Confidential File
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Confidential File was an American talk show television series running from 1953 to 1959. It ran for 7 seasons starring Paul Coates as its host. This talk show included one of the earliest appearances of the topic of homosexuality on television. The show aired on KTTV, a Los Angeles-based Times Mirror television station, on a weekly schedule and was comprised of a 15-minute documentary, which was followed by a 15-minute live interview relating to the topic.
Origin[edit]
Confidential File was a show that generally discussed a "problem" associated with homosexuality via a panel of "experts," none of whom were homosexual themselves. The show aired episodes titled, "Homosexuals and the Problems They Present" in 1954, and "Homosexuals Who Stalk and Molest Our Children" in 1955.[1] Andrew J. Fenady wrote and produced Confidential File alongside it's host and director Paul Coates.[2] Each episode aired late night on KTTV.[3] Coates discussed other intense subjects including the rabies threat of the 1950s, drug use, juvenile delinquency, alcoholism, and illegal gambling.[4] This show was one of the first "tabloid" style shows to discuss sensitive issues such as these.[5]
Paul Coates (March 10, 1921 – November 16, 1968) married Renee Demarco of the Dancing Demarcos and had three children. He suffered an intense stroke in 1966 and became paralyzed on the right side of his body. His ability to speak was also severely impaired. He was given a 50% chance of surviving initially but made a recovery in less than a year, regaining his ability to speak and going back to work in April, 1967. Although, he died a year later.[6]
Content evolution[edit]
The earliest known television appearance by an openly homosexual individual appeared on Confidential File on May 2, 1954. Curtis White stated that he was a gay man and would likely lose his job by agreeing to come on the show.[7] He also stated that he chose to go on the show to be of use to someone other than himself.[7] Confidential File ran syndication. Confidential File was discussed frequently in several newspapers such as The Tampa Times, The Los Angeles Times, and more.[8]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ↑ Tropiano, Stephen (2002). The prime time closet : a history of gays and lesbians on TV. New York, NY: Applause Theatre & Cinema Books. ISBN 1-55783-557-8. OCLC 49284032. Search this book on
- ↑ Gragg, Larry Dale (2011). "Protecting a City's Image: The Death of "Las Vegas Beat", 1961". Studies in Popular Culture. 34 (1): 1–22. ISSN 0888-5753.
- ↑ "Pasadena Independent". Pasadena Independent. February 28, 1954. p. 68.
- ↑ "The Gazette". The Gazette. February 5, 1954. p. 18.
- ↑ "Confidential File". www.oldies.com. Retrieved 2023-05-03.
- ↑ "Paul Coates, Newspaper Columnist, Dies". The Salt Lake Tribune. Los Angeles Times Service. 1968-11-17. p. A9.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Sound clip - 1st known openly gay guest on a TV talk show - CONFIDENTIAL FILE - 5/2/1954, KTTV-TV, retrieved 2023-05-03
- ↑ "The Tampa Times". The Tampa Times. May 18, 1957. p. 8.
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