scott is trying to cook dinner while the apartment has been taken over by political volunteers. Finally Scott kicks everyone out and sits down to dinner with Harvey. Clearly frustrated, Scott warns Harvey not to talk politics. Harvey promises Scott that if they lose this one, he won’t run again and it will just be the two of them.
0:30:21 Harvey meets Cleve again
Harvey is walking the streets of the Castro alone when a car begins to follow him. Sensing danger, Harvey speeds up and makes it to the camera shop when he finds crying Cleve Jones. Cleve has had a love-affair end, and Harvey lends a sympathetic ear and talks to the young man about love. Harvey then tells Cleve that if he runs for office again, Cleve is his man to help him mobilize.
0:34:49 District realignment
Scenes from television appearances by Anita Bryant play that note her strong opposition to homosexuality. Harvey is alone after having lost his most recent race. Jim Rivaldo enters and tells Harvey he needs to look at the election precinct map. Jim tells Harvey that if they can get the initiative on district realignment to pass that the new Supervisor’s District will go right around the Castro. With this change, Jim explains, Harvey can win and become the first openly gay man to be elected to office in the United States. This leaves Harvey contemplating a fourth run at elected office.
0:37:53 Anita Bryant in Florida
Archival news footage shows Anita Bryant and other anti-gay supporters celebrating a landslide defeat for gay rights law in Florida. Back at home, Harvey turns on the news and hears that it is now legal in Florida to remove gays from their jobs and that they can also be prosecuted for their “deviant” lifestyle. Harvey looks out his window and sees furious gay men running into the streets and blowing their whistles (a sign they are under attack) as a result of the news. It looks like the start of a riot.
0:39:04 Harvey receives a troubling phone call
Harvey receives a phone call from a suicidal young, gay male teenager who lives in Minnesota. He tells Harvey that he saw Harvey’s picture in the paper and that his parents are taking him someplace to “fix” his homosexuality. Harvey tells the boy that there is nothing wrong with him and that he needs to get on a bus and get to the biggest city he can find immediately. Harvey promises the boy that he won’t be alone and that there are people who will welcome him and love him. The boy responds that he can’t, and the camera pans back to show that the boy is in a wheelchair. Harvey then hears an adult voice approach the boy, and the line goes dead.
0:40:24 Harvey fights without Scott
Stunned from the phone call, Harvey grabs his bullhorn and heads into the fight. Scott watches Harvey, but this time does not follow. There is chaos everywhere, and Harvey seeks out a police officer and asks for permission to march in the hopes of avoiding violence. Cleve rounds up people from inside the gay bars, and everyone pours out into the streets.
0:41:32 Harvey vows war against Anita Bryant
Harvey climbs up on a large subway construction and speaks from his bullhorn: “I know you’re angry. I’m angry. Follow me.” He then leads the mob up the streets of San Francisco. The march arrives at City Hall, and Harvey climbs up on the steps to again address the crowd with his bullhorn. From this position, he gives the speech that will define all his future political objectives.
0:44:25 Harvey campaigns
A montage of scenes showing Harvey advocating for hope in a variety of campaign locations. He visits schools, teamster meetings, and the like. Speaking from his recorder and microphone, Harvey notes that ethnic communities had started to elect people who can speak to their needs. For example, Chinatown elected a Chinese Supervisor, and he wonders why the Castro can’t do the same. From here, the camera scans rows of suburban houses while Harvey says in a voice-over that the people wanting to not stop change had found themselves the perfect, All-American Irish Catholic to advance their cause.
0:45:28 Meet Dan White
Outside of the San Francisco fire station in 1977, Dan White, the perfect candidate Harvey referenced, is giving a small press conference. He is handsome but lacks charisma and stage presence. He tells the small gathering of people that he won’t be forced out of San Francisco by a group of social radicals who are a blight to the city.
0:45:53 Scott leaves Harvey
As Wagner plays in the background, Scott is packing his clothes, and Harvey is asking for just one more run at elected office. Scott can’t agree, and Harvey watches his lover leave.
