I Am Montgomery Clift

When Craig Chester starred in Swoon (1992) he became a face for the 90's New Queer Cinema movement. Some years later he wrote and directed the comedy Adam & Steve about the lives of two gay men and it became a cult hit. But after a string of success he was stumped. Should he go to Los Angeles and make a few bucks in Hollywood? Or should he stay in New York and stick to independent movies? A friend suggested Craig visit a psychic. Craig didn't believe in that kind of stuff, but he figured it couldn't hurt. Then, the psychic introduced Craig to someone who had been following him his entire life: Montgomery Clift, actor and heartthrob from the 50's and 60's.

At first, Craig didn't believe it, but the coincidences piled up and eventually he couldn't deny it. He realized that Clift had been gay (though closeted) in Hollywood decades before him. He started to listen to the advice this visiting mentor was offering. Then Craig started doing everything he could to get close to him.

Story: Craig Chester

Producer: Nick White

Producer: Darby Maloney

Editor, mixing and additional music: Bob Carlson

Production Assistance: Ross Tipograph

Montgomery Clift on-screen with Elizabeth Taylor, his close friend and confidante

Photo courtesy Dr. Macro

Craig with Jack Larson, one-time companion of Montgomery Clift

Courtesy Craig Chester

Craig with friend and medium Josan

Photo courtesy Craig Chester

Craig with Parker Posey his close friend and confidante

Photo courtesy Craig Chester

Craig and Brandon Roberts in Monty's house

Photo courtesy Craig Chester

Craig with Reverend Catherine, a clairvoyant medium based in New York

Photo courtesy Craig Chester

This episode originally aired on January 19, 2015.

Banner image courtesy Dr. Macro