@hazyshadeofwinter1 Agreed. I always thought that Freidkin got Harold & Emory backwards.
Emory is the powerful one who lives life on his own terms without apologies to anyone, while Harold is the pathetic, self-pitying suicidal pill-popper.
I finally saw this movie last night, and it was wonderful. The storytelling, the cinematography and oh the acting, all wonderful. This movie is a classic, not just a gay classic. Michale is my fave, I loved him at first sight and hated him at fist drunken word. I found myself angry that I liked him in the first place and then overwhelmed with pity in the end. My 2nd fave was Emory he seem to be overflowing with love with no one to give it to. More people need to see this.
A lot of gays knock this film but I find it very entertaining & courageous. You must understand that in 1969 it was a unbelievable to see a movie based on gay men. We were INVISIBLE until this movie came along. You couldn't expect BITB to be the be all & end all of pos. gay relationships--it was a satire. A lot has happened since then & we've seen more positive (if not as funny) gay films. There ARE some gradations in this film--notice the wondering boyfriend goes back to his partner.
Thanks for putting this gem on youtube. I wore out my VHS copy I bought at a flea market years ago. The actor who plays "Hank" who is Larrys lover is Lawrence Luckinbill, the husband of Lucy Arness. He's the only straight member of the cast in real life, I've heard.
I realize this is an old video, but where can I obtian a copy of this master piece? Please some one tell me. I onnce had this on VHS, and it was stolen. I'd like to have it again on DVD.
My favourite character was Harold. He was so smooth, sharply witty, and knew how to put people in their place really fast. His one liners were classic!
Michael scared me though. I had an alcoholic friend in college that was just like him - when the booze went in, the venom and evilness came out!!
oranger2525, can you please explain why Friedkin is a homophobe? His Boys in the Band and Cruising are perhaps the two best American films ever made about homosexuality and are hardly homophobic, that is unless you consider the crap companies like TLA puts out "quality" gay cinema.
Well, I don't think gay audiences think too highly of Cruising... or at least they didn't when it first came out. I'd hardly consider it a great gay American film. It was famously seen as stereotypical & questionably hateful upon its release, portraying gays as sexual predators. The backlash was bigger than the film itself. And most people found it ironic that the director of 'Boys in the Band' could do a 180 & direct a film like 'Cruising.' So that's what oranger2525 was referring to.
This film was enormously ground-breaking for the gay community when 1st released as it interjected the homosexual into mainstream hetero society. However if a film like this were made today it would not be accepted by gays on 'such level' due to its sterotypical nature - insinuating all men whom like other men are flamboyant fairies, which is not true. Homosexuality is extreamly diverse as is heterosexuality. Nonetheless gender acceptance has come a long way thanks to films like this.
Point noted, however it must also be noted that the characters in the film are as much diverse and contemporarily reflective of gay society in 1968 (however oppressed) as they would be in any gay community in any city in the world today. The author himself has stated that his characters were based on his actual circle of acquaintances and friends at the time. Stereotipical they may appear, it must be said that where there is smoke there is always a spark of originating fire, however minute.
Yes you are absolutely right - where there is smoke there IS always a spark of originating fire, however minute. I had no idea the author based his characters on his personal circle of friends.
I guess in that sense alone what may appear 'stereotypical'to various others was very much real and honest to himself and those whom such characters were based on. Regardless, it is a brilliant film on all counts.
You wouldn't know if it has been released on DVD yet would you?
Gil when I was in College in the early 80's I saw this on late night TV and it actually depressed me. Gays had changed so much from 1970 to 1983. I remember knowing a couple of gay men from that generation and they ALL seemed feminine and very depressed,,,Todays gay men have progressed so much that the majority seem to be happy and masculine .I think it has every thing to do with role Modles and acceptance, and being educated.
I just ordered the DVD from Amazon. And on the point of gay men being "masculine" now, that's only because of the social pressure and the fact that the young gays today abhor feminine and campy behavior. It's a step back, as far as I'm concerned, to lower ourselves to the level of many hetero men who are obsessed with maintaining that "macho" image 24/7. Just look at all the movies coming out now.......men are either acting like total morons or blowing other people's heads off. Sad.