0:47:08 Harvey hires Anna Kronenberg
The usual suspects in Harvey’s campaigns are present and are joined by newcomer Michael Wong, a political enthusiast. Harvey is yelling that it’s time for a new direction, and Anne Kronenberg pulls up on her motorcycle. She walks into the camera shop and stands next to Harvey much to the shock of Cleve, Mike, Jim, and Dick. Harvey informs the group that Anne is the new campaign manager. Anne tells Harvey that Rick Stokes has filed to run against him and that Stokes has the backing of Goodstein and The Advocate behind him. When the men look at Anne suspiciously, she demands to know if there is a spot for lesbians within the campaign. She then pledges to bring in Harvey’s first real endorsements. Harvey is then seen handing out fliers when a child walks up to him and gives Harvey a pro-Dan White flyer.
0:50:05 Harvey meets Jack
Anne arrives with Harvey’s first official endorsement courtesy of the San Francisco Chronicle. They all laugh at the endorsement that speaks to Harvey’s strengths as a business owner. Cleve leaves to show Scott the article, and Harvey is left alone to watch couples come out of the bars. One couple passes by and asks if Harvey is going to win this time, but they leave before Harvey can answer. A Latino man named Jack Lira shows up to the camera shop drunk and flirts with Harvey. They return to Harvey’s home, where they have sex. Afterwards, Jack reveals that his father beat him when he discovered his son’s homosexuality, and Harvey tells Jack he’ll never be beat again. Jack tells Harvey that he loves him.
0:54:07 Harvey wins
Harvey is in a voting booth as his voice-over says, “And for the first time in my life, it all came together . . . the union boys, the women, the seniors, the minorities . . . All of the us’s showed up.” Harvey wins the election, and there is a jubilant, large crowd awaiting Harvey back at the camera shop. From the door, David Goodstein and Rick Stokes attempt to enter the party without success. Harvey catches a glimpse of Scott outside of the shop and tries to get his attention, but Scott has already left the party. Harvey asks if Dan White won as well, and Jim tells Harvey that they’ll deal with Dan tomorrow, indicating that Dan has won also.
0:56:52 Harvey is sworn in by Mayor Moscone
A montage shows Harvey arriving at City Hall and being sworn in by Mayor Moscone. We hear Harvey promise to execute the duties of his office. As a light rain begins to fall, Harvey notes to the crowd that Anita Bryant said gay people brought the drought to California, and it looks like it finally started raining.
0:57:38 Harvey and Dan White find common ground
Harvey and Dan White are being interviewed together. Harvey says that six votes are needed to get anything passed on the board and that he is happy to be in bed, figuratively speaking, with Dan, who for his part, then clarifies that his earlier comments about social deviants referred to junkies and not homosexuals.
0:58:14 Harvey and Dan shake hands
After the interview, both men take off their microphones, and Harvey attempts to engage Dan in conversation by asking about his past as a firefighter. At first thinking he is being mocked, Dan eventually talks to Harvey and even accepts his handshake.
0:58:42 Harvey’s first day as Supervisor
At City Hall, Harvey enters the building through metal detectors and sees Cleve in a suit and tie. He then tells Cleve he wants him to wear tight jeans and be a presence at the government building. They arrive at his desk, and Anne, who is now Harvey’s assistant, is waiting at her desk and welcomes Cleve.
0:59:27 Harvey’s first strategy session as Supervisor
Harvey enters a strategy session with Michael and Jim and says he wants to do something to gain the attention of Anita Bryant so that she’ll bring her fight to San Francisco. When Jim says that Dan won’t vote for anything like that, Harvey defends Dan and says he just needed to be educated. At that moment, Dan appears and asks Harvey to attend the christening of Dan’s son. Harvey accepts his invitation.
1:00:31 Jack and Harvey grow closer
A montage of scenes show that the Castro is now a booming town and that is on the economic upswing with all storefronts now occupied. Harvey notices a broken window leading to his apartment and discovers Jack has broken in to cook Harvey dinner. Jack is naive and sweet, and Harvey tells him that he needs to attend a town meeting to which Jack insists Harvey dance with him.
