1978
Anticipating his assassination, gay activist Harvey Milk records a will before the film flashes back to 1972, detailing his move to San Francisco, the opening of Castro Camera, and his immersion in the gay rights movement. After multiple unsuccessful campaigns, Harvey wins a seat on the Board of Supervisors, becoming California's first openly gay elected official, and successfully leads the fight against Proposition 6, a discriminatory initiative to ban gay teachers. Despite his political triumphs, Harvey's personal life deteriorates, marked by a breakup with Scott and the suicide of his new lover, Jack Lira, while fellow Supervisor Dan White struggles with his own career and resigns. When Mayor Moscone, influenced by Harvey, refuses to reappoint White, Dan White retaliates by assassinating both Mayor Moscone and Harvey Milk in City Hall, leading to a city-wide candlelight vigil honoring Milk's legacy.
Save the Cat beat sheet
Harvey Milk’s journey from immigrant photographer to pioneering gay rights activist unfolds through his personal relationships, political battles, and community organizing.
Open full beat sheetHarvey Milk is listed as Protagonist / Activist / Politician. 48-year-old gay activist and San Francisco City Supervisor. In the parsed data, Harvey Milk is connected to 92 scenes, 156 dialogue lines, 165 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.
92 scenes / 156 dialogue linesDan White is listed as Antagonist / Politician. A former police officer and fireman, conservative City Supervisor. In the parsed data, Dan White is connected to 22 scenes, 36 dialogue lines, 40 text mentions, first appearing around scene 6.
22 scenes / 36 dialogue linesCleve Jones is listed as Activist. Young activist and protégé of Harvey. In the parsed data, Cleve Jones is connected to 21 scenes, 21 dialogue lines, 22 text mentions, first appearing around scene 49.
21 scenes / 21 dialogue linesScott Smith is listed as Harvey's partner / Campaign Manager. Harvey's young, curly-haired lover and early political partner. In the parsed data, Scott Smith is connected to 21 scenes, 17 dialogue lines, 17 text mentions, first appearing around scene 18.
21 scenes / 17 dialogue linesAnne Kronenberg is listed as Campaign Manager. Harvey's organized and determined campaign manager. In the parsed data, Anne Kronenberg is connected to 13 scenes, 4 dialogue lines, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 49.
13 scenes / 4 dialogue linesJim Rivaldo is listed as Political Strategist. A sharp-minded political strategist for Harvey. In the parsed data, Jim Rivaldo is connected to 11 scenes, 5 dialogue lines, 5 text mentions, first appearing around scene 54.
11 scenes / 5 dialogue linesDick Pabich is listed as Political Strategist. A political strategist and member of Harvey's inner circle. In the parsed data, Dick Pabich is connected to 11 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 63.
11 scenes / 2 dialogue linesJack Lira is listed as Harvey's partner. A troubled, younger man who becomes Harvey's lover. In the parsed data, Jack Lira is connected to 9 scenes, 16 dialogue lines, 16 text mentions, first appearing around scene 49.
9 scenes / 16 dialogue linesJohn Briggs is listed as Antagonist / Politician. California State Senator and proponent of Proposition 6. In the parsed data, John Briggs is connected to 6 scenes, 12 dialogue lines, 13 text mentions, first appearing around scene 74.
6 scenes / 12 dialogue linesGeorge Moscone is listed as Mayor of San Francisco. The Mayor of San Francisco. In the parsed data, George Moscone is connected to 5 scenes, 4 dialogue lines, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 67.
5 scenes / 4 dialogue linesDanny Niccoletta is listed as Photographer / Shop Assistant. An art student and employee at Castro Camera. In the parsed data, Danny Niccoletta is connected to 5 scenes, first appearing around scene 12.
5 scenes / 0 dialogue linesDavid Goodstein is listed as Publisher. Wealthy publisher of The Advocate. In the parsed data, David Goodstein is connected to 4 scenes, 7 dialogue lines, 7 text mentions, first appearing around scene 21.
4 scenes / 7 dialogue linesRick Stokes is listed as Lawyer / Politician. Goodstein's protégé and political rival to Harvey. In the parsed data, Rick Stokes is connected to 4 scenes, 3 dialogue lines, 3 text mentions, first appearing around scene 21.
4 scenes / 3 dialogue linesAllan Baird is listed as Union Leader. Teamsters representative and Coors boycott director. In the parsed data, Allan Baird is connected to 3 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 10.
3 scenes / 2 dialogue linesDianne Feinstein is listed as Politician. President of the Board of Supervisors. In the parsed data, Dianne Feinstein is connected to 3 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 5.
3 scenes / 2 dialogue linesAnita Bryant is listed as Antagonist / Activist. A singer and anti-gay rights activist. In the parsed data, Anita Bryant is connected to 1 scene, 1 dialogue line, 3 text mentions, first appearing around scene 56.
