The raging controversy that surrounded the publication and subsequent trial for obscenity of beat poet Alan Ginsberg’s 'Howl' in San Fransisco in 1957 is the background for this documentary-drama.

Rom-coms usually fail because we can’t truly relate to the characters and the problems deepen if the plot involves the difficulties of keeping a long-distance relationship alive.

In this season of gong hand-outs comes a truly wonderful performance from Penn as the Harvey Milk of the title, the first openly gay to achieve elected office – as a city supervisor – in San Fransisco in l977.

Based on the novel by Andre Dumas lll this is an outstanding film filled with high drama and played brilliantly by its wonderful cast, particularly Kingsley and Connelly.