1:02:03 Harvey attends the christening of Dan’s son
Harvey attends the christening of Dan White’s son. After the service, Dan and Harvey start talking business while still in the church. Harvey asks Dan to support his proposed ordinance that would protect people from being fired from their jobs because of their orientation. Dan asks for Harvey’s support with moving a psychiatric center out of his district and suggests that he and Harvey should help protect each other’s interests. Dan’s wife approaches and questions whether talking about gay ordinances in a church is appropriate.
1:04:05 California State Senator John Briggs
Harvey is under pressure from his advisors (Michael, Dick, Cleve) to vote against Dan’s bill on moving the psychiatric hospital out of his district because it will displace children from their families. Harvey wonders aloud if Dan is actually gay, and the rest of the group point out their dislike of Harvey’s lover, Jack. Anne arrives and informs the group that Anita Bryant’s go-to-guy, California State Senator John Briggs, has just filed his petition for a statewide referendum to fire all gay teachers. Unlike the rest of the group, Harvey is excited because it means he is getting closer to the chance go fight Bryant in San Francisco.
1:05:32 Senator Briggs versus Gay Teachers
California State Senator John Briggs delivers his message from the steps of the San Francisco city hall and says that his goal is to protect children from the perverts and pedophiles who recruit children to their deviant lifestyle and do it in public schools. Teacher Tom Ammiano shouts out a question to Briggs as to how he plans to determine if someone is a homosexual to which Briggs replies the bill contains procedures for identifying homosexuals.
1:06:40 Dan White at a crossroads
Dan White is shown to be watching Briggs on his television at home and is transfixed. The television then cuts to Harvey being interviewed by a reporter about Briggs, and he says he won’t let them legislate bigotry in San Francisco. Dan is shown to still be watching the television intently.
1:07:13 Jack’s mental instability increases
Harvey arrives to a dinner party of rich donors and is promptly told that his boyfriend, Jack, has locked himself in the closet. Rick Stokes quietly tells Harvey they don’t need a scene. Harvey goes to Jack who shows signs of mental instability. Harvey does his best to coddle Jack.
1:08:12 Harvey versus the gay elite of San Francisco
Downstairs at the dinner part Goodstein reveals that the Briggs initiative is polling with 75% statewide approval. U.S. Congressman Phil Burton is also in attendance, and he pulls out a flier that speaks to Proposition Six (the Briggs initiative) as being an affront to human rights. Harvey questions why the word gay doesn’t appear on the flier. Harvey argues with the men about gay visibility and is asked to leave.
1:09:34 Harvey demands people come out
Harvey has assembled a variety of activists such as Tom Ammiano as well as his usual supporters (Jim, Dick, Mike, Cleve, Anne, Jack, and Denis) and they are talking about Proposition Six. Scott arrives with his new boyfriend and takes a seat in the group. Harvey then tells everyone that they are going to get everyone in the state to come out, and if they won’t step out of the closet, then they will open the door for them (implying they will out closeted gays). The group is shocked, and Jim agues that there is such a thing as privacy. Harvey responds that privacy is the enemy and that people vote for pro-gay legislation two to one when they know someone gay. He then pressures Dick to come out to his father.
1:12:34 Scott questions Harvey
As the meeting is breaking up, Harvey intercepts Scott. Scott isn’t happy about Harvey’s speech and reminds Harvey that he was a “closet case” when Scott met him. Scott tells Harvey that his new boyfriend is good for him, and Harvey responds that he is with Jack because Jack “needs him.”
1:13:47 Chaos among the Supervisors
It’s chaos in City Hall as Harvey is heard shouting that he told no lies as Dianne Feinstein bangs her gavel calling for order. They take a break before voting, and Dan approaches Harvey demanding to know why Harvey is no longer supporting his proposal to move the psychiatric facility from his district. Dan is outraged and says he won’t support any Queer Law now that Harvey has betrayed him.
1:15:12 Pro-gay bills backlash
An archival news broadcast with Walter Cronkite reports that Minnesota has voted for a bill mandating equal rights in housing and employment regardless of sexual orientation and that there is now a backlash underway. A second archival newscast says that Oregon is voting on a referendum to repeal equal rights protection for gays.
