The Boys in the Band Is (FINALLY) on DVD!
The Boys in the Band
Last year, in these very pages, we lamented the fact that "The Boys in the Band," a watershed moment in gay cinema, had yet to show up on DVD nearly 40 years after its release. Mart Crowley, author of the original play, said people pestered him about it, too.
"They bug me in the Virgin Megastore, asking, 'When, when, when?'" he said in our interview. "I have a standard form letter to send to people who write and ask about it. I tell them to write letters to CBS Consumer Products."
Put the pen down, boys. It has arrived.
Celebrating that four-decade mark is a beautiful DVD transfer of "The Boys in the Band," (Paramount Home Entertainment), the big-screen adaptation of Crowley's landmark Off-Broadway play depicting nine gay men at a birthday party that becomes decidedly more restive than festive. The new disc features three short documentary featurettes, in which Crowley and the film's director, William Friedkin ("The French Connection," "The Exorcist"), reveal how the play made its transition to film -- and what was left on the cutting-room floor (which they describe but, alas, don't show). More of 'Boys in the Band' finally arrives on DVD @ Chicago Sun-Times, United States
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
Description
Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 11/11/2008 Run time: 119 minutes Rating: R
posted by Tom Jackson @ Friday, November 28, 2008
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Win Lunch with Mart Crowley & Autographed Items!
Theatre buffs will love this incredible package!
Bid now for a once in a lifetime opportunity to enjoy lunch with Mart Crowley, writer of Boys in the Band, as well as receive fabulous memorabilia including an official program, photograph, autographed paperback copy of the play, and an autographed photo of the original cast!
Newly added: You will also receive a 40th Anniversary DVD of BOYS IN THE BAND signed by Mart Crowly!
Mart Crowley wrote the screenplay for the show, which began off-broadway before eventually becoming a feature film in 1970.
The Boys in the Band was considered groundbreaking for its frank and honest portrayal of gay men. The play’s challenging and enduring themes served as an inspiration to many future gay playwrights.
The ensemble cast, all of whom also played the roles in the play's initial stage run in New York City, includes Kenneth Nelson as Michael, Peter White as Alan, Leonard Frey as Harold, Cliff Gorman as Emory, Frederick Combs as Donald, Laurence Luckinbill as Hank, Keith Prentice as Larry, Robert La Tourneaux as Cowboy, and Reuben Greene as Bernard.
The film is set in an Upper East Side apartment in New York City in the late 1960s. Michael, a lapsed Roman Catholic and recovering alcoholic, is preparing to host a birthday party for his friend Harold. His other friend Donald, a self-described underachiever who has moved from the city, arrives and helps Michael prepare. Alan, an old and presumably straight college chum of Michael's, calls with an urgent need to see Michael. Michael reluctantly agrees and invites him to his home.
Among Harold's presents is "Cowboy", since Harold may have trouble finding a cute young man on his own now that he's getting older. As the party progresses the self-deprecating humor of the group takes a nasty turn as the men become drunker. Climaxed by a cruel telephone "game" where each man must call someone and tell him (or her?) of his love for them.
Check out www.charityfolks.com/transportgroup to place your bid! Proceeds will benefit The Transport Group!
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