The Boys In The Band (1970) 12/12

[Discoboy504]

I have always said that there is Nothing "wrong" at all with being Gay...it is the way some people TRY to make you feel about being Gay that is the problem. Never let ANYone make you feel bad about being who you are. Never!

[thrashdouche21]

i still dont understand why alan was crying on the phone in the beginning~

[vito4355]

i love song sul final

[vito4355]

i love big movie

[vito4355]

pour donald ha dato del conforto a quell' ingrato d micheal ed ecco gli sgradevoli risultati d ingratitudine da parte di quel bastardo d micheal v,,v bad

[vito4355]

micheal fa quasi pena ma la sua è soul one vile trucco ,very pathetic ,meschino ,gretto ,falso

[vito4355]

micheal in crisis

[vito4355]

harold epic cult sul final xdxd

[eddy909100]

WOW, one of the best endings too a film!

[ilovepepe2]

Michael: "I feel like 'Old Man River'...I'm tired of living and I'm scared of dying"...who can relate?

[BrentAudi]

Where is Reuben Greene? He seemed to drop off of the face of the earth after The Boy's in the Band.

[1980NewWave]

I've read a few reviews that complain that the film is dated. I don't see why on earth that's a BAD thing. I like older films that have a lot of references contemporary to the film's time - I may not know most of them, but it forces me to look them up and gives me a greater sense of the milieu in which they lived.

I found Harold's sympathetic "call ya tomorrow" to Michael at the end particularly poignant. Harold had to put Michael in his place, but remains a devoted and trusted friend.

[jdollinter]

@marauderthesn Thanks for sharing this video, it meant allot to me. Noticed the lack of electronic gadgets in Michael's apartment, how did we manage without PCs,laptops and Iphones to distract us every 5 minutes? It seems like people had more time for each other and the art of conversation still flourished in 1970. Now men talk like stoners calling everyone dude and grown women talk like strident 9 y/o girls trying to please daddy at the spelling bee. We seem to be devolving. Ha ha ..JD

[jdollinter]

Had many friends from this generation and they told me of their sad lives lived in the shadows away from prying eyes. Even here in Seattle the bar owners paid regular protection money to the cops on the beat to prevent raids or get tipped off in advance when a raid was imminent.You could be arrested for just patronizing the wrong bar and the local newspapers were only too happy to publish names of those arrested.

[Ranlon]

Today we just call this kinda stuff A-list New York.

[Ontir]

@Ranlon That show has none of the depth or awareness of BOYS IN THE BAND!

[Ranlon]

@Ontir Duh.

[Ontir]

@Ranlon I guess it's perfect for you, then.

[vadooladead]

This should be required viewing in social studies class.

[no1gr]

What an AMAZING film ... and I had never heard of it until today (and I'm 44). It is of its time and also a classic. More people need to put this on(queer) films that need to be seen.

Thank you Marauderthesn for uploading this.

[Loumademe]

Though some of the attitudes in the film are a bit outdated contemporary gay themed films seldom reveal this level of insight. Thanks for the upload.

[BoysLikeMeee]

Heartbreaking that so many have perished from AIDS, thirty years later and we still need to fight.

[sonnytheant]

Thanks for uploading this. I've only seen a few Pre 80's movies with gay themes, so I appreciate it when someone brings a new one to my attention. Boy, this movie was intriguing, but it was also exhausting.

[BreezesofConey]

@ 2:25, I cannot tell you how many nights I've had like that in my life. Thank goodness for good friends like Donald. Unfortunately most of mine are no longer around today.

[MrsPoodle78]

Thank you so much for uploading this movie; it's the first time I have seen it!

[BenBassPlayer84]

This movie was way ahead of its time back in 1970. I'm not gay but I found this movie to be absolutely amazing and just confirmed again that William Friedkin is one of my all time favorite directors. All these actors were just brilliant and its such a shame none of them became really big names.

[xxtiaan]

so was alan queer or not?

[genoacitynews2011]

My first time watching this and I have to that it's such an awesome film it may have been made 40+ years ago but has deffo stood the test of time !!

[checkmclassics]

are the actors all gay?

[Ontir]

@checkmclassics No. Laurence Luckinbill (Hank) is married to Lucy Arnaz & before that to Robin Strasser. Peter White (Alan) is also straight, as was Cliff Gorman (Emory). With the exception of Ruben Greene, all the others were & all were claimed by AIDS. I'm not sure about Greene, who seems to have vanished entirely.

I think the enduring strength of this work is that Crowley captured the moment before it all changed & in vivid detail. They aren't post-Stonewall, but they're getting there.