1:15:41 Wichita votes with Bryant & Briggs
A newsreel proclaims that Wichita has voted with Bryant and Briggs for discriminatory, anti-gay legislation. A telephone-tree montage of Harvey’s friends calling each other to mobilize is shown, and we see Cleve tell everyone to pass along that there is a rally that night.
1:16:32 Harvey throws out the death threat
Harvey is staring at the old death-threat letter still affixed to his refrigerator. He hears outside the beginnings of a riot, and he rips the letter down and throws it away.
1:16:42 Harvey orchestrates a PR moment
Harvey heads downstairs and finds a breathless Cleve who tells Harvey they have press coverage but not a permit to march. Harvey hands Cleve his microphone and tells Cleve to march the protesters up to City Hall where Harvey will then come out and play peacemaker. Harvey thinks it will play great on television. Cleve tries to rally the troops, but they soon march toward City Hall without him.
1:19:04 Harvey prepares to speak
Harvey races to his office where he hears the angry mob gathering on the steps of City Hall. He stops before a mirror to straighten his tie before heading out to address the crowd.
1:20:10 Harvey needs a universal issue
Cleve rushes to Harvey and hands Harvey the bullhorn. He begins by saying, “Hello. My name is Harvey Milk, and I want to recruit you.” Afterward, Cleve is amped up saying that they were close to having a full-scale riot on their hands. Anne notes that every paper is now reporting that Proposition Six is the main event, and if they lose that there will be anti-gay laws in all fifty states. She also says that Briggs won’t return her phone calls asking for a public debate. Harvey steps back and tells the group what they need is a populist complaint shared by everyone in the city. Jim notes that anyone who is able to clean up “dog shit” in the city could be elected mayor. The group smiles knowing they have found their issue.
1:21:11 Harvey scoops poop
We see Harvey cleaning up dog poop for the cameras while wearing a very visible “NO on 6” button affixed to his lapel. The cameras catch everything.
1:21:35 Harvey passes the SF Gay Rights Ordinance
The Supervisors are all assembled to vote. All vote yes except for Dan White, who votes no. We hear that by a vote of five to one that the San Francisco Gays Rights Ordinance sponsored by Supervisors Milk and Silver is passed. There is celebration in the chamber while Harvey makes eye contact with a very angry Dan.
1:22:19 Mayor Moscone signs the bill
Mayor Moscone and Harvey are in front of the press to sign the first gay rights law, and Harvey has the mayor sign the bill using a powder blue pen. Harvey then tells Moscone that the gay community will support the mayor on all his issues provided the mayor help them with Briggs. An unspoken alliance forms between the two as the press takes photos of the day.
1:22:50 Harvey tries to mend fences with Dan
Dan is at his desk looking at a photo of Harvey and Mayor Moscone on the front page of the newspaper. Harvey peeks in and inquires what Dan is working on. It’s clear Harvey is trying to reestablish positive ties with Dan, but Dan is not interested. He suspects Harvey wants something from him and says that if Harvey wants his support, he will have to give him something like supporting Supervisor pay raises. Harvey says it is a bad time politically for that, and Dan cuts him off saying they have nothing left to talk about. It’s clear that their relationship is irreparably damaged.
1:24:11 Harvey’s birthday party
Harvey is having a lavish birthday party, and Jack is feeling cut out from Harvey’s inner circle. Scott arrives and tells Harvey he can do better than Jack. He also says that it looks like Harvey is going to make it to his fiftieth birthday after all.
1:26:49 Dan has learned from Harvey
Harvey is waiting for Jack to leave when a drunk Dan White appears asking if he missed the party. Harvey is surprised to see Dan, who tells Harvey about how much he has learned watching Harvey work and use the press. He says he wishes he had an issue like Harvey to which Harvey responds that gay rights isn’t about an issue but about fighting for people’s lives. Dan gives Harvey an awkward hug as Jack appears ready to leave. Watching the men leave, Dan yells after them: “I’ve learned a lot from you, Harvey. I’m going to get my picture in the papers, too. You’ll see. I’ve got my own issue. That’s right. Dan White’s got an issue!”
