Get ready for heartbreak: the tragic love affair cut short – and then sullied further by institutionalized inequality for same-sex couples – that inspired the viral video It Could Happen To You is now a feature-length award-winning documentary. Directed by Linda Bloodworth Thomason, Bridegroom (Best Documentary, 2013 Tribeca Film Festival) is the story of Shane Bitney Crone and Tom Bridegroom, two young men in love. This CraveOnline Exclusive clip jumps right in at the tragedy that would take Tom Bridegroom’s life, and Crone’s struggle to see his loved one despite hospital regulations forbidding him from being present at the crucial moment.
Bridegroom is now available on DVD and iTunes.
From the Press Release:
Linda Bloodworth-Thomason, the Emmy-nominated creator of TV hits Designing Women and Evening Shade, tells the remarkable and moving real-life story BRIDEGROOM. On May 7, 2011, a young man named Shane Bitney Crone tragically lost the love of his life, Tom Bridegroom, to an accident. Because they weren’t married (and despite the partners having been together for six years), Shane had no legal claim to Tom after he died. Tom’s family banned Shane from the funeral, he was unable to say goodbye to his love, and he received no survivor benefits.
On May 7, 2012, the first anniversary of Tom’s death, Shane posted a video on YouTube titled “It Could Happen to You.” He created it to honor his partner and show the world what can happen when two people committed to each other are legally barred from the rights and protections afforded by marriage.
The video went viral, ultimately receiving over 2 million views on YouTube and inspiring thousands of emails and comments on YouTube and Facebook, including heartfelt reactions from such celebrities as Neil Patrick Harris, Fran Drescher and Denise Richards.
Bloodworth-Thomason’s film, which includes interviews, photos and video footage of Shane and Tom, sheds light on the struggles that same-sex couples face due to marriage inequality. It arrives at a crucial moment in history as more and more states vote on gay marriage bills.
