The beauty of your work is that when the film is over, the people you feature linger on in the heart I will add Danny to the room inside me where Tom and mark are. Thank you
Beautifully constructed documentary - changes of tone from the delivery sequences at the start and Danny’s early recollections to the present. Such a strong character behind those mellifluous southern tones. Dear Ben supporting him. The loss of these wonderful people is so bitingly cruel.
Once again Peter, what a lovely and tragic story. His strength is so incredibly admirable! Such a positive person. The part where he tells about the positive things of having the disease is a lesson that everybody can learn from. And the last part about the lover’s family accepting him is touching as well. Great piece of art!
This guy Is a true southern gentleman with class pouring from every pore. A very touching story, I think knowing people Like this makes you strive to be a better person.
@@augustosolari7721 Comments like yours are the reason I make my films available for free on youtube. Just curious...What country/city do you live in? PS my website is strange-attracions.com
Dear Peter, thanks so much for the body of work you have compiled for us. It highlights the great courage of persons faced with mountainous issues. Greetings from Europe.
Very impressive, Peter. Masterful 'cinema verite' about another deserving subject. Danny seemed to live his all-too-brief life exactly how and where he wanted -- quite an achievement in a region known for its rabid homophobia and inadequate HIV/AIDS care. Through your art, all of us who never knew Danny personally witnessed his superior courage and simple grace. Thanks again!
Thank you for your comment. I felt lucky to meet Danny (by chance) and he inspired me immediately back then, and still does. I'm glad his spirit lives on through my film and I'm glad people like you appreciate it.
@@westindiesgalfruits2335 So do I. We kept in touch for a few years, but then I stopped hearing from him. I wasn't completely sure if he had HIV, but I suspected he did. I searched for him on internet but could not find him.
Your comment means a lot, Edmund. I met Danny by chance and was instantly inspired. He told me their house was a bed & breakfast and they rented rooms, so we decided to spend the weekend. The night before we left I asked if I could videotape him on his mail route the next day. We shot the whole film in that one day, except the driving shots at the end of the film, which we did on our way out of town the following morning. It's hard to go wrong with cinema verite with a subject like Danny!
Peter - We talked about this film a year or so ago. I do keep coming back it, I find it really moving and as a gay man in rural PA it speaks strongly to me. So thanks again for sharing it. I was listening to a song today that referenced the AIDS quilt and on a whim I looked the quilt up. I discovered the quilt's website allows you to search by dedication name and shows you the relevant panel. Danny has a couple panels dedicated to him, one with a photo of his mail truck. Ben Royal is also in the quilt twice, apparently passing away January 5, 1996. It's touching to see an inscription "Rest, 'Gentle Ben', and smile for you have now found your peace. Love always, Dad" on his panel.
Very beautiful. I have watched Tom and Mark’s documentary several times and each time I see I’m reminded how hard life must have been but they kept living and loving. Same with this one. Thanks for sharing their beautiful lives ❤️
Peter, you’re work is the conduit which connects the subjects lives to us the viewers lives! And it happens so flawlessly, it is such a beautiful thing, outstanding work Sir. Your films have touched and affected me more than ANY Hollywood blockbuster bullshit ever has!! I can’t wait for your film about you and your life! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I hope you and yours stay healthy and well. 👍🏻🏴
I love your work. I live in Vinton and see his house every day. I always loved it and always heard stories like he said in the video, it was the “aids house” was really interesting to actually see the history in it. He was such a bright soul. Wish I had the chance to meet him. Is his partner still living?
@@peterfriedman7193 I'm usually pretty good at finding people. Your documentary really touched me - thank you for sharing this. I did a little research concerning Benjamin Todd Royal and, sadly, he did pass away in January 1996. His last known residence was in Portland, Texas. I hope this gives you and everybody else here some closure as to what had become of him. Peace be with you
@@CarMadLV1 Thank you very much for this information. I appreciate your effort in finding it and your considerate act of passing it along. If you happen to find any more information, please let me know, but this is already welcome closure, which is gratifying. Ben only hinted to me that he was HIV+ but never said so outright. My best to you.
This one is fabulous too Peter. Thank you for recommending it. I'm glad he found his forever and was happy. Did he pass away? Makes me sad to think about.
He passed away about a year and a half after the film was shot, while living what was left of his life to the fullest: Danny and Ben came to visit me and my partner JF in Marseille, France. It was their first trip out of the US. On the way back they drove around New England, and Danny died suddenly on that part of the trip - but at least he was spared the slow and agonizing decline that many suffered. He was strong and vibrant and embracing life until the day he died. He inspired me in 1990 when I met him, and he continues to inspire me today.
I'm sad that he passed, but what a wonderful and fulfilled life he led. I'm glad they made that trip, sounds like a fabulous trip. And I agree, thankful he was spared all the long suffering that so many endured. Thanks for sharing. Hugs
This film is very beautiful. So uplifting. If life hands you lemons make lemonade. That is so true. We are born we live and we die. To find love in the middle of that is what matters. I hope to meet Danny and Ben in heaven some day when this life is over.