1:28:58 Gay Freedom Day Parade
Stock footage shows the Gay Freedom Day Parade in which people hold up signs saying where they are from to show their diversity. The date is June 25, 1978. There is a montage of various marchers, floats, drag queens, and the like. Harvey is the Grand Marshall and while riding on top of a car and calls to the people, knowing the television cameras will pick it up, to come on out -- just come out!
1:30:01 Harvey’s threat of assassination
At the parade rally, Anne tells Harvey that a message has been received saying that if Harvey gives his speech he will be assassinated. She tells Harvey that he doesn’t have to go through with it, but Harvey is adamant. He says that the nation is watching, and he has to speak no matter the consequences. Harvey goes to the microphone and gives his most rousing speech.
1:32:51 Dan White’s view of the Gay Freedom Day Parade
Dan White is with a reporter and is voicing his disgust over the parade. He notes that other parades that had explicit nudity would be shut down but that the gay parade is granted an exception.
1:33:08 John Briggs meets Harvey
John Briggs arrives on the day of the Freedom Day Parade and is seen to be disgusted by what he sees of the parade. His limo is taken to the pier where he gets out and meets with Mayor Moscone. The Chief of Police, Harvey and some press people are also in attendance. While Briggs says he has a right to be at the parade, Moscone says that it is too dangerous, and in the interest of public safety he can’t allow it. Harvey comes up and extends his hand to Briggs who refuses to shake it. Briggs claims Harvey is afraid to do public battle, to which Harvey challenges Briggs to a public debate. Because of the cameras, Briggs accepts.
1:34:38 Harvey and John Debate in Walnut Creek
Harvey and John Briggs are at the Walnut Creek School debating Proposition Six. Briggs insists that gays who teach in the school want to recruit children because they can’t have any of their own while Harvey argues that he was taught by heterosexual teacher and still turned out to be a homosexual. The crowd appears to be enthusiastically behind Harvey.
1:35:44 Harvey’s view of Proposition Six
Harvey is at his kitchen table, and he says into his microphone that they were genuinely afraid of Proposition Six and that they didn’t think they could really defeat it. Their goal was to organize to the point that when they did lose, they'd be in a position to revolt.
1:36:22 Harvey and John debate in Orange County
It’s the day of the Orange County Debate and Harvey and Briggs sit before an audience that is clearly in support of Briggs. Harvey asks Briggs why, when Briggs doesn’t think that child molestation is an issue in Proposition Six, does he put it in his campaign literature. Briggs responds that they also put out publications about venereal disease to help you avoid it. As Harvey presses Briggs, Briggs grows flustered and that prompts boos from the audience. The camera cuts to Dick Pabich in the audience, who looks nervous for both himself and Harvey in light of the audience’s reaction.
1:37:54 Jack’s irrational behavior continues
Harvey is pulled out of meeting by a phone call from Jack who wants to know when Harvey will be home. Harvey explains he is at work and will be home later. Jack demands are starting to grate on Harvey.
1:38:32 Harvey and Dan draw battle lines
Harvey sees Dan in the hallway and asks about the baby, but Dan is more interested in the rumor that he heard Harvey plans to vote against the Supervisor pay raises. Harvey says he heard Dan plans to vote that was as well and wonders if Dan was trying to set him up. In response, Dan echoes Harvey’s earlier words that the time isn’t right politically for him to vote for the raises. Harvey then asks Dan for his support on police desegregation, and Dan replies that he doesn’t trade votes because it’s immoral. Harvey points out that even Ronald Reagan is against Proposition Six and that Dan is on the losing side of this issue. Dan grows livid and tells Harvey, “You can’t humiliate me. And you will not demean me.”
1:39:29 Jack kills himself
Harvey enters his apartment, and as he climbs the stairs there are campaign posters, Coors beer cans, and a variety of flyers strewn on the steps and affixed to the walls. Harvey gets to the door and a note is taped to it. It reads, “You’ve always loved the circus, Harvey, What do you think of my last act?” Harvey opens the door to find that Jack has hanged himself. He grabs for Jack and cuts him down while sobbing hysterically.
