In 1974, millions of Americans tuned in to the 46th Academy Awards and watched, in shock, as an anonymous man streaked naked across the stage in the middle of the show. In an instant, the prankster, named Robert Opel, a man previously unknown to the
public eye, rocketed to iconic status. Opel sparked a media frenzy of press conferences and talk show appearances, but to this day few people know the full story behind the iconoclast who is widely remembered for a single moment in his life.
Now, Opel’s nephew — also named Robert — presents a documentary that illuminates the fascinating story of the gay San Francisco photographer and gallery owner who lived a life of political activism until his murder in 1979.
Robert Opel takes viewers back to the politically turbulent 1970s when San Francisco’s nascent gay rights movement took flight. Featuring interviews with Opel’s peers as well as rarely seen archived interviews with early gay icons like John Waters, Elizabeth Taylor and Bea Arthur, Uncle Bob uncovers the radical life of a man who had nothing to hide.
3 Reasons To buy this film
Uncle Bob offers great insight into the history of the gay community in San Francisco and the strides that they made in the '70s.
Director Robert Oppel is a hot little slice of grungy man meat - and he's always happy to show off his cock.
You may have heard about Robert Opel's Oscar-streak, but you haven't heard the whole story about his life and legacy.
Review
For most of his early life, Robert Oppel has no knowledge of his legendary uncle Bob “Opel.” One day, while searching through his closet, Robert discovered magazines and newspaper clippings that revealed his namesake as an innovator in the San Francisco art scene, a gay rights activist and crusader for sexual liberation... oh, and he also once streaked across the stage behind David Niven at the 1974 Academy Awards ceremony. This became the inspiration for the new documentary Uncle Bob
Robert Oppel, a thuggish-looking, tattooed and goateed hottie (who also appears full frontal in the film… and has a pretty nice dick), launches an investigation into his uncle’s past and the legacy that he left behind. The elder Robert was murdered in July of 1979 during a robbery at his art gallery “Fey-Way Studios.” The younger Robert, unable to speak with his uncle directly, interviews many of the people who were associated with in San Fran during the ‘70s. As it turns out, there is much more to the man that most might assume.
Though he garnered his “15 minutes of fame” by streaking at an awards show, Robert Opel accomplished a lot in his short life. After losing his job as an English teacher, he became a writer and photographer for various gay magazines – including “The Advocate” and “Finger.” He also produced numerous stage shows and films with the likes of Divine and The Cockettes, and fought against the hate-spewing Anita Bryant alongside Harvey Milk. We're also given lots of fascinating archival footage - interviews that Opel conducted with artists and filmmakers (John Waters included) and, most interestingly, footage from an episode of "The Mike Douglas Show" that he appared on along with Bea Arthur and David Steinberg.
Though the film features an overly lengthy section that covers Harvey Milk's political career and assassination, presenting nothing particularly new for anyone who has seen Milk or The Times of Harvey Milk, it is interesting to see Opel's involvement in the White Night Riots and their aftermath. This fascinating and highly informative documentary benefits, most of all, from the personal touch and vulnerability that director/subject Oppel (junior) brings to the table. Not only does it celebrate an unsung activist, it is a strong reminder of the battles that our community fought and won decades ago.
I just got notice of a new documentary coming to us from Breaking Glass Pictures. Robert Oppel has made a film about his Uncle Bob, for who he is named and it deals with the life and murder of the man who became famous by streaking the Oscars in 1974. Some of the notable names in the film include Elizabeth Taylor, John Waters, Divine, Robert LaSardo, Abel Ferrera, Mike Douglas, David Steinberg, Meissa Hampton, Robert Mapplethrorpe, Mario Bosco, Robert Oppel and his Uncle Bob and others. Included will be several music videos and interviews as well as a bonus film, “Trip Back Forward’ with the Cockettes.
