50 Years (2025 restored version) Directed by Vincent-louis Apruzzese

 Originally released in 2002 under the title "46 Years", "50 Years" is a recollection of memories and events as they relate to Ralph Hodgdon and Paul McMahon and their life-long love for each other. 

I revisited them 5 years after this was screened in Provincetown, Massachusetts and put for sale on Amazon as times had changed and the couple were able to get married on their 49th anniversary. It seemed right to do an additional interview after their 50th anniversary of the day they met and one year after they were able to get legally married. 

The restoration started in January 2025 when I discovered I had many, but not all the originals scans of the photos used in the film. My software also avowed me to take out the background music and improve the sound and more easily rework some edits. I still had the music done by David M. Puryear and was able to add it back in after the changes were made. 

Shot on Standard Definition video, before HD was a thing does limit how much improvement I could do on my own. I did clean up the titles between sections and updated the credits. I also had to take a break when Ralph got very ill and died in April 2025. Paul had passed in April 2011 and it was just too difficult work on. 

The 2020 version of the movie is for sale/rent on Amazon Streaming Prime Video.

The Twleve (restored 2006 documentary) 2025 directed by Vincent-louis Apruzzese

Originally released in 2006 on Amazon and then updated several times later, this documentary is about Boston’s most diverse dance club, open from the 70s to the 90s. Three floors, a piano bar and pool tables in the basement, a new wave punk dance floor and then a classic disco dance floor… plus in good weather a roof deck with a grill! The entire LBGT+ community was welcome and mixed together as well straight people and a few other minorities that were not welcomed in other, straighter bars at the time. 

This version is recut, new graphics, where possible, with better sound and upscaled to HD. It was filmed on zero budget with an old video camera and a mono microphone from the Radio Shack so I’ve tried to improve it where possible but tech is only so magical, even these days.

The goal is to give people who were not able to go to this wonderful place and a sense of what it was like and to remind the world of Boston’s gay history and a world that is now gone and lost.

My Copps Hill Burying ground photo book on Amazon!

 Just a Halloween reminder that my 44 page photography book about Boston's 2nd older cemetery is for sale on Amazon.   Click the link to buy a copy! 

Synopsis:

Growing up in historic Boston, Massachusetts in the 1960s, I had the good fortune to have access to some of the oldest and most renowned graveyards in the United States. I took full advantage of them. For me, they are restful places filled with history, untold stories and wonderful works of art. It is easy to forget how special they are.I was always in awe of Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, having first visited there at as young boy with an unmarried aunt. One of my favorite authors, H.P. Lovecraft, mentioned the cemetery in one of his best known short stories, Pickman’s Model. One of the stones even has what looks like the inspiration for Lovecraft’s ghastly creation, the Cthulhu. Of all the old burial places in the city, this is the one that most strikes a chord with me.Even though I might prefer a more out of the way and hidden boneyard for my remains, I can’t say the idea of digging a hole and hiding myself under Copp’s Hill for eternity doesn’t hold a certain appeal.

My book is out on iTunes!

Two posts in a day, that's a record for the Slammer lately! My photos essay on Copps Hill Burying Ground is finally out on iTunes in Canada and the USA for 4,99$. You aren't obligated to buy it and give me 5 stars... but it would be nice.   :)