1:40:32 Harvey is stunned by Jack’s suicide
Scott arrives at the apartment and tells Harvey not to blame himself and that Harvey did everything he could do. Harvey remains unconvinced and begins to cry in Jack’s arms while Anne and Cleve take down the posters and fliers.
1:41:06 No time to mourn
Harvey is back at his kitchen table and says into the microphone that Jack was gone and there was no time to mourn. They had to keep fighting.
1:41:17 Time to fight back
There is historical footage showing the arguments both for and against Proposition Six. Jim is busy filling in a map of voting turnout while Harvey awaits news on the Proposition Six vote. Dick Pabich arrives and says that turnout indicates 60% for Briggs in Fresno, San Bernadino, and the like. It looks as though defeat is imminent. Cleve Jones arrives and says he can have 15,000 people to San Francisco in an hour to which Harvey says darkly that there’d better be buses of people should they lose. Cleve is shocked, and Harvey says that as an elected official he can’t endorse violence but if the proposition passes “fight back.”
1:43:16 Harvey saves a life
Anne brings Harvey a phone and tells him that it is Don Amador on the line. It turns out it is actually the boy in the wheelchair from Minnesota who called Harvey years prior. The young man reveals he did what Harvey said and that today he voted against Proposition Six, and he is in a very good place. He thanks Harvey for saving his life and hands the phone to Don Amador.
1:44:05 Proposition Six is defeated
Don tells Harvey that they’ve taken LA County by 65%, and Harvey yells to add it to the map. Jim enters and reveals that the polls were way off and that Briggs is going down more than 2 to1. The only district where it’s leading in San Francisco is Dan White’s district. There is joy and happiness as everyone realizes what this victory means to the gay rights movement.
1:45:09 Harvey’s political victory
A brass band is playing as Harvey ascends the stairs to give his celebratory speech. He says that a message of hope has been sent to the young people struggling with their sexuality and that the gay community now owes it to themselves and their supporters to come out and be proud. The crowd is cheering wildly and Mayor Moscone arrives on the stage to shake Harvey’s hand, thereby signaling Harvey’s ascent to the political elite.
1:46:16 Dan White resigns
Dan White slides a sealed, signed letter across his desk to an aide and asks the aide to deliver it to Mayor Moscone as soon as possible. We then see Harvey stride into City Hall where comes face to face with Dan White. Dan informs Harvey that he has just resigned, and Harvey tries to convince him to reconsider saying the two can figure out how to work together. Dan isn’t interested and turns to leave. However, he is stopped by a police officer asking for a moment with Dan. Harvey watches as Dan enters a room filled with police officers from the Police Officers Association. It looks as though Dan is about to get reamed out.
1:47:23 Dan requests reinstatement
Archival news footage shows a reporter saying how surprised people were when Dan White quit the city council last week citing financial difficulties and how now Dan White is requesting to be reinstated to his position.
1:47:38 Harvey pressures Mayor Moscone
Harvey is in Mayor Moscone’s office and is telling about how he saw Dan dragged into a room of police officers and how now Dan wants his job back. Harvey questions whether Dan was threatened or if the Police Association made him promises. Moscone responds that a man has a right to change his mind, but Harvey fights back that Dan has fought against a number of their propositions. When the Mayor indicates he has heard enough, Harvey says that re-appointing Dan means that the Mayor will lose the gay vote and that he won’t be able to get elected dog catcher. Rather than being angry, Moscone is amused and tells Harvey that he sounds like Boss Tweed or Mayor Daly. This makes Harvey laugh as he notes how far he has come.
1:48:32 Harvey at the opera
Harvey sits in a balcony seat enraptured by a production of TOSCA. The scene playing out on stage is the one where, rather than allowing herself to be taken prisoner, Tosca jumps to her death.
1:49:30 Dan’s request is denied
Dan White receives a phone call to his home. It is a reporter who tells him that she has just heard that Dan will not be getting his job back. Dan replies that he hasn’t heard anything like that and hangs up on her.