[checkmclassics]

@Ontir thank you for your reply

[Ontir]

@checkmclassics No problem. Robert La Touneaux (Cowboy) as the first claimed by AIDS. When he was ill & dying, Cliff Gorman & his wife took him in & cared for him 'til the end. When you consider the fear & virtual exile most people had to deal with in those early days, it's all the more amazing. I'd heard that Gorman was negative about having played "Cliff," but now think he struggled to distance himself from arguably his most iconic role & his actions go a long way to affirm that.

[laminage]

@Ontir Wow, that's very interesting. Robin Strasser originated The Role Of Rachel on AW before Victoria Wyndham played her from 1972-1999. Peter White (Alan) played Linc on All My Children that had the first Lesbian Kiss in 2003 and the First Lesbian Wedding. Laurence also acted on The Soaps, most notably Search For Tomorrow which was one of many Soaps produced by Procter & Gamble, and William Christian (Ex-Derek Frye) All My Children played Bernard in a Broadway Revival.

[Ontir]

@laminage Keith Prentice was also on DARK SHADOWS for it's final season or so, playing Morgan Collins.

[Ontir]

Respond to this video... OK, my 1st attempt @ a reply disappeared, so I'll try again.

Keith Prentice was also on DARK SHADOWS in the final season, or so, playing Morgan Collins.

[amatorynumber]

the self-hatred of the writer is impressive. The only happy character is the straight one... why? That doesn't reflect real life

[ThePurpleSeahorse]

@amatorynumber "The only happy character is the straight one... why?"

Hank wasn't happy with Larry's sleeping around, or Larry with Hank's "gestapo-esque" tactics, but those two characters seemed to be very comfortable with their sexuality. Hank speaks about the evolution of repressing his desires to not caring who knows that he loves Larry. We assume they're upstairs making love at the end. We all have relationship issues, regardless of orientation. They very much reflect current real life.



[amatorynumber]

@ThePurpleSeahorse The time wasn't right for such 'depth', one infers very easily that it is all a question of internalised homophobia on the part of the writer rather than psychological and character insight, sorry.

[Ontir]

@amatorynumber There's a great deal of depth in this, even if it is a reflection of internalised homophobia. There's nothing wrong with representing that, if it's a truthful picture of where things were in that moment. Ultimately, this is what is so powerful about BitB. It is a very precise snapshot on the eve of great change.

[Ontir]

@ThePurpleSeahorse The relationship problems aside, I don't think Larry & Hank had ever been as happy as then, being together. I think that night cleared a lot of the problems away & would allow them to be happy together, though not necessarily monogamously, for the rest of their lives.

[Ontir]

@ThePurpleSeahorse How "straight" was he? ...& how happy was he, for that matter? We never found out what it was that propelled him toward Michael in the 1st place, but his ploy to join the party was rather naked. He knew, to some extent, what he was letting himself into, but not the degree. Hank & Larry's issues have to do with Larry having been on his own, forever, while Hank was coming from a very traditional marriage, but their love for each other is what made them fight so hard.

[Ontir]

@amatorynumber This is an amazing encapsulation of a very specific point in time. Written, staged & then filmed very shortly before Stonewall, we see an array of people who range from extremely closeted (Alan) to the only post-Stonewall gay man in the group, Emory.  I think saying that Mart Crowley is or was self-loathing in the writing of this play isn't necessarily accurate. I think he manages to convey aspects of his experience thru the different characters. A writer isn't his writing.

[bluecatky]

I love how Michael goes right back into bitch mode after he calms down from his crying jag.

[outtebellyb2]

Yes thank you for this video upload. I really enjoyed this movie. It was great. Absolutely Amazing.

[Snarkygenius89]

Thank you so much for uploading, I'm writing an essay about queer cinema in the Seventies and I couldn't find this film anywhere and I really wanted to use this one. Thanks!

[wattever333]

OMG the guy who leaves (I wish I had part 11/12) has the same voice, intonation, rythm as Sheldon in The Big Bang Theory. I was watching the episode where they go to a party as superheroes.

[vegas787]

Simply one the best endings too a movie! WOW..

[cutis1000]

Some phenomenal acting by Kenneth Nelson. How could this guy not have received an Academy award nomination?? Very gripping and cathartic conclusion. As a straight, I found myself truly engrossed by the inner emotional turmoil of these individuals, in particular, Michael, given his self-hatred. But there's hope. It's an excellent account of living in a time when your sexuality defines your oppression.

[thefatgoose]

cried like a baby..one of the best films on the subjecy ever made-thank you for sharing!