@Simon5005 I agree w you that today society in general (& the business world in specific) look down on feminine behaviour (in men & even in women), but I think the reason gay men behaved feminine-campy in the past was society told them they weren't real men... If they loved men, they must be "women".
Today people realise men can love men, and still be men. The same goes for lesbians. I think you see many more "feminine" lesbians now than in decades past. --Just my subjective impression, though.
"What I am Michael is a 32 year-old, ugly, pock marked Jew fairy, and if it takes me a little while to pull myself together, and if I smoke a little grass before I get up the nerve to show my face to the world, it's nobody's god damned business but my own. And how are you this evening?"
I know what you mean...i was researching this film for an essay i was doing and i discovered most of the actors had died...but as long as i have and watch this film, they will always be remembered!!!
It's a great film, I first watched it at tv when i was at my late teens ( i recall the "staircase" as well)but i teared even when i watched it again a couple of months ago.I guess you can still download it till it'll be released on dvd.
I've heard lots of people say this movie is "dated", but I gotta say, I don't really see that it is so much. Yes, there's no AIDS, and everybody is a stereotype, and they're all bitter bitches. Honestly though, these exact same people, same mentalities, etc., are very much existent in much of the gay community of 2008.
Of course it's dated --it was made in 1969 and released in '70. Therein lies part of it's charm. It's a piece of gay cinamatic history, and must be viewed with the knowledge that things were very bad for us back then. Everyone thought we were sick and for the most part we were convinced of it too because that's what we were told. It was closet or no life at all for most of us. ...makes me laugh when people view a film as dated, as if it any film doesn't reflect the times it was made in.
When the film was first shown my father took me at the age of 16 to see it to show me how unhappy homosexuals were; it backfired i wanted to be and ended up very much like emory. GIRL!
To this day, I still love this movie. It's as real as it can get. My cousin took me to see it in San Antonio. All he said was "you're gonna love it". I hope many more get to see the entire movie-enjoy!
DAMMIT!!! I wish the bureaucratic A-Holes! will release this on dVD , all ready ...an entire GENERATION of loyal " QUEENS " ...demand this on DVD, hurry up!!!!
When I first saw this film as a sensitive teenager, I was appalled. I didn't want to be like one of those horrible men when I grew up and almost stayed in the closet as a result.
Well, today I'm a bitter middle-aged queen, and I think this movie is hillarious! Time wounds all heels.
Frederick Combs who played Donald later taught a film class at UCLA that I took. He was a really great guy. Some of us in the class went out for a drink with him after the class was over and he was very gracious about answering all our questions about Boys in the Band (when most actors would have been insulted to be pidgeon-holed into one role.) He had a lot of funny anecdotes to tell about bloopers on set and practical jokes some of the cast played on each other.
Wow! ...what I wouldn't have given to have been a fly on the wall of that class and those "apre-class" get-togethers!! ...any chance of sharing some of those gems with us (if you get a spare moment?!) ...so much is lost to history about this movie, I would consider it a tremendous honour if you could share one or two. :) Please message me personally, thanks!!
lol seriously, thank you for clips from BITB! I'll always remember seeing it late at night at age 13 when parents were asleep and thinking "yes, this is me" LOL
OK just found out it is now owned by king world and there is supposed to be a dvd release in 2008!!! Go to their website and let them know you are waiting!!
@hazyshadeofwinter1 Agreed. I always thought that Freidkin got Harold & Emory backwards.
Emory is the powerful one who lives life on his own terms without apologies to anyone, while Harold is the pathetic, self-pitying suicidal pill-popper.
Ontir 4 months ago
I finally saw this movie last night, and it was wonderful. The storytelling, the cinematography and oh the acting, all wonderful. This movie is a classic, not just a gay classic. Michale is my fave, I loved him at first sight and hated him at fist drunken word. I found myself angry that I liked him in the first place and then overwhelmed with pity in the end. My 2nd fave was Emory he seem to be overflowing with love with no one to give it to. More people need to see this.
Avilennon 7 months ago
Reading about this somewhere, the review mentioned it was the first movie to portray non-stereotypical, masculine gay men.
and then I saw a part of the trailer where on guy flashed and called "I'll be your topless cocktail waitress!"
Looks like a fun one.
