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Torch Song Trilogy

Play trailer Poster for Torch Song Trilogy R 1988 1h 58m Musical Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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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.
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Torch Song Trilogy

Critics Reviews

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Variety Staff Variety 03/26/2009
Bracing in its frank depiction of gay sex life, both promiscuous and committed. Go to Full Review Geoff Andrew Time Out 02/09/2006
A straightforward, very funny love story which glows with fulfilment and promise. Go to Full Review Janet Maslin New York Times 05/20/2003
3.5/5
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. Go to Full Review C.M. Alabama Forum 05/04/2023
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. Go to Full Review A.C. Harrell Our Own Community Press (Norfolk, VA) 05/03/2023
Torch Song Trilogy is a realistic slice of modern-day life. Go to Full Review Christopher Wittke Gay Community News (Boston) 09/22/2022
Fierstein has created a fine, funny work that manages to touch on love, lust, homophobia, gaybashing and the importance of pride and self-reliance. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Nov 29 I watched this movie as a 19yo living in a small town in the outback of Australia. I was forever changed and am forever thankful for this film. I’m 56 now. See more Raz I 04/01/2022 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. See more colin m 01/26/2022 Tremendous exploration of one man's various interrelationships with the world. See more 12/22/2021 One of the best films ever made. Well acted and true to fact. I wish it was readily available still for rental. See more 05/12/2021 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. See more 10/19/2020 Exceptional, even with the passing of the years. Funny and moving. Great laughs! See more Read all reviews
Torch Song Trilogy

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Cast & Crew

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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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Torch Song Trilogy

Torch Song Trilogy (1988) Torch Song Trilogy (1988) Torch Song Trilogy (1988) Torch Song Trilogy (1988) Torch Song Trilogy (1988) Torch Song Trilogy (1988) View more photos

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
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