In the Best Interests of the Children

In the Best Interests of the Children 💖, dir. Frances Reid, Elizabeth Stevens, & Cathy Zheutlin, 1977, USA, 53 min. (newly restored)
Wednesday, June 25, 2025, 4:00 pm, Vogue Theatre
(screens with Lesbian Custody in the in-person screening only)
also available in the Digital Screening Room

In the Best Interests of the Children

In the 1970s, social and legal attitudes towards lesbians shifted significantly. Cam Mitchell was the first lesbian to win a contested child custody case in the United States. She and her partner Darlene Reynolds are just two of the parents (and their children) interviewed for this groundbreaking documentary, made by three first-time filmmakers. They also interviewed a lawyer with extensive background information on custody cases. All of the interviews, from the youngest child on up, are worth seeing. The clothing and the hair may be a little outdated, nearly half a century later, but the wisdom of the kids shines just as clearly today. A lesbian, or better yet two lesbians, are just as capable of parenting as anyone else. 

Today, in most of the United States, we take it for granted that lesbianism is no obstacle to parenting, either of your own biological children or adopted children. A loving home is a loving home, and that’s what matters. Unfortunately, in our current political climate, that message needs to be reiterated, loud and proud. In the Best Interests of the Children isn’t just an historical artifact, it is a vibrant portrait of eight families, definitely a must see.

• IMDb • trailer • official website •