1 scenes / 1 dialogue linesHarvey Milk records a will to be played in the event of his assassination.
Harvey MilkFlashback to Harvey addressing a crowd with a bullhorn.
Harvey MilkHarvey delivers a campaign speech to union workers.
Harvey MilkMontage of chaos following the shooting of Harvey Milk and Mayor Moscone.
Dianne Feinstein announces the deaths of Harvey Milk and Mayor Moscone.
Dianne FeinsteinDan White sits in a pew while his wife Mary-Ann comforts him, unaware he is armed.
Dan WhiteHarvey meets Scott Smith for the first time.
Harvey Milk, Scott SmithHarvey and Scott share an intimate moment and discuss their lives.
Harvey Milk, Scott SmithHarvey photographs the neighborhood.
Harvey MilkHarvey and Scott open their camera shop and face opposition from a local merchant.
Harvey Milk, Scott Smith, Allan BairdThe first Castro Street Fair.
Harvey Milk, Scott SmithHarvey meets Allan Baird and discusses the Coors boycott.
Harvey Milk, Scott Smith, Cleve Jones, Jim Rivaldo, Dick Pabich, Danny NiccolettaPolice beat gay men at a bar; Scott is injured.
Harvey Milk, Scott Smith, Cleve Jones, Jim Rivaldo, Dick Pabich, Danny NiccolettaHarvey treats Scott's head wound and discusses running for office.
Harvey Milk, Scott SmithHarvey announces his candidacy for City Supervisor.
Harvey Milk, Scott SmithHarvey meets Cleve Jones.
Harvey Milk, Cleve JonesHarvey investigates the murder of Robert Hillsborough.
Harvey MilkHarvey's team discusses political strategy and receives a death threat.
Harvey Milk, Scott Smith, Jim Rivaldo, Dick Pabich, Danny NiccolettaScott and Harvey discuss a threatening letter and a drawing sent to Harvey.
Harvey Milk, Scott SmithHarvey and Scott arrive at David Goodstein's mansion.
Harvey Milk, Scott Smith, David GoodsteinHarvey debates political strategy with David Goodstein and Rick Stokes.
Harvey Milk, Scott Smith, David Goodstein, Rick StokesMontage of election day in the Castro.
Harvey MilkHarvey records his will.
Harvey MilkHarvey tries on a new suit for his campaign.
Harvey Milk, Scott SmithMontage of campaign activity at the shop.
Harvey MilkHarvey debates Art Agnos.
Harvey MilkHarvey and Art Agnos talk after the debate.
Harvey MilkScott kicks the campaign volunteers out of the apartment.
Harvey Milk, Scott Smith, Jim Rivaldo, Dick PabichHarvey is followed on the street and meets Cleve Jones.
Harvey Milk, Cleve JonesHarvey and Cleve talk about their lives and the movement.
Harvey Milk, Cleve JonesHarvey rides a motorcycle to City Hall on election day.
Harvey MilkHarvey and Jim Rivaldo analyze election results.
Harvey Milk, Jim RivaldoThe group watches news of Anita Bryant's victory.
Harvey MilkHarvey receives a distressing phone call from a boy in Minnesota.
Harvey MilkHarvey prepares to lead a protest.
Harvey Milk, Scott SmithCleve Jones rallies people in the bar.
Cleve JonesHarvey leads a protest march.
Harvey Milk, Cleve Jones, Jim Rivaldo, Dick PabichHarvey gives a speech to the protesters.
Harvey MilkHarvey speaks to a parent-teacher group.
Harvey MilkHarvey speaks to Teamsters.
Harvey Milk, Allan BairdHarvey continues recording his will.
Harvey MilkIntroduction of Dan White's neighborhood.
Dan WhiteDan White holds a press conference.
Dan WhiteScott leaves Harvey.
Harvey Milk, Scott SmithHarvey introduces Anne Kronenberg as the new campaign manager.
Harvey Milk, Cleve Jones, Anne Kronenberg, Jim Rivaldo, Dick Pabich, Danny NiccolettaAnne Kronenberg confronts Rick Stokes.
Anne Kronenberg, Dick Pabich, Rick StokesCampaign volunteers line the street.
Harvey Milk, Anne KronenbergHarvey campaigns on Market Street, feeling exhausted, and experiences a surreal moment with a boy handing out a flyer against Dan White.
Harvey MilkHarvey and his team discuss a newspaper endorsement. Harvey meets Jack Lira.
Harvey Milk, Anne Kronenberg, Cleve Jones, Jack LiraHarvey and Jack have a sexual encounter.
Harvey Milk, Jack LiraHarvey and Jack share a tender moment after sex.
Harvey Milk, Jack LiraHarvey casts his vote.
Harvey MilkHarvey is victorious and arrives at the shop.
Harvey Milk, Anne KronenbergCelebration party at the shop.