1:50:12 Harvey reaches out to Scott
Unable to sleep, Harvey calls up Scott on the phone and tells him about the opera. Harvey offers to take Scott to the opera with him the next time he goes, and Scott agrees. It is clear that the two are on the road back to renewing their relationship. As the sun comes up, Scott tells Harvey to get some sleep, but Harvey says he doesn’t want to miss a thing.
1:51:12 Dan White prepares
The sun is rising too at Dan White’s house. He is sitting on his couch already dressed for the day and has an intent look upon his face.
1:51:40 Dan sneaks into City Hall
Dan sneaks through an open window to get inside of City Hall. By doing this, he avoids the metal detectors inside
1:52:29 Dan in Mayor Moscone’s Office
Harvey enters City Hall by walking through the metal detectors just as Dan enters Mayor Moscone’s office. Shouting can be heard from inside the office, and Moscone’s secretary looks uncomfortable.
1:53:27 Harvey learns Dan’s request was denied
Harvey is thrilled to learn from Dianne Feinstein that Dan White will not be getting his job back. She also tells Harvey that if Dan shows up at the offices to just ignore him because they don’t need a scene.
1:53:49 Mayor Moscone is assassinated
Mayor Moscone leads Dan to a bar inside of his office and lights a cigarette. Dan tells him that he can’t take his job away from him, but the Mayor insists it’s an issue of fairness. He tells Dan to take some time off to be with his family. The Mayor pours two drinks and turns to see Dan pointing a gun at him.
1:54:31 Harvey plans for the future
Outside of the Mayor's office, his secretary and a waiting visitor hear three pops that sound like a car backfiring. Dan walks past Dick Pabich and heads toward the sound of Harvey’s voice. Harvey is talking about how next year the plan is to have a march on Washington, D.C., that will put the issue of gay rights at the door of the White House. Dan breaks in and asks Harvey if he can speak with him, and Harvey agrees.
1:55:29 Harvey Milk is assassinated
Harvey enters Dan’s old office first, and Dan stands between Harvey and the door. Harvey smiles while Dan pulls out a gun and shoots, first hitting Harvey in the hand and then the chest. Harvey staggers to the window where he looks out at the San Francisco Opera House. As Harvey looks out at the city he loves, Dan put a final bullet in the back of Harvey’s head.
1:56:32 Harvey needs a new scene
A flashback scene to a moment earlier in the film when Scott and Harvey were in bed and Scott tells Harvey that he needs a new scene and new friends. Harvey agrees saying he needs a change.
1:57:10 City Hall memorial service
Scott and Anne enter the City Hall memorial and notice only a few people listening to the speaker. It is a sparse turnout for a memorial service, and Scott asks Anne where the hell everyone is and didn’t anyone give a damn about everything Harvey did for the community?
1:58:01 Hope for a better world
Harvey is still speaking into the tape recorder and says that people are gay must be elected so that thousands of people like him will have hope for a better world.
1:58:20 Candlelight march
Anne and Scott walk back out on to the street and turn to look down Market Street. The camera pans to reveal a massive candlelight march of tens of thousands of people. Harvey’s voice-over says, “If a bullet should enter my brain, let that bullet destroy every closet door” as the mourners are shown placing their candles around the statue of Lincoln. Harvey’s voice-over continues advocating that the movement continue and reiterating the power of hope.
2:00:04 End of the recording
Harvey is back at his kitchen table speaking into his microphone. He says, “You gotta give ‘em hope . . . You gotta give ‘em hope.” He then closes his note pad and pushes stop on his recorder.
2:00:26 Character updates
Title cards reveal what happened in the wake of the assassinations. Dan White was found guilty of manslaughter, the minimum charge for both murders. The verdict set off “The White Night Riots,” the most violent uprising in the gay movement’s history. After serving only five years, Dan White was released and committed suicide less than two years later.

Scott worked to preserve Harvey’s legacy and died of AIDS related complications in 1995.

Anne Kronenberg serves as the Deputy Director of the Department of Public Health in San Francisco and has three children.

Jim Rivaldo and Dick Pabich went on to run their own PR company located in the Castro. Dick passed away from AIDS related complications in 2000. Jim passed away in 2007.

Cleve continues his political activism, and in 1987 he created The Names Project Aids Memorial Quilt.
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