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Torch Song Trilogy

Play trailer Poster for Torch Song Trilogy R 1988 1h 58m Musical Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
76% Tomatometer 21 Reviews 91% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
Arnold Beckoff (Harvey Fierstein) is looking for love and acceptance, but as a gay man working as a female impersonator in 1970s New York City, neither come easily. After a series of heartaches, Arnold believes he has found the love of his life in Alan (Matthew Broderick), and the couple make plans to adopt. But when tragedy strikes, Arnold's life is shaken to its very core, leading to a confrontation with his overbearing mother (Anne Bancroft), who has never approved of her son's lifestyle.

Critics Reviews

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Variety Staff Variety Bracing in its frank depiction of gay sex life, both promiscuous and committed. Mar 26, 2009 Full Review Geoff Andrew Time Out A straightforward, very funny love story which glows with fulfilment and promise. Feb 9, 2006 Full Review Janet Maslin New York Times Greatly shortened from Mr. Fierstein's long-running, Tony Award-winning play, the film version emphasizes the lovable at every turn, but the surprise is that it does this entertainingly and well. Rated: 3.5/5 May 20, 2003 Full Review C.M. Alabama Forum You will love this movie. It will put you through the wringer and squeeze you dry, but you will leave the theater so much the better for having allowed to share in Arnold's life for a little while. May 4, 2023 Full Review A.C. Harrell Our Own Community Press (Norfolk, VA) Torch Song Trilogy is a realistic slice of modern-day life. May 3, 2023 Full Review Christopher Wittke Gay Community News (Boston) Fierstein has created a fine, funny work that manages to touch on love, lust, homophobia, gaybashing and the importance of pride and self-reliance. Sep 22, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Raz I Was fantastic for me. I was 18 when I saw it. Imagine in that years what meant for us. I loved also Harvey for the role and spectaculous monologue. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/01/22 Full Review colin m Tremendous exploration of one man's various interrelationships with the world. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Audience Member One of the best films ever made. Well acted and true to fact. I wish it was readily available still for rental. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/25/23 Full Review Audience Member This film made it pretty well at Norwegian cinemas in 1988, as it was groundbreaking, funny and flamboyant, but still not too far over the top. The following years drag shows even became quite big in a relatively puritanical society. Beside a look into New York's drag world, it is best remembered for an intentionally overacting Harvey Fierstein, probably in the role of his life, but also a wonderful Anne Bancroft. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/21/23 Full Review Audience Member Exceptional, even with the passing of the years. Funny and moving. Great laughs! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/07/23 Full Review Audience Member A truly outstanding masterpiece. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/16/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Torch Song Trilogy

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Torch Song Trilogy

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Movie Info

Synopsis Arnold Beckoff (Harvey Fierstein) is looking for love and acceptance, but as a gay man working as a female impersonator in 1970s New York City, neither come easily. After a series of heartaches, Arnold believes he has found the love of his life in Alan (Matthew Broderick), and the couple make plans to adopt. But when tragedy strikes, Arnold's life is shaken to its very core, leading to a confrontation with his overbearing mother (Anne Bancroft), who has never approved of her son's lifestyle.
Director
Paul Bogart
Production Co
New Line Cinema
Rating
R
Genre
Musical, Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 4, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$4.9M
Runtime
1h 58m
Sound Mix
Surround