Boys in the Sand is a landmark[1] American gay pornographic film, released early in the Golden Age of Porn.

Produced on a budget of about $8,000,[3] the film collects three segments depicting Donovan's sexual adventures at a gay beach resort.

Promoted by Poole with an advertising campaign unprecedented for a pornographic feature, it premiered in 1971 at the 253-seat[9] 55th Street Playhouse in Manhattan,[10][9] where it was an immediate critical and commercial success.

A sequel Boys in the Sand II was eventually released in 1986, but in the much-changed film and porn markets did not match the success of the original.

[14] The success of that initial shoot convinced Poole to plan two more segments and seek theatrical distribution for the completed work.

When Fisk's scene partner from Bayside heard about the potential distribution deal, he refused to sign release forms until he was guaranteed 20% of the profits.

The three segments were filmed on a budget of $8,000 over three successive weekends in August 1971 in the gay resort area of Cherry Grove, New York.

[3][18] Poole engaged in an unprecedented pre-release publicity campaign, including screening parties and full-page ads in The New York Times and Variety.

Litigation tied up the release of Boys in the Sand II until 1986 and with the advent of the home video market, there was a glut of gay porn titles available.