Fresh
Bracing in its frank depiction of gay sex life, both promiscuous and committed.
Variety Staff, Variety
Torch Song Trilogy
It takes a lot of guts and a helluva sense of humor to live life in Arnold's shoes.
1988 · 2h · R
Comedy, Drama, Romance
Directed by
Paul Bogart
Overview
Arnold Beckoff 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, 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, who has never approved of her son's lifestyle.
Director and cast
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
74%
Tomatometer
Fresh
A straightforward, very funny love story which glows with fulfilment and promise.
Geoff Andrew, Time Out
Fresh
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.
Janet Maslin, New York Times
Fresh
The themes are universal, and Arnold is an Everyperson who wants to be loved not for what others want him to be, but for what he really is -- "a person, a valuable person."
Rita Kempley, Washington Post
Fresh
I have not seen anyone quite like Fierstein in the movies, and the fact that he is a specific individual gives this material a charm and weight it might have lacked if an interchangeable actor had played the role.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
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