'A Secret Love': Release date, plot, cast and all you need to know about Netflix documentary on a timeless LGBTQ love story
Netflix has heavily invested in LGBTQ stories to expand its streaming content for viewers with varied tastes. In doing so, it has not only promoted cultural representation but also diversified itself to cater to viewers from all walks of life.
In its upcoming addition to its growing library of LGBT content, Netflix is slated to premiere a time-honored love story between two ardent lovers. 'A Secret Love' is a documentary that chronicles the lives of two women, Pat Henschel and pro-baseball player Terry Donahue, who fought against preconceived societal notions to be with each other.
Release date
'A Secret Love' is scheduled to premiere on April 29 on Netflix.
Plot
'A Secret Love' is a charming love story of Terry Donahue, 92, and Pat Henschel, 89, who have been together for almost seven decades. Terry was a pro-baseballer who was also behind the inspiration for the blockbuster film, 'A League of Their Own', but the film failed to touch upon her hidden love life. This documentary chronicles their relationship from the time Henschel and Donahue first met in 1947, their respective professional lives in Chicago, coming out to their orthodox families and debating on the aspect of marriage. The two have told almost everyone from their immediate family, that they are merely best of friends for the last 70 years.
The documentary portrays them in a unique light as the two navigate through their relationship, which was considered highly unconventional for the time. Relationships at the time that theirs originated were only acceptable as long as they were heterosexual, i.e., between a man and a woman. The film thus documents their hardships, the prejudices they faced and overcame and how their love has stood the test of time, as they've aged and battled illnesses. It also shows how the two are adapting to their long-lived secret finally being out in the open.
“In a time where we are becoming increasingly disconnected from one another, I feel that stories such as Pat and Terry’s have never been more important", Director Chris Bolan said in a conversation with South by Southwest (SXSW).
Cast
Terry Donahue
Donahue grew up a farm girl in Saskatchewan, Canada, before moving to America to pursue a professional career in baseball. She was scouted by Phillip K. Wrigley in 1945 and was drafted for the Peoria Redwings in the All American Girls Professional Baseball League 1946. She served as the catcher and utility infielder for Redwings until the end of that decade. In 1947, aged 22, she met and fell in love with Pat Henschel.
Pat Henschel
Henschel met Terry Donahue, a pro-baseballer who was in Nova Scotia for the winter, in 1947 when she was 19 years old. The two hit it off immediately and stayed in contact even after Donahue traveled back to the US.
Director
Christopher 'Chris' Bolan is the director of the documentary and happens to be Donahue's great-nephew. Bolan is also an actor, having performed on and off-Broadway. Both Henschel and Donahue trust Bolan will convey their story appropriately, and also hope to empower all those who are part of the LGBTQ community. Bolan has been infinitely impacted by the couple while growing up in a rural setting. They have also influenced his major life decisions and still continue to do so. He hopes to do justice to the couple with this film by sharing this personal story of love, courage and family.
Trailer
We will be updating this space as soon as the trailer for 'A Secret Love' releases.
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