Harvey Milk, Scott Smith, Dan White, Cleve Jones, Anne Kronenberg, Jim RivaldoHarvey records his will while reflecting on the anti-gay backlash led by Anita Bryant and the upcoming battle against Prop Six.
Harvey MilkAnita Bryant celebrates a victory in Wichita with Briggs, vowing to bring the campaign to California.
John Briggs, Anita BryantCleve Jones initiates a telephone tree to organize a rally against the Wichita results.
Cleve JonesHarvey removes a death threat from his refrigerator as the sounds of a riot rise outside.
Harvey MilkHarvey instructs Cleve to lead the march to City Hall to prevent a riot.
Harvey Milk, Cleve Jones, Danny NiccolettaCleve addresses the crowd, but the protest turns into a march toward City Hall.
Harvey Milk, Cleve Jones, Jim RivaldoProtesters march past the empty Twin Peaks bar.
Harvey intervenes at City Hall, using the bullhorn to calm the crowd and frame the event as a political victory.
Harvey Milk, Cleve JonesHarvey and his team discuss the protest and the need for a populist issue to fight Prop Six.
Harvey Milk, Cleve Jones, Anne Kronenberg, Jim Rivaldo, Dick PabichCleve collects dog waste to help Harvey's political stunt.
Cleve JonesHarvey holds a press conference about the dog waste ordinance.
Harvey MilkThe Board of Supervisors passes the Gay Rights Ordinance.
Harvey Milk, Dan White, Dianne FeinsteinMayor Moscone signs the Gay Rights Ordinance into law.
Harvey Milk, George MosconeHarvey attempts to build a rapport with Dan White, who demands a trade for pay raises.
Harvey Milk, Dan WhiteHarvey's 48th birthday party, where he interacts with Scott and Jack.
Harvey Milk, Scott Smith, Jack Lira, David Goodstein, Rick StokesDan White approaches Harvey at the party to offer a strange birthday greeting.
Harvey Milk, Dan White, Jack LiraHarvey participates in the Gay Freedom Day parade.
Harvey Milk, Anne KronenbergDan White criticizes the parade to a reporter.
Dan WhiteHarvey receives a death threat but proceeds to give his speech.
Harvey Milk, Cleve Jones, Anne KronenbergJohn Briggs is diverted to a meeting with Harvey.
John BriggsHarvey confronts Briggs and challenges him to a public debate.
Harvey Milk, George Moscone, John BriggsHarvey and Briggs debate on television.
Harvey Milk, John BriggsBriggs makes a statement to the press.
John BriggsHarvey continues his recorded will, reflecting on the pessimism regarding Prop Six.
Harvey MilkHarvey plans to take the debate to Orange County.
Harvey Milk, Dick PabichJack and Harvey have a heated argument.
Harvey Milk, Jack LiraMy name is Harvey Milk, and I want to recruit you. I want to recruit you for the fight to preserve your democracy. Brothers and sisters, you must come out. Come out to your parents. I know that it is hard and will hurt them but think about how they will hurt you in the voting booth! Come out to your friends, if they indeed are your friends. Come out to your neighbors, to your fellow workers. Once and for all, break down the myths, destroy the lies and distortions. For your sake. For their sake. For the sake of the youngsters who are becoming scared by the votes from Dade to Eugene. On the Statue of Liberty it says "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be free." In the Declaration of Independence it is written "All men are created equal and are endowed with certain inalienable rights." For Mr. Briggs and Mrs. Bryant and all the bigots out there, no matter how hard you try, you cannot erase those words from the Declaration of Independence. No matter how hard you try, you cannot chip those words from off the base of the Statue of Liberty. That is what America is. Love it or leave it.
Forty years ago tonight, the gay citizens of Germany found out they no longer had civil rights. Tomorrow morning, the gay citizens of Wichita will also awaken to find that they too have lost their civil rights. You have whistles. You use them when we have been attacked. Tonight we have been attacked.
It was a major decision on Friday that I had to come... to arrive at. But since that time, people unknown to me, plus my family and friends, have come to me and stated that they want me to stay in office, that they support me... So I'm asking the Mayor to let me stay in office to serve the people...
I worked for a financial institution. I was very discreet. But someone spotted me at the opera, sitting in a box, next to my lover. And I was fired. That's when I decided to do something. So I bought The Advocate. And I use my money and my influence in quiet ways, to do what I can...
Mr. Milk, we don't allow people who believe in practicing bestiality to teach our children, and the reason we don't is because it is illegal. But it's not illegal to be a homosexual in California.
He gets dragged into a closed door meeting with the Police Officers Association, and comes out demanding his job back? What do you think they promised him? Or worse, how did they threaten him?
If they're going to lead such an open life of homosexuality that they want a 21-gun salute every time somebody goes by them, those people are going to be in danger of being removed their job.
That's not true. I think you're smart. You're capable. No matter what your family or your father said. I believe in you... We should figure out something for you to do. I could get you a job.
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