[walt01234]

this movie is a walk up and smell the gay flowers i was 16 when it came out now am a old qunne but it ok

[napdaw]

Everytime I blubber during his breakdown - never fails.

[wilburbudd]

I would just like to thank the poster of this flick. It has well over 30 years since I've seen it, and it is just as funny, wrenching, and impressive as it was then. I am not gay, but have always liked this film, and maybe even influenced my attitude toward homosexuals. Thanks again...

[xMikanNamix]

Thank you for sharing this. Much appreciated. 

[strayleave]

Interesting comments by all. I played Michael, replacing Kenny Nelson on Broadway when he went to do the London production.

[Ontir]

@strayleave Very cool! Good to have an actual "Boy" on board!

[MrSeiichi1]

Leonard Frey was fantastic. He had only a few lines but was the funniest yet most dramatic of all the characters. He indeed "made the play."

[BeMyBelarus]

Oh the end made me cry!! By the way, were/are Michael and Donald lovers?

[Timothytwister]

6:12 "Someone left the cake out in the rain" LOL - this is my favorite movie. Real...I wonder if a re-make might be as good?

[stevengornitzky]

I'M TIRED OF LIVING AND I'M SCARED OF DYING. IF ONLY WE COULD ONLY LEARN NOT TO HATE OURSELVES SO MUCH!

[darlinkula1]

I like that they included a black character, it made me think that being born a white male in America gives you a better chance of succeeding, but if you are gay it puts you on a level playing ground with minorities, because of discrimination. Elitism is a big problem in the gay community these days, but back then, Emory being a successful designer did not mean that he got much respect because he was queeny. Donald being a janitor was never discussed too. Larry was H-O-T !THANK YOU FOR THIS FILM

[Ontir]

@darlinkula1 I love Bernard, but having watched this a few thousand times, I'm amazed by the racial politics at play, even in the blocking of it. When they're eating, Bernard doesn't sit out with the rest of them, but on a stool, over by the kitchen/serving area. Programming is, indeed, a bitch!

[MAY1EXPRES]

Great film! Moving, left an impression. thanks for posting!

[JanBee1122]

What a powerful film. I saw this years ago and never forgot it. A spectacular performance by all, but boy, that last scene, wow! Thanks for uploading.

[stargate121]

Tex should have taken his stuff and run out the door.

[adtram]

Midnight mass  What an emotional roller coaster ride!!!Whew!

[niclam67]

Thankyou. 

[wolfstev76]

emotional isn't he

[jealousofmypuddin]

Wonderful wonderful work! I know alot of people in the gay community are mixed in their opinions of this film and the play, but keeping the times in mind, it's just simply so well executed. The script, the performances; a hallmark in gay cinema IMHO. Echoing the comments of others, it really is a scandal that the film and actors didn't receive more accolades for this!

[oranger2525]

@jealousofmypuddin i agree. this is still played out today and will be for as long as humankind is on this planet.

[johnny062448]

What role did Leonard Frey play in Fiddler on the Roof?

[GreenJelloShot]

@johnny062448

Motel the Tailor

[johnny062448]

@GreenJelloShot Oh yes. Thanks, lots!

[busterxx1033]

Fiddler on the Roof [Original, Musical, Comedy, Drama] Sep 22, 1964 - Jul 2, 1972

Performer: Leonard Frey

Mendel

Motel - Replacement (Aug 1965 - ? )

Perchik - Replacement

Understudy: Leonard Frey [Motel, Perchik]

[supermandisco]

Yes, thanks for the post. I saw this film at a midnight cult movie festival. Took a straight friend to see it with me. He was super cool. I love you, Robert E.

[skewlboypin]

Wasn't the guy who played Harold in Fiddler on the Roof?

[vegas787]

@skewlboypin Yes... the late great Leonard Frey, an amazing actor, who left us too soon!

[NYC1927]

@skewlboypin yes

[tubesteakbooky]

smell your own breath kids! go to curebadbreath

[TTLTOY1]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! For the post!!!!! You Rock!!!!!

Thank you!!!!!

[bluecatky]

I think the main lesson to be gleaned from this movie is: "Don't get into a pissing contest with Harold". He WILL rip you a new one!

[1112santanarosado]

This video is great how the '70s where with gay men, drugs,sex, and the bitchiesssssss of get together partiesssss every by a group of homo's. But the one thing about this movie especially this ending says we all have problems and need to find a way to get it out of us. If Possiable queens, transies, and for the non comiment types.

