PERKINS 28: Testimony from the Secret Court Files of 1920 2008
PERKINS 28: Testimony from the Secret Court Files of 1920 (2008) brings to light a somber chapter in Harvard's past with a dramatic retelling of the university's 1920 secret court hearings.
Director: Michael Van Devere
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PERKINS 28: Testimony from the Secret Court Files of 1920 (2008) about?
The film dramatizes Harvard University's 1920 secret court hearings, where 37 men were interrogated over suspected homosexuality. Based on real documents, it follows nine key testimonies that expose the personal and institutional fallout of a discriminatory system.
Who directed PERKINS 28: Testimony from the Secret Court Files of 1920?
Michael Van Devere directed the film, bringing a sensitive approach to this dark historical subject.
Who stars in PERKINS 28: Testimony from the Secret Court Files of 1920?
The cast includes Nelson Greaves, DJ Smolinsky, Christopher Carothers, Benjamin Cosgrove, and Steven DeMarco in pivotal roles.
Is PERKINS 28: Testimony from the Secret Court Files of 1920 (2008) worth watching?
While it's a niche historical drama, PERKINS 28 offers a compelling and sobering look at a forgotten injustice. Its tight runtime and authentic storytelling make it a thought-provoking watch for fans of period dramas and LGBTQ+ history.
How long is PERKINS 28: Testimony from the Secret Court Files of 1920?
The film runs for 76 minutes.
About PERKINS 28: Testimony from the Secret Court Files of 1920 (2008) — A Harvard scandal uncovered
PERKINS 28: Testimony from the Secret Court Files of 1920 (2008) brings to light a somber chapter in Harvard's past with a dramatic retelling of the university's 1920 secret court hearings. Directed by Michael Van Devere, the film dramatizes the testimony of 37 men—students, faculty, and Boston locals—who were questioned and disciplined under suspicion of homosexuality. Based on real court documents, the movie unfolds with a sense of quiet tension, focusing on nine key testimonies that reveal the personal cost of institutional prejudice. As the film weaves through these accounts, it paints a haunting portrait of fear, betrayal, and the devastating consequences of systemic intolerance.
Through its historical lens, PERKINS 28 explores themes of justice, identity, and the erosion of trust in institutions that wield power without accountability. The atmosphere is deliberately restrained, letting the gravity of the events speak for itself rather than relying on sensationalism. With its blend of drama and history, this 76-minute film offers a stark reminder of how silence and secrecy can perpetuate injustice, long after the facts have been buried.