The Trip (2002)

When 19-year-old gay-rights activist Tommy and 24-year-old Alan first meet in 1973, they find themselves on the opposite sides of the political coin. Despite their many differences, they ... See full summary »

Director:

Miles Swain

Writer:

Miles Swain

Stars:

Larry Sullivan, Steve Braun, Ray Baker

3 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Larry Sullivan	...	Alan Oakley
Steve Braun	...	Tommy Ballenger
Ray Baker	...	Peter Baxter
James Handy	...	Hal
Faith Salie	...	Ignored Woman
Dennis Bailey	...	Larry Jenkins
Alexis Arquette	...	Michael
Sirena Irwin	...	Beverly
Zoe 'Joshua Tree' Logan	...	1973 Jogger
Jill St. John	...	Mary Oakley
Art Hindle	...	Ted Oakley
Christina Hempstead	...	TV Reporter (as Christina Cameron Mitchell)
Julie Brown	...	OutLoud Receptionist
David Mixner	...	Himself
Alfred Dennis	...	George Baxter

Storyline

When 19-year-old gay-rights activist Tommy and 24-year-old Alan first meet in 1973, they find themselves on the opposite sides of the political coin. Despite their many differences, they form a loving long-term relationship. In 1977, during Anita Bryant's crusade, an anti-gay book Alan wrote years before gets published without his consent. The book destroys Tommy's credibility as a well-known activist, resulting in Tommy and Alan's break-up. Seven years later, Alan is given a second chance, a reunion with Tommy and the opportunity to set things right.

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Plot Keywords:

book | break up | coming out | year 1984 | gay | 

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Taglines:

The things we do for love and things we should have done, all come together on The Trip.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for sexual content, language and some drug use

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 May 2002 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Antelope Valley, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Falcon Lair Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The script was originally written as a short about an urban legend of two guys in Mexico trying to get across the border. Miles Swain went back and wrote out their backstory in script format to figure out who these characters were, and ended up with an entire screenplay.

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Goofs

In the "1977" segment, the beer can has a modern-day pop-top.

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Quotes

Beverly: So, Alan tells me you're a homosexual.
Tommy Ballenger: Only because there was nothing good on television.
Beverly: Well, I just find it so intriguing.
Tommy Ballenger: Not always, Liberace for example.
Beverly: Liberace is a homosexual?
Tommy Ballenger: Sadly, yes.

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Connections

References The Brady Bunch (1969)

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Soundtracks

"Horse with No Name"
Written by Dewey Bunnell (as Lee Bunnell)
Published by WB Music Corp
Performed by America
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Records

User Reviews

Worth every moment of your time

It is unfortunate that the mass media operate as though those of us who enjoy this film do not exist. So, we instead get, excuse my French, a bunch of crap. If John Kerry can indeed change America for the better then getting this and similar films screened on a mass scale would be worth adding to the list of changes needed. "The Trip" begins and ends innocently touching your mind. It does this first by getting you to care about the characters, to like them or to loathe them, and then by the inclusion of David Mixner (ingenious) and Jill St. John (watch the extra features on the dvd for some of her FUNNIEST work!). Their appearance adds flavor and spice to a fresh young cast including the very talented Steve Braun and Larry Sullivan. I was engrossed in every moment. I believe it helped that many involved were, in some cases, re-living some of their own life moments (read: writer/director/exec. producer Miles Swain). Well made, touching, engrossing. What more could a director- ask for? It almost gives you the same feeling as "Big Eden" but without the scripted ending. Kudos, and thank you Miles.