DoctorChibi740 9 months ago
Bernard you're a camp!
jessiethegeek 11 months ago
A lot of gays knock this film but I find it very entertaining & courageous. You must understand that in 1969 it was a unbelievable to see a movie based on gay men. We were INVISIBLE until this movie came along. You couldn't expect BITB to be the be all & end all of pos. gay relationships--it was a satire. A lot has happened since then & we've seen more positive (if not as funny) gay films. There ARE some gradations in this film--notice the wondering boyfriend goes back to his partner.
windstorm1000 1 year ago
See article on the new movie debuting in Montreal in November "Making The Boys" (the making of "The Boys In The Band).
xtra.ca/public/National/Documentary_explores_legacy_of_landmark_play-9350.aspx
Barndancer61 1 year ago
@Barndancer61 I saw and it was amazing.
TheEureka41 1 month ago
A really good but disturbing film, way ahead of it's time!
I saw it first ages ago and was not happy about it because it was promoted as a "comedy" which it sure as hell ain't!
A gritty film about "real" people in "real" situations.
Don't watch it with your boyfriend!
vawlkee51 1 year ago
Cliff Gorman is straight,believe it or not.He feels that this movie ruined his acting career.
2020Bookworm 1 year ago
Remember people: ITS NOT A MUSICAL!
psbfan01 1 year ago
I was Emory in a former life
LastChanceLife 1 year ago
I was sad to check out bios on the cast. Only two are still alive. One being the divorced guy. He's married to Lucie Arnez in real life.
GaryG660 1 year ago
You look like you've been rimming a snowman.
diverse01 2 years ago
Let's have a salad!
Barndancer61 2 years ago
He shrinks my head and then combs me out.
diverse01 2 years ago
Who IS she?...
Who WAS she?...
Who does she HOPE to be?
Barndancer61 2 years ago 2
Harriet Hypocrite, that's what you are. Phyllis Phallic!
Sarah Samaritan!
Denise Deluge!
Well that's the pot calling the kettle beige!
bearnurse1 2 years ago
Attention must NOT be paid. :)
Barndancer61 2 years ago
The trailer makes the film seem much less depressing than it really is. We've come a long way since 1970.
davidls11 2 years ago
Thanks for putting this gem on youtube. I wore out my VHS copy I bought at a flea market years ago. The actor who plays "Hank" who is Larrys lover is Lawrence Luckinbill, the husband of Lucy Arness. He's the only straight member of the cast in real life, I've heard.
bearnurse1 2 years ago 2
Cliff Gorman was straight.
LickMyCuntMoFo 2 years ago
Oh Mary, don't ask! One of the first films I discovered when coming out. Glad it's finally on DVD.
kurtnj63 2 years ago 2
See, I saw this movie differently,,It depressed me and my best friend terribly, I made a vow that I would never be like this,,,and I kept my promise.
Clemburke1111 2 years ago
@Clemburke1111 You have to consider the time in which this movie was made (1968).
dallaskenn 2 years ago
Did the DVD have any "extras", e.g. behind the scenes footage, interviews with any of the surviving actors, etc.?
mthivier 2 years ago
I liked Donald and Bernard best.
Emory just got on my last nerve.
GypsyFairy69 3 years ago 2
Emory was a classic queen!
cub68134 2 years ago
You mean Connie Casserole?
mthivier 2 years ago 2
@mthivier Oh Mary, don't ask!!!!!!
davesbigplay 2 years ago
Spare us the sight of your sagging tits! :)
Barndancer61 2 years ago
What the hell is that windex????? It's a blue whale, oh Mary don't ask!!!!!!!!
davesbigplay 2 years ago
... 'cause she's a sick lady, that's why!!
Barndancer61 2 years ago
.....hot stuff coming thru
davesbigplay 2 years ago
Agree - Emory was a little snivelling bastard
evilunixuser1 2 years ago
I realize this is an old video, but where can I obtian a copy of this master piece? Please some one tell me. I onnce had this on VHS, and it was stolen. I'd like to have it again on DVD.
