Glenn Frankel traces the production of ‘Midnight Cowboy, its cast and crew, from its origins in James Leo Herlihy’s novel to its Oscar nominations as the Academy’s first X-rated film. Frankel pays special attention to the ways in which the movie broke new ground in its unblinking and compassionate depiction of gay characters at a time when homophobia was an acceptable standpoint in mainstream newspapers. His approach is matter-of-fact, yet still explores the courage it took for then-closeted director John Schlesinger to take on this project, as well as several other films that introduced gay themes to mainstream audiences. Against all odds, this odd story of the alliance between Joe Buck, a young Texan with thwarted ambitions, and Ratso Rizzo, a consumptive and disabled con man, captured the affection of viewers. Lead John Voigt described its success: “It was gritty in a way no one had ever seen before, but it was so full of life. These were American characters that you’d never seen on screen before, with questions raised that you’d never seen raised before” (333). Excellent book that adds to our understanding of post-studio system Hollywood and how it can push the culture forward.