Boys in the Band (1970)

A sensitive yet humorous adaptation of the stage play, this 1970 film directed by William Friedkin (The French Connection, The Exorcist) is one of the first films to openly address gay issues in a matter-of-fact style that largely avoids stereotyping. Shot on one set and featuring a birthday party as the festive setting, a group of friends assemble to celebrate, reminisce, and discuss their lives and the travails of being gay, even as one friend insists he's straight. The night turns from a light celebration to a sometimes-vindictive ordeal of revelation and betrayal, as each man in turn must confess his true feelings. Performed by the original cast of the stage production, the film may feel dated to some, but it still manages to be truthful and entertaining as it explores a subject that to this day is not often addressed. --Robert Lane Amazon.com essential video

Dated but still a filmmaking landmark

What a shame mainstream Hollywood was still squeamish about gay themed films in 1970 cuz "Mart Crowley's The Boys in the Band" deserved several Oscar nominations. And, not only should the film have been nominated, but should've won the SAG Award for Best Ensemble Cast. There is not a weak perfomance in the bunch. The actors play off each other to perfection. Things were pretty tough for gays in the 60's (not saying life's a breeze now, but there have been many improvements, with a long way to go). And it's the religious and societal brainwashing that teaches homosexuality is evil that lead to the self-loathing that is depictied in the film, which is the main criticism of the film by many. But if the film is viewed as a retrospect of how things were, it is a most entertaining film that could open the eyes of some people, and thus lead to a better understanding and acceptance of others. As for the DVD itself, the transfer is superb, the extras are entertaining and enlightening, especially the contibuted insights provided by Friedkin, Crowley, and the two surviving cast members, Lawrence Luckinbill (Mr. Lucie Arnaz), and Peter White. ***** rating. December 23, 2008

A Classic

Boys in the Band was/is a very funny play and movie. The humor is quite biting. Like a 2 edge sword! Though the characters are stereotypical and the story very dated the humor makes thge play (movie).
The quality of the DVD picture is good to very good. December 22, 2008

Timeless

Even though this is an older film, it is timeless and a revealing look at friendships and relationships. It was set in a time when gays were so closeted that their friendships were sorely tested.Let's hoipe we are more enlightened now. December 21, 2008

Dated, but a part of gay history

While this film uses every stereotype in the book regarding gay people, I think that it should be seen by young gay people to understand how Hollywood treated gays in this era. While it does depict us as bitchy, self-loathing creatures, it does make one realize how far we have come in the areas of television, film and theatre. December 21, 2008

Two words: Leonard Frey

There are any number of reasons to see "The Boys in the Band," but I can think of none better than Leonard Frey's performance. One of the few screen performances that are truly mesmerizing, please give it a shot -- film acting of the highest caliber. December 18, 2008

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