Once in a while, a youtube comment brings tears to my eyes. Yours just did. Thank you for that. Shortly before my father died, I asked him if he believed in life after death. He replied, "There's only one way to find out." I personally don't think about heaven, I think about how use what I learn from people like Danny and Ben while I'm alive.
More people should see stuff like this. The world would be a much kinder and gentle place and people wouldn’t bicker and fall out over the petty shit that doesn’t really matter. Peter do you have part one of silver lake life which the two guys filmed when they first got together?
From the early 90s I wonder why it’s taken so long for your work to make it to UA-cam. That’s nearly 30 yrs ago. I also find myself as much of the viewers on this thread wonder what happened next? You have a bad habit of leaving that question unanswered for a lengthy period of time.
Yes, about a year after the film was shot. He died suddenly on his way back from visiting me in France, while touring around New England. I kept in touch with his survivor Ben for several years after that, but eventually I lost track of him. I don't know where he is or even whether is alive.
Just cutting and pasting my answer to someone else who asked that question: Danny passed away about a year and a half after the film was shot, while living what was left of his life to the fullest: Danny and Ben came to visit me and my partner JF in Marseille, France. It was their first trip out of the US. On the way back they drove around New England, and Danny died suddenly on that part of the trip - but at least he was spared the slow and agonizing decline that many suffered. He was strong and vibrant and embracing life until the day he died. He inspired me in 1990 when I met him, and he continues to inspire me today.
The beauty of your work is that when the film is over, the people you feature linger on in the heart I will add Danny to the room inside me where Tom and mark are. Thank you
Thank you for your beautiful comment!
Beautifully constructed documentary - changes of tone from the delivery sequences at the start and Danny’s early recollections to the present. Such a strong character behind those mellifluous southern tones. Dear Ben supporting him. The loss of these wonderful people is so bitingly cruel.
Once again Peter, what a lovely and tragic story. His strength is so incredibly admirable! Such a positive person. The part where he tells about the positive things of having the disease is a lesson that everybody can learn from. And the last part about the lover’s family accepting him is touching as well. Great piece of art!
This guy Is a true southern gentleman with class pouring from every pore. A very touching story, I think knowing people Like this makes you strive to be a better person.
This is true
That might just be the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me about this film. Thank you.
@@peterfriedman7193 thank you for making such a beautiful film AND sharing it.
@@augustosolari7721 Comments like yours are the reason I make my films available for free on youtube. Just curious...What country/city do you live in? PS my website is strange-attracions.com
This was a beautiful video. He seems like he was so so sweet.
Dear Peter, thanks so much for the body of work you have compiled for us. It highlights the great courage of persons faced with mountainous issues. Greetings from Europe.
Thank you for your comment. Greetings to you also from Europe! (I'm in Paris).
@@peterfriedman7193 While I live in Italy.
Very impressive, Peter. Masterful 'cinema verite' about another deserving subject. Danny seemed to live his all-too-brief life exactly how and where he wanted -- quite an achievement in a region known for its rabid homophobia and inadequate HIV/AIDS care. Through your art, all of us who never knew Danny personally witnessed his superior courage and simple grace. Thanks again!
Thank you for your comment. I felt lucky to meet Danny (by chance) and he inspired me immediately back then, and still does. I'm glad his spirit lives on through my film and I'm glad people like you appreciate it.
I wonder if his partner is still alive??
@@westindiesgalfruits2335 So do I. We kept in touch for a few years, but then I stopped hearing from him. I wasn't completely sure if he had HIV, but I suspected he did. I searched for him on internet but could not find him.
Your comment means a lot, Edmund. I met Danny by chance and was instantly inspired. He told me their house was a bed & breakfast and they rented rooms, so we decided to spend the weekend. The night before we left I asked if I could videotape him on his mail route the next day. We shot the whole film in that one day, except the driving shots at the end of the film, which we did on our way out of town the following morning. It's hard to go wrong with cinema verite with a subject like Danny!
Peter - We talked about this film a year or so ago. I do keep coming back it, I find it really moving and as a gay man in rural PA it speaks strongly to me. So thanks again for sharing it.
I was listening to a song today that referenced the AIDS quilt and on a whim I looked the quilt up. I discovered the quilt's website allows you to search by dedication name and shows you the relevant panel. Danny has a couple panels dedicated to him, one with a photo of his mail truck. Ben Royal is also in the quilt twice, apparently passing away January 5, 1996. It's touching to see an inscription "Rest, 'Gentle Ben', and smile for you have now found your peace. Love always, Dad" on his panel.
Very beautiful. I have watched Tom and Mark’s documentary several times and each time I see I’m reminded how hard life must have been but they kept living and loving. Same with this one. Thanks for sharing their beautiful lives ❤️
Thanks for this video. 😊 i really appreciate his maturity, self-confidence and kindness. 😥
Peter, you’re work is the conduit which connects the subjects lives to us the viewers lives! And it happens so flawlessly, it is such a beautiful thing, outstanding work Sir. Your films have touched and affected me more than ANY Hollywood blockbuster bullshit ever has!! I can’t wait for your film about you and your life! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I hope you and yours stay healthy and well. 👍🏻🏴
Thank you very much for your wonderful comment. It's much appreciated!
