The Boys in the Band (1970)

Director:

William Friedkin

Writers:

Mart Crowley (play)
Mart Crowley (screenplay)

Release Date:

17 March 1970 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

"The Boys in the Band" ...is not a musical.

Plot:

Tempers fray and true selves are revealed when a heterosexual is accidentally invited to a homosexual party.

Plot Keywords:

Homosexual | Homosexuality | Gay Slur | Gay Cowboy | Gay Interest

Awards:

Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 1 win & 1 nomination

Cast

Kenneth Nelson	...	Michael
Peter White	...	Alan
Leonard Frey	...	Harold
Cliff Gorman	...	Emory
Frederick Combs	...	Donald
Laurence Luckinbill	...	Hank
Keith Prentice	...	Larry
Robert La Tourneaux	...	Cowboy
Reuben Greene	...	Bernard
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Maud Adams	...	Photo Model

Runtime:

118 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

France:-16 (1972) | Finland:K-16 | Norway:18 (1972) | Sweden:15 | USA:R | Iceland:12

Company:

Cinema Center Films

Trivia:

Stars all of the same actors from the original play. Producer/author Mart Crowley insisted that the entire original cast of the off-Broadway production be used in the film.

Goofs:

Continuity: While Emery starts serving his "depressed pasta" at the party, the rose in his teeth changes direction.

Quotes:

Harold: I keep my grass in the medicine cabinet in the Band Aid box. Somebody told me it's the safest place. If the cops arrive, you can always lock yourself in the bathroom and flush it down the john.
Hank: Very cagey.
Harold: Makes more sense to where I was keeping it: in the oregano jar in the spice rack. I kept forgetting it and accidentally turning my hateful mother on with a salad. But I think she liked it. No matter what meal she comes over for, even if it was breakfast, she says
[in his mother's voice]
Harold: "Let's have a salad!"

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Sex at 24 Frames Per Second (2003) (V)

Soundtrack:

The Look of Love

Like it or not, it's powerful

A bunch of gay men (and one straight guy) get together for a birthday party. Things slowly barrel out of control, the men attack each other and "The Truth Game" tears them apart.

I'm an out, proud gay man and I love this movie. Yes, it's a downer--yes, they all hate themselves--yes, they tear each other apart. But you know what? Those men EXIST! I met them when I came out in the 80s and they're still around now almost 20 years later. Go to any popular gay bar on a Saturday night and you'll find plenty of Michaels in full voice. Also, this film was made in 1970 when homosexuality was still considered a mental illness and was against the law in many states--no wonder these guys were miserable. Also, it was a milestone in Hollywood--the first movie which dealt with all gay characters and not one of them killed himself! I saw it unedited on TV when I was closeted and it didn't depress me at all. It was uplifting (in a strange way). Even though these men are clawing at each other, they're still friends and they are there for each other. Also, the "Truth Game" has never been played at parties I've gone to. So, you may not like it, but gay men like this do exist. Avoid at all costs the cut TV version. It's 13 MINUTES shorter and is incomprehensible.