Page 1 / 2 - Home

From their unique standpoint of a successful, 55-year-long relationship, Bob and Jack note with irony the pros and cons of modern-day gay freedoms. To them, today's younger gays are more sexually liberated, yet they seem to have trouble staying together in long-term relationships.

Jack notes, “One thing we've found in young people who view the film is that they seem to be looking for a how-to film — on how to keep a gay relationship. They ask us, ‘How does one keep a relationship going as long as yours?'”

Bob says, “It seems like it would be easier for gays nowadays because it's more acceptable.”

“But we don't have an answer for that,” Jack says. “Did we luck out?” He shrugs. “We just say, ‘You gotta keep trying.' It's not any different in a gay relationship than it is in a heterosexual relationship. Maybe others would disagree.”

Bob does disagree. “It could be somewhat more difficult than a straight relationship. We [gays] have a few more ‘situations' that are bit hard to take as far as the general public is concerned.”

Bob feels strongly that for a long-term gay relationship to succeed, both partners should be employed, and also should be equal financial contributors to the relationship. “One of the things we brought up in the film,” he says, “was the idea of working when two men are living together. When we were in the army, Jack was an officer and I was just a noncom [a noncommissioned officer]. That was all right while we were in the service. But when we got out of the army, I wanted everything to be on an even keel. I wanted to be making as much money as he did. That was one of the most difficult issues for us to overcome.”

Bob and Jack have not been entirely monogamous in their enduring partnership with each other. In the film they discuss their sometimes open sexual relationship, and the ramifications it's had on them as a couple.

“Promiscuity comes into it — well it always has,” Bob admits. “And it can take advantage of a relationship. That is something that's going to have to be completely up to the individuals themselves.”

For those who'd wish for complete monogamy in their life-long partnership, Bob advises, “It's going to be a tough go.” But both men emphasize that they do not purport to tell younger gays how to conduct long-term love relationships.

“We explained how we did it,” says Bob. “We're not going to stand here and say, ‘Oh my heavens, you can't have sex with someone else if you want to have a successful unit together. That's a lot of bullshit, really.”

Jack interjects, “Please, Bob, watch your language.”

Bob rephrases his statement. “OK, well, we don't want to make it seem that we are so religious that we did not have sex with others. It wouldn't be right.”

The release of Bob and Jack's 52-Year Adventure has lifted Bob and Jack out of retirement and opened up an exciting new chapter in their lives.

“This is our fourth career, and I'm not too sure I'll be up to it,” Jack says. “I'll be 83 years old in two months. Neither of us likes to travel too much anymore. We are in reasonably good health, but it does take it out on you when you have to travel a lot. We are picking and choosing. Bob is more gung ho in that respect than I am.”

In addition to promoting the film , the indomitable Bob is currently seeking out publishers or agents who may be interested in his manuscript for Bob and Jack's 52-Year Adventure. “I finished it about 10 years ago,” he says. “It has not yet been published, and it contains even more information about us than does the film.”

Neither Bob nor Jack is a member of any veterans or political groups, straight or gay. “We've never been asked to march in the veterans' segment of a gay parade,” Jack says. “Maybe if we were asked to, we would. It's never come up.”

Nor have Bob and Jack heard any reactions from members of the U.S. military. “We haven't heard anything from the military,” Jack says. “Although the film is not yet in wide distribution.”

“I don't think our president would care much for it,” jokes Bob.

For more information on Bob and Jack's 52-Year Adventure and
to find out when it's screening, visit bobandjack.org.

Page 1 / 2 - Home