Torch Song Trilogy 1988 | 80's Movie Guide

Torch Song Trilogy movie synopsis. Tony Award-winning actor and playwright Harvey Fierstein re-creates his role as the unsinkable Arnold Beckoff in this film adaptation of the smash Broadway play Torch Song Trilogy. A very personal story that is both funny and poignant, Torch Song Trilogy chronicles a New Yorker's search for love, respect and tradition in a world that seems not especially made for him. From Arnold's hilarious steps toward domestic bliss with a reluctant school teacher, to his first truly promising love affair with a young fashion model, Arnold's greatest challenge remains his complicated relationship with his mother. But armed with a keenly developed sense of humor and oftentimes piercing wit, Arnold continues to test the commonly accepted terms of endearment--and endurance--in a universally affecting story that confirms that happiness is well worth carrying a torch for. Torch Song Trilogy (1988) is an American comedy-drama film adapted by Harvey Fierstein from his play of the same title. The film was directed by Paul Bogart and stars Fierstein as Arnold, Anne Bancroft as Ma Beckoff, Matthew Broderick as Alan, Brian Kerwin as Ed, and Eddie Castrodad as David. Executive Producer Ronald K. Fierstein is Harvey Fierstein's brother. Wanting to highlight the work of female impersonator Charles Pierce, Fierstein created the role of Bertha Venation specifically for him. Broderick originally refused the role of Alan because he was recuperating from an automobile accident in Ireland. Tate Donovan was cast, but two days into the rehearsal period Broderick had a change of heart and contacted Fierstein, who fired Donovan. Torch Song Trilogy (1988) Directed by: Paul Bogart Starring: Anne Bancroft, Matthew Broderick, Harvey Fierstein, Brian Kerwin, Karen Young, Eddie Castrodad, Ken Page, Charles Pierce, Benji Schulman Screenplay by: Harvey Fierstein Production Design by: Richard Hoover Cinematography by: Mikael Salomon Film Editing by: Nicholas C. Smith Costume Design by: Colleen Atwood Set Decoration by: Michael Warga Art Direction by: Marcie Begleiter, Okowita Distributed by: New Line Cinema Release Date: December 14, 1988