Midnitetrain2Ga 3 years ago
Er, try any store that sells dvds!
clauditorium 3 years ago
You can try your Local DVD Shop or better yet, go on AMAZON. I'm sure you can find it that way. Good luck to you in finding it.
laminage 3 years ago
My favourite character was Harold. He was so smooth, sharply witty, and knew how to put people in their place really fast. His one liners were classic!
Michael scared me though. I had an alcoholic friend in college that was just like him - when the booze went in, the venom and evilness came out!!
rettrovision 3 years ago
I just saw this ... it was so very brilliant and beautifully shot. LOVED IT!
AuralExamination 3 years ago 2
May i ask who plays the black gay man
Central85 3 years ago
Reuben Greene
Barndancer61 3 years ago
Anyone have any information on Reuben Green? He made one other movie and then seems to have vanished.
qazsunny 2 years ago
the most important film about gay men, ever.
so outdated, yet timeless.
amd Friedkin is the most famous homophobe, ever.
oranger2525 3 years ago
oranger2525, can you please explain why Friedkin is a homophobe? His Boys in the Band and Cruising are perhaps the two best American films ever made about homosexuality and are hardly homophobic, that is unless you consider the crap companies like TLA puts out "quality" gay cinema.
bardex 3 years ago 2
Well, I don't think gay audiences think too highly of Cruising... or at least they didn't when it first came out. I'd hardly consider it a great gay American film. It was famously seen as stereotypical & questionably hateful upon its release, portraying gays as sexual predators. The backlash was bigger than the film itself. And most people found it ironic that the director of 'Boys in the Band' could do a 180 & direct a film like 'Cruising.' So that's what oranger2525 was referring to.
mattyp4 3 years ago
This film was enormously ground-breaking for the gay community when 1st released as it interjected the homosexual into mainstream hetero society. However if a film like this were made today it would not be accepted by gays on 'such level' due to its sterotypical nature - insinuating all men whom like other men are flamboyant fairies, which is not true. Homosexuality is extreamly diverse as is heterosexuality. Nonetheless gender acceptance has come a long way thanks to films like this.
warholmewarhol 3 years ago 2
Point noted, however it must also be noted that the characters in the film are as much diverse and contemporarily reflective of gay society in 1968 (however oppressed) as they would be in any gay community in any city in the world today. The author himself has stated that his characters were based on his actual circle of acquaintances and friends at the time. Stereotipical they may appear, it must be said that where there is smoke there is always a spark of originating fire, however minute.
Barndancer61 3 years ago
Yes you are absolutely right - where there is smoke there IS always a spark of originating fire, however minute. I had no idea the author based his characters on his personal circle of friends.
I guess in that sense alone what may appear 'stereotypical'to various others was very much real and honest to himself and those whom such characters were based on. Regardless, it is a brilliant film on all counts.
You wouldn't know if it has been released on DVD yet would you?
Thanks! Lolita
warholmewarhol 3 years ago
Release date for dvd: Tuesday, November 11, 2008.
Barndancer61 3 years ago
Can't wait!
edadam 3 years ago
Believe it or not, the guy who plays Emery, Cliff Gorman, is really straight.
BeatBuddy 3 years ago
Gil when I was in College in the early 80's I saw this on late night TV and it actually depressed me. Gays had changed so much from 1970 to 1983. I remember knowing a couple of gay men from that generation and they ALL seemed feminine and very depressed,,,Todays gay men have progressed so much that the majority seem to be happy and masculine .I think it has every thing to do with role Modles and acceptance, and being educated.
Clemburke1111 3 years ago
I just ordered the DVD from Amazon. And on the point of gay men being "masculine" now, that's only because of the social pressure and the fact that the young gays today abhor feminine and campy behavior. It's a step back, as far as I'm concerned, to lower ourselves to the level of many hetero men who are obsessed with maintaining that "macho" image 24/7. Just look at all the movies coming out now.......men are either acting like total morons or blowing other people's heads off. Sad.
Simon5005 3 years ago 10
@Simon5005 Gay men act masculine now? What? Not exactly what I've noticed, though certainly some gay men act masculine, join the military, etc.
Ebuverthebicepcurler 7 months ago
@Simon5005 I agree w you that today society in general (& the business world in specific) look down on feminine behaviour (in men & even in women), but I think the reason gay men behaved feminine-campy in the past was society told them they weren't real men... If they loved men, they must be "women".
