Torch Song Trilogy

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Torch Song Trilogy

R

1988

1h 58m

Musical

Comedy

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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.

Variety Staff

Variety

Bracing in its frank depiction of gay sex life, both promiscuous and committed.

Mar 26, 2009

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Geoff Andrew

Time Out

A straightforward, very funny love story which glows with fulfilment and promise.

Feb 9, 2006

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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

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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

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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

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colin m

Tremendous exploration of one man's various interrelationships with the world.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

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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

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Audience Member

A truly outstanding masterpiece.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/16/23

Full Review

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Paul Bogart

Director

Harvey Fierstein

Arnold Beckoff

Anne Bancroft

Ma Beckoff

Matthew Broderick

Alan Simon

Brian Kerwin

Ed Reese

Karen Young

Laurel

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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