Torch Song Trilogy

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

1988 2h 0m EN

👍

7.4

SOLID

★7.4TMDB · 112

ComedyDramaRomance

Synopsis

Spoiler shield

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.

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

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Where to watch · US

Cast

Harvey Fierstein
Arnold Beckoff
Matthew Broderick
Alan Simon
Anne Bancroft
Ma Beckoff
Brian Kerwin
Ed Reese
Eddie Castrodad
David
Lorry Goldman
Phil Beckoff
Ken Page
Murray
Karen Young
Laurel

Credits

Behind the camera

Director: Paul Bogart
Writers: Harvey Fierstein
Languages: English, Spanish
Countries: United States of America

Want more? Switch to Cinephile mode in the header for DP, composer, budget, box office, production companies, keywords, and release history.

Did you know?

Fun facts 🍿

1 / 8

ERA

Did you know

38 years old — old enough to be someone's favourite childhood film.

MoodPlayr · trivia#01

2 / 8

WORLD

Did you know

Dialogue crosses 2 languages: English, Spanish.

MoodPlayr · trivia#02

3 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Directed by Paul Bogart, shot by Mikael Salomon. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.

MoodPlayr · trivia#03

4 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Original score by Peter Matz. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.

MoodPlayr · trivia#04

5 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Editor Nicholas C. Smith shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.

MoodPlayr · trivia#05

6 / 8

CAST

Did you know

Harvey Fierstein and Matthew Broderick and Anne Bancroft carry the top of the cast.

MoodPlayr · trivia#06

7 / 8

ERA

Did you know

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

MoodPlayr · trivia#07

8 / 8

WILD

Did you know

IMDB entry: tt0096289 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.

MoodPlayr · trivia#08

Cinephile deep dive

The take

Paul Bogart directs. Mikael Salomon behind the camera. Peter Matz scores. Nicholas C. Smith cuts. Produced in United States of America. Dialogue in English, Spanish.

Trivia

Things worth knowing

138 years old — old enough to be someone's favourite childhood film.
2Dialogue crosses 2 languages: English, Spanish.
3Directed by Paul Bogart, shot by Mikael Salomon. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.
4Original score by Peter Matz. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.
5Editor Nicholas C. Smith shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.
6Harvey Fierstein and Matthew Broderick and Anne Bancroft carry the top of the cast.
7Marketing tagline: "It takes a lot of guts and a helluva sense of humor to live life in Arnold's shoes.".
8IMDB entry: tt0096289 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.
9Classified under 9 themes, including "new york city", "homophobia", "drag queen", "based on play or musical".