I must say up front that I am not particularly a fan of Tab Hunter's films. I've seen a few and must admit he is a very beautiful man but I've never been a fan. Additionally, I am not gay. But despite both of these things, I do recommend you watch this biography as it's entertaining and well worth your time...so keep this in mind when you consider watching this film which recently debuted on Netflix.

The film is quite simply the story of actor Tab Hunter's life. It follows his journey as an actor as well as a religious man struggling with being gay. Along the way, you learn that there is much more to him than being a homosexual...and he has what appears to be a happy and full life. Overall, very entertaining and a film that will leave you liking and appreciating this artist much, much more. Very well made and compelling viewing.

Documentary on closeted matinée idol Tab Hunter (born Arthur Kelm, later Arthur Gelien) is a wonderful record of the journey the actor took to Hollywood in the 1950s, through Hollywood in the '60s, and back from Hollywood in the '70s. From his teenage days being chased around his high school by smitten female students, Hunter was shy talking about himself and completely private when it came to matters of the heart...and nothing has changed! Though this project was co-produced by his partner of 30 years, Allan Glaser, Hunter is still reticent discussing his homosexuality and the relationships this produced. Fortunately, there are a bevy of acquaintances, co-stars, columnists and friends on hand to lend their insights into Hunter's career, and the well-researched movie and television clips provide amusing nostalgia. Do we get a no-holds-barred glimpse into the faded celebrity of a handsome Hollywood movie star? No, but the benign, matter-of-fact way in which Hunter recalls his life is probably more entertaining (if not emotional) than a soul-searching therapy session might be. Hunter has come to terms with himself and his past, and he's happy to trot off quietly on his horse into the sunset. His movie career has been capped nicely by both his 2006 memoir and this film: a once-famous name and face who now enjoys the finer things in life. *** from ****

Tab Hunter Confidential is a wonderful documentary - basically an interview with the man himself, peppered with film and television clips, photos, magazines, and reminiscences about the ups and downs of Hollywood stardom.

Urged into acting by his friend and later agent Dick Clayton, Hunter was signed by Henry Willson, who had many youngsters like Hunter. Willson promptly changed his name from Art Gelien to Tab Hunter. Hunter learned acting by acting, and eventually was signed by Warner Brothers, who built him up and publicized him. He became one of the hottest teen idols of the '50s as a result. Not that he didn't have other abilities - he could sing, he was a champion ice skater, and an expert horseman.

He also was gay, and the studio protected him. When he bought out his Warners contract, he found out he was fair game for the tabloids; not only that, but leaving Warners was a big mistake career-wise. After a few years of low-budget films and dinner theater, he found his way back via John Waters and Divine.

Hunter today is as charming and appealing as ever, a handsome, grounded man with a keen sense of humor and insight about Hollywood and being gay in the '50s.

He touches on some of his relationships and talks about his mother and his older brother.

One of the most interesting things he talks about is the change in "types" and how his type - the all-American boy -- had to move over for the anti-hero. First it was the classic, heroic look, the handsomer the better, then the bad boys, then the ethnic stars mostly thanks to "The Godfather" -- and then the pretty boys came back.

Director Jeffrey Schwartz has done an excellent job of keeping this documentary moving quickly and helping to make it both interesting and informative.

This is a must-see for anyone interested in classic films or the old stars. Tab Hunter is an excellent interview, and it's easy to see why all those teens found him so darned appealing.