Green Plaid Shirt (1996)

The relationship of two gay men and their friends (from the pre-AIDS 1977 to the epidemic late 1980s) with the common theme of a green plaid shirt, which they found at their first meeting at a yard sale.

Director:

Richard Natale

Writer:

Richard Natale

Stars:

Gregory Phelan, Kevin Spirtas, Richard Israel

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Gregory Phelan	...	Philip
Kevin Spirtas	...	Guy
Richard Israel	...	Jerry
Russell Scott Lewis	...	Devon
Crystal Jackson	...	Linda
Jonathan Klein	...	Todd
Tony Campisi	...	Leon
Sierra Pecheur	...	Mother
William Wesley	...	Nurse
Justin Ross	...	Kenny
Richard Miro	...	Tony (as Richard Ortega Miro)
Ric Coy	...	Quarreling Lover #1
Michael Latimer	...	Quarreling Lover #2
Jeffrey Rockwell	...	Handsome Man
Heather Finnegan	...	Girl

Storyline

In the carefree pre-AIDS late 1970s, Philip (Gregory Phelan) crosses paths with Guy (Kevin Spirtas) at a yard sale in a minor tussle over a green plaid shirt which turns into a deep and loving relationship, and a powerful journey through life, love, coping with the new disease of AIDS, and then death. They agree to have an open relationship, and they have outside dalliances, even while Philip realizes he's less into being open than Guy is. When Guy contracts AIDS, the relationship takes some tragic and unexpected turns.

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Plot Keywords:

party | dinner | depression | gay kiss | homosexual | 

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Taglines:

What if you meet the one true love of your life at a flea market, arguing over a green plaid shirt?

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

June 1996 (USA)

Also Known As:

Juntos hasta el final

Company Credits

Production Co:

A Vicious Circle

Technical Specs

Runtime:

87 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

"Cold Power"
Written and Performed by Paul Zone
Courtesy of Paul Zone Music

User Reviews

What a splendid love story between two guys!

This film just got better and better for me. The personalities, and by certain, the good looks of the two leads, Gregory Phelan and that Greek God, Kevin Spirtas, were enough for the price of admission. Add to this a great story, terrific acting and excellent direction by Richard Natale, who also scripted the film, and you have a gay movie that not only touches you but teaches you about partners. The honesty of the movie is what got to me. So many scenes that spoke out in a simple and yet moving way reached me. I liked the scenes when the two guys were going through the hardships of living together. Even the daily getting up in the morning, eating each other's breakfast and going to work. The scene when Phelan gets a message on the machine from Spirtas that he's left him for another man was only too real. Phelan just stood there as he listened to the message. What went on with his face told the story. I remember the same feelings when it was done to me. You could see the shock and pain. Bravo, Gregory. And the scene when Spiritas comes back having had a bad relationship with the guy he left for, almost begging for fogiveness. Seems that partner was into abusing him and probably gave him the AIDS he later is diagnosed with. Watching them both go through the agony and touching moments of living one day to another was all too real. They never overplayed this situation. The final scenes were too heartbreaking to watch. Yet you wanted to reach out and say stop, it's okay, things will get better. But they don't. You get so involved with them, you forget the underlying tragedy that is unfolding. That last scene they have together, on the beach, is a testament to that. Thinking all would get better as they walk off into the sunset, the final line just whallops such a punch. I just sobbed my heart out. Thanks, for this film to producers, actors, directors and all. I also meant to say another performance by Richard Israel, looking much like a younger Richard Kind, was well played. On the campy side, yet quite believable, he more or less tells the story of our two lovers. I am purchasing this movie as I must be able to get my hands on it anytime I want. It's that beautiful.