The Fall of ’55

Directed by Seth Randal

In 1955 and 1956, Boise, Idaho was swept up in a moral panic after three men were arrested for having sex with teenage boys. Although investigators claimed a vast child sex ring existed, none was ever found. The investigation charged 16 men, drew national attention, and left lasting scars on the community.
The Fall of ’55 is a sobering documentary about the Boise homosexuality scandal of 1955, when fear and moral panic led to investigations and destroyed lives. Seth Randal carefully reconstructs the episode, showing how quickly prejudice can become institutional persecution.

The Fall of ’55

Directed by Seth Randal

In 1955 and 1956, Boise, Idaho was swept up in a moral panic after three men were arrested for having sex with teenage boys. Although investigators claimed a vast child sex ring existed, none was ever found. The investigation charged 16 men, drew national attention, and left lasting scars on the community.

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The Fall of ’55 is a sobering documentary about the Boise homosexuality scandal of 1955, when fear and moral panic led to investigations and destroyed lives. Seth Randal carefully reconstructs the episode, showing how quickly prejudice can become institutional persecution.