I love your work. I live in Vinton and see his house every day. I always loved it and always heard stories like he said in the video, it was the “aids house” was really interesting to actually see the history in it. He was such a bright soul. Wish I had the chance to meet him. Is his partner still living?
Thank you. I don't think so but I'm not 100% sure. We lost touch a few years after Danny died. I searched for him online but no luck.
@@peterfriedman7193 I'm usually pretty good at finding people. Your documentary really touched me - thank you for sharing this. I did a little research concerning Benjamin Todd Royal and, sadly, he did pass away in January 1996. His last known residence was in Portland, Texas. I hope this gives you and everybody else here some closure as to what had become of him. Peace be with you
@@CarMadLV1 Thank you very much for this information. I appreciate your effort in finding it and your considerate act of passing it along. If you happen to find any more information, please let me know, but this is already welcome closure, which is gratifying. Ben only hinted to me that he was HIV+ but never said so outright. My best to you.
Oh wow ....Peter....I don’t have adequate words to describe how wonderful this one is......💔
Oh but you do. Your words are more than adequate! Please share and post the link anywhere you please.
I think your words did the trick just perfectly. Thank you!
This one is fabulous too Peter. Thank you for recommending it. I'm glad he found his forever and was happy. Did he pass away? Makes me sad to think about.
He passed away about a year and a half after the film was shot, while living what was left of his life to the fullest: Danny and Ben came to visit me and my partner JF in Marseille, France. It was their first trip out of the US. On the way back they drove around New England, and Danny died suddenly on that part of the trip - but at least he was spared the slow and agonizing decline that many suffered. He was strong and vibrant and embracing life until the day he died. He inspired me in 1990 when I met him, and he continues to inspire me today.
Peter Friedman 💕
I'm sad that he passed, but what a wonderful and fulfilled life he led. I'm glad they made that trip, sounds like a fabulous trip. And I agree, thankful he was spared all the long suffering that so many endured. Thanks for sharing. Hugs
I love your work Peter ❤
Thank you!!!
This film is very beautiful. So uplifting. If life hands you lemons make lemonade. That is so true. We are born we live and we die. To find love in the middle of that is what matters. I hope to meet Danny and Ben in heaven some day when this life is over.
Once in a while, a youtube comment brings tears to my eyes. Yours just did. Thank you for that. Shortly before my father died, I asked him if he believed in life after death. He replied, "There's only one way to find out." I personally don't think about heaven, I think about how use what I learn from people like Danny and Ben while I'm alive.
PS please share the link.
Same❣️
Great storyteller. 💗💓
I love his demeanor
Their own private little Arkansas! What a beautiful soul.
Great film Peter!!
Thank you!
Are you making any new films?
@@barbarahenning3309 Yes. Here's a 3-minute trailer for a full-length documentary I'm completing now: vimeo.com/134304945
I Wish them Love and Health & Happiness 💝
Peter is there anyway we can see a video about your life and your partner? Would be amazing to see your life ❤❤❤..
Actually I'm just getting started on that but it will take at least a year. You can reach me by email here www.strange-attractions.com/contact
@@peterfriedman7193 man, you made my day Peter, I'll be in contact with you ..you're a hero in my eyes❤❤..thank you..
@@westindiesgalfruits2335 You made mine too. If you email me tell me a little about yourself if you can...like who and where you are.
@@peterfriedman7193 will do, I'm a 36 year old women and I reside in Columbus Ohio, illl be in touch..
Any progress on your autobiography
More people should see stuff like this. The world would be a much kinder and gentle place and people wouldn’t bicker and fall out over the petty shit that doesn’t really matter.
Peter do you have part one of silver lake life which the two guys filmed when they first got together?
Thank you for your comment. Mark & Tom's 1977 film BLACKSTAR is here vimeo.com/209640111
Thank you
From the early 90s I wonder why it’s taken so long for your work to make it to UA-cam. That’s nearly 30 yrs ago. I also find myself as much of the viewers on this thread wonder what happened next? You have a bad habit of leaving that question unanswered for a lengthy period of time.
I don't see posting my work on youtube as either an obligation or a priority. The films are, and have been, available elsewhere for many years.
How long did he live after this documentary?
The man died in 1992
Did he die?
Yes, about a year after the film was shot. He died suddenly on his way back from visiting me in France, while touring around New England. I kept in touch with his survivor Ben for several years after that, but eventually I lost track of him. I don't know where he is or even whether is alive.
Just cutting and pasting my answer to someone else who asked that question: Danny passed away about a year and a half after the film was shot, while living what was left of his life to the fullest: Danny and Ben came to visit me and my partner JF in Marseille, France. It was their first trip out of the US. On the way back they drove around New England, and Danny died suddenly on that part of the trip - but at least he was spared the slow and agonizing decline that many suffered. He was strong and vibrant and embracing life until the day he died. He inspired me in 1990 when I met him, and he continues to inspire me today.
Fantastic film Peter... the cinematography is absolutely wonderful. Thank you!!