Today people realise men can love men, and still be men. The same goes for lesbians. I think you see many more "feminine" lesbians now than in decades past. --Just my subjective impression, though.
vidvyuer 6 months ago
The scheduled release for the DVD is Tuesday, November 11, 2008. Finally!!
nyroman98 3 years ago
"What I am Michael is a 32 year-old, ugly, pock marked Jew fairy, and if it takes me a little while to pull myself together, and if I smoke a little grass before I get up the nerve to show my face to the world, it's nobody's god damned business but my own. And how are you this evening?"
CLASSIC!!! I love Harold!
tlege 3 years ago 8
AHAHA!
ok this movie is just amazing.
i've come to the conclusion that gay men are awesomee
and how many years has it been? like 38 years since this movie was first released and still it hasnt been on DVD
what a bummer
wait was it originally a musical in 1958 before it became a movie?
xxMISZMEISZExx 3 years ago
It was a play in 1968. The original cast was recalled for the movie version in 1969, and released in early 1970.
Barndancer61 3 years ago
does any one know when the movie comes out on dvd
groovykid8 3 years ago
Amazon claims that it will be this year. I'm shocked at the uber crap that makes it to DVD....when something this great doesn't....we will see.
russred 3 years ago
i love people like u... that care for movies like this... thanx!
groovykid8 3 years ago
whoever cut the trailer loved the little queen the best. The movie is a million times better than than trailer.
GRACIAS
billybeyond 3 years ago 3
I wish that someone would upload the whole movie. Looking forward to it.
magicate2000 3 years ago 2
A Movie Dearest blog featured video. See my profile for the link and playlists!
kcholt68 3 years ago
...great site. I highly recommend!
Barndancer61 3 years ago
Emory desrved a best supporting actor oscar, he is completely amazing and almost carries the movie.
FruitCakeMoFo 3 years ago
and the fact he was played by the highly straight Cliff Gorman.
THE BEST SUPPORTING OSCAR OF 1970 GOES TO CLIFF GORMAN FOR THE BOYS IN THE BAND.
FruitCakeMoFo 3 years ago
One of Emory's best lines: "who do you have to f**k to get a drink around here?"
maryquant1967 3 years ago 3
One of the greatest films ever
IcyRoses7777 3 years ago 5
i love this movie i think it really sad that most of them died from aids related stuff and robert was so hott!!!!!!!
alayynuhh 4 years ago
I know what you mean...i was researching this film for an essay i was doing and i discovered most of the actors had died...but as long as i have and watch this film, they will always be remembered!!!
GoNadz69 4 years ago 4
I would love a DVD of this Classic Film, I had a VHS of it lended it never got it back.....so sad!!! I hope someone releases it on DVD soon.
cubaricua515 4 years ago
mmmmmmm hope so
scorpiuss10 4 years ago
hard to find on vhs or dvd
scorpiuss10 4 years ago
Word has it... it'll be released on DVD sometime this year!
Barndancer61 4 years ago
It's a great film, I first watched it at tv when i was at my late teens ( i recall the "staircase" as well)but i teared even when i watched it again a couple of months ago.I guess you can still download it till it'll be released on dvd.
lemonostiftis 4 years ago
when this came out it made me want to be a gay boi.....now i must make do with my gay boi friends.
"who do you have to fuck to get a drink around here"........CLASSIC
earthmother 4 years ago 3
I've heard lots of people say this movie is "dated", but I gotta say, I don't really see that it is so much. Yes, there's no AIDS, and everybody is a stereotype, and they're all bitter bitches. Honestly though, these exact same people, same mentalities, etc., are very much existent in much of the gay community of 2008.
dbodiford 4 years ago
Of course it's dated --it was made in 1969 and released in '70. Therein lies part of it's charm. It's a piece of gay cinamatic history, and must be viewed with the knowledge that things were very bad for us back then. Everyone thought we were sick and for the most part we were convinced of it too because that's what we were told. It was closet or no life at all for most of us. ...makes me laugh when people view a film as dated, as if it any film doesn't reflect the times it was made in.