[ThePiscean60]

they love each other but clearly can't be together

for all the reasons that come out in the play

that's why they don't play "telephone"- it's understood-

that Michael's father died in his arms is the last devastating note-

great, great play-

cheers

[sydneygayboi]

Darlings, the "Bitter and Twisted Queen" is still very much part of the Gay Community even in 2010.

Sad but True.

p.s. Loved this film. xxxooo

[piscean60]

I agree, they clearly have a history, and I just realized that catty remark to Donald is part of it too-

It's so well done that you're satisfied with the outcome...and you want more-

cheers to all-

[reddheddjedd77]

did it seem that perhaps harold and michael and been intimate at one point in their friendship ???

[piscean60]

it does to me- it's pretty clear they "know" each other, and that they've experienced alot together- it's evident from the beginning and particularly from the "don't warn me" speech and the unidentified birthday present-

terrific post

cheers to all

[H8RbyN8URE]

add to that: "In affairs of the heart there are no rules." And, "Pussycat. All is forgiven, you can stay. No, you can stay but not all is forgiven."

What too was telling, was when Michael offered Harold the phone to begin 'the game of true love' for the evening to which Harold refused. There was a jilted, deflated look on Michael's face that spoke volumes. The subtlety of Michael and Harald's true love by itself was masterfully written, acted and directed all throughout this piece.

[radubradu]

this movie depicts gays as sad, lonely insecure people - and thats pretty much the way I experienced it

[amatorynumber]

@radubradu there is that, and society is to blame for it... but there is also a lot more. Homosexuality doesn't have to be a problem for the individual, but the horrifying rejection gay men have suffered for centuries is still a heavy burden we all have to deal with. Just remember that. There is nothing intrinsecally wrong with a gay man's psyche... in fact, it is obvious many of them are very accomplished individuals

[vegas787]

Wow, Kenneth Nelson performance in this clip is riveting! as blondex21 said; SHAME ON THE ACADEMY!!

[Raider17]

Great to see this film again. Thanks for uploading. Leonard Frey's performance as Harold is one of my favorites ever.

[ilovepepe2]

superb dialogue and performances that remain as fresh today as it was at the time...GREAT!!!

[bearnurse1]

Donald and Larry are the two most sane ones of the bunch

[blondex21]

and no Oscar nomination for Kenneth Nelson

for his fine performance - shame on the Academy..

[confessor1969]

Wonderful to see nostalgic gay cinema. Thank you SO much for posting this. I was a year old when this aired. How things have changed (at least in Canada).  My deepest respects and honour, to those before me, who fought the fight for equality under the law. In most places, we still face a formidable foe.

[oranger2525]

yes, many things have changed. but so much remains the same.

[sedecim]

Michael was in love with his old school friend and i think he said something we should all remember - "if only we could stop hating ourselves".

[lastdancemaryjane1]

Was he in love with Alan?

[rell531]

Bernard was Fine

[bearnurse1]

St Malachys is a real Catholic church in Manhattan. It is in the theater district and has a chapel called the Actors Chapel. A lot of Catholics who work in the theater go there.

[tlcarpenter]

One thing I wasn't sure about - were the guests at Michael's party homosexual?

: )

Great classic, thanks for posting..

[bearnurse1]

No, they were just pretending.

[unassumption]

His gaydar was off

[radiohippie]

I've been wondering this whole time who Frederick Combes reminds me of and I just figured it out:

Rove McManus. He looks an aweful lot like him, wouldn't you say?

[eggheadvogue]

Superb film. Thank you so much for posting it! I first discovered this movie through the clips in THE CELLULOID CLOSET. I saw the VHS back in the late 90's, and I have even seen the play on stage (by a community theater in Ft Worth, TX). I need to pick up the DVD, but I am grateful that you have shared it here so I can watch it again for the first time in years.

[eggheadvogue]

One other thing -- as vicious as things get between Michael and Harold, we know that they share a deep connection. Not only the engraved photo, but the fact that Harold says "call you tomorrow" as he leaves - he's angry but not rejecting Michael. There's a lot of bitterness, but there's still a real sense of family and togetherness. I love that aspect.

[SisterUnity]

That is something I need to think on more. And Michael and Donald remain intact despite the fling in the baths with Larry and the abysmal behavior. Love transcends our worst qualities when it is real and committed, perhaps.

[Lolalai]

@eggheadvogue Family and togetherness? If I were any of them I'll do whatever it takes to run a mile from this vicious, self-hating, sociopathic people they call friends. They're horrid those two. What deep connection? That they want tear each other apart- such is the hatred.

No, seriously, give me psychologically healthy people- anytime!

[Fieldon]