Torch Song Trilogy (1988)

Tony Award-winning actor and playwright Harvey Fierstein re-creates his role as the unsinkable Arnold Beckoff in this film adaptation of the smash Broadway play TORCH SONG TRILOGY. A very ... See full summary »

Director:

Paul Bogart

Writers:

Harvey Fierstein (play), Harvey Fierstein (screenplay)

Stars:

Anne Bancroft, Matthew Broderick, Harvey Fierstein

1 win & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Anne Bancroft	...	Ma Beckoff
Matthew Broderick	...	Alan Simon
Harvey Fierstein	...	Arnold Beckoff
Brian Kerwin	...	Ed Reese
Karen Young	...	Laurel
Eddie Castrodad	...	David
Ken Page	...	Murray
Charles Pierce	...	Bertha Venation
Axel Vera	...	Marina Del Rey
Benji Schulman	...	Young Arnold Beckoff
Nick Montgomery	...	Chorus Boy #1
Robert Neary	...	Chorus Boy #2
Kim Clark	...	Female Bar Patron #1
Stephanie Penn	...	Female Bar Patron #2
Geoffrey Harding	...	Man with Lighter

Storyline

Tony Award-winning actor and playwright Harvey Fierstein re-creates his role as the unsinkable Arnold Beckoff in this film adaptation of the smash Broadway play TORCH SONG TRILOGY. A very personal story that is both funny and poignant, TORCH SONG TRILOGY chronicles a New Yorker's search for love, respect and tradition in a world that seems not especially made for him. From Arnold's hilarious steps toward domestic bliss with a reluctant school teacher, to his first truly promising love affair with a young fashion model, Arnold's greatest challenge remains his complicated relationship with his mother. But armed with a keenly developed sense of humor and oftentimes piercing wit, Arnold continues to test the commonly accepted terms of endearment--and endurance--in a universally affecting story that confirms that happiness is well worth carrying a torch for.

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Plot Keywords:

tearjerker | gay kiss | homosexuality | gay bar | new york city | 

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Taglines:

It takes a lot of guts and a helluva sense of humor to live life in Arnold's shoes.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Hebrew

Release Date:

14 December 1988 (USA)

Also Known As:

Das Kuckucksei

Filming Locations:

Denville, New Jersey, USA

Box Office

Gross:

$4,865,997 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

New Line Cinema, Howard Gottfried/Ronald K. Fierstein Production

Technical Specs

Runtime:

120 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The idea for the Stud Bar came from an actual bar in New York that was known for its infamous "back room" called The International Bar. Patrons though, when speaking of the bar, would insert the word "stud" after the word "international" and the name stuck after many years.

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Quotes

Alan: I have a question.
Arnold: The answer is yes.
Alan: You don't even know what I was going to ask.
Arnold: Whatever it is, the answer is yes. I'm too tired to argue.
Alan: ...Good. Because I love you, too.

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Connections

Referenced in Mystery Science Theater 3000: Hercules Against the Moon Men (1992)

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Soundtracks

"As Time Goes By"
Written by Herman Hupfeld

User Reviews

Powerful, Touching, Emotional, A Must See

Harvey Fierstein, Anne Bancroft, Matthew Broderick and Brian Kerwin combine in a bitter-sweet comedy-drama set in the 1970's, concluding in 1980. The "Trilogy" is a collection of 3 specific pieces blended together telling the saga of Arnold Beckoff (Fierstein). The story revolves around love, relationships and family - something everyone can relate to. It was a movie before its time when it premiered in 1988. It is straight-forward and to the point. It will make you laugh and cry and understand the true meaning of love and respect. Harvey Fierstein & Anne Bancroft (Arnold's Mother) are outstanding in their roles! A must see for anyone trying to understand the complexity of love, with themselves, significant others and their family. A well-done adaption to the screen from theatre. Add this video to your collection! "I love you...enough."