Barndancer61 4 years ago
Wise words.
qazsunny 2 years ago
one zinger after another. incomparable.
garzaeduardo 4 years ago 2
When the film was first shown my father took me at the age of 16 to see it to show me how unhappy homosexuals were; it backfired i wanted to be and ended up very much like emory. GIRL!
brhorton3724 4 years ago 12
Love it!! ...2 snaps and a twist there, GF!! :)
Barndancer61 4 years ago
They're only unhappy because society does everything it can to make them feel that way.
markcohen6969 4 years ago 4
Hi there brhorton- Emory was a hoot, and oddly, he was played by one of the straightest actors to ever come out of Hollywood. He will be missed...
tracer740 4 years ago
To this day, I still love this movie. It's as real as it can get. My cousin took me to see it in San Antonio. All he said was "you're gonna love it". I hope many more get to see the entire movie-enjoy!
snowflakepaco 4 years ago 4
DAMMIT!!! I wish the bureaucratic A-Holes! will release this on dVD , all ready ...an entire GENERATION of loyal " QUEENS " ...demand this on DVD, hurry up!!!!
tonyboy646 4 years ago 2
Apparently it will be! (see earlier comments).
Barndancer61 4 years ago
When I first saw this film as a sensitive teenager, I was appalled. I didn't want to be like one of those horrible men when I grew up and almost stayed in the closet as a result.
Well, today I'm a bitter middle-aged queen, and I think this movie is hillarious! Time wounds all heels.
DanRobSo 4 years ago 4
Frederick Combs was the cowboy. He died of aids. He was so beautiful. I miss him.
razddd 4 years ago
Nope! Fred Coombs was "Donald", Robert La Tourneaux played "Cowboy".
Barndancer61 4 years ago
Thanks, I left out Robert's name. He was the beautiful one. Donald was just bitchy and scary, but I liked him too.
razddd 4 years ago
are u kidding,donald was a doll.
garzaeduardo 4 years ago
Frederick Combs who played Donald later taught a film class at UCLA that I took. He was a really great guy. Some of us in the class went out for a drink with him after the class was over and he was very gracious about answering all our questions about Boys in the Band (when most actors would have been insulted to be pidgeon-holed into one role.) He had a lot of funny anecdotes to tell about bloopers on set and practical jokes some of the cast played on each other.
qazsunny 2 years ago 5
Wow! ...what I wouldn't have given to have been a fly on the wall of that class and those "apre-class" get-togethers!! ...any chance of sharing some of those gems with us (if you get a spare moment?!) ...so much is lost to history about this movie, I would consider it a tremendous honour if you could share one or two. :) Please message me personally, thanks!!
Barndancer61 2 years ago
Beware the hostile fag :)
bripat22 4 years ago 2
well, that's the pot calling the kettle beige. lol :)
Barndancer61 4 years ago
lol seriously, thank you for clips from BITB! I'll always remember seeing it late at night at age 13 when parents were asleep and thinking "yes, this is me" LOL
bripat22 4 years ago
great film
mattdollmavis 4 years ago 3
kings world is owned by the same company as Paramount, anyway the movie should be released by Paramount Home entertainment after all. So Confusing!!!
terraformsf 4 years ago
"Isn't that fascinating!" :)
Barndancer61 4 years ago
cunt (that's French with the cedilla) ;)
bripat22 4 years ago 2
Tell your freinds, if they haven't heard of it force them to watch the clips on youtube.
Lets get this done. Thank you.
terraformsf 4 years ago
Here, Here!! Will do!!
Barndancer61 4 years ago
OK just found out it is now owned by king world and there is supposed to be a dvd release in 2008!!! Go to their website and let them know you are waiting!!
terraformsf 4 years ago
Paramount Home
555 Melrose Ave.
Hollywood Ca 90038 323-956-5000
terraformsf 4 years ago
I read that Paramont owns the rights. I am trying to start a letter writting/phone campain to get the movie on DVD. Address Follows.
terraformsf 4 years ago
Before AIDS, when things were sooooo simple.
Chevrondazur 4 years ago
yes,but almost all of them died of aids.
sogofo 4 years ago
Required viewing, before Will & Grace, there were the Boys, still a bumpy ride, but worth the trip.
broadwaydamage 4 years ago
GREAT movie. I loved it.
Moomay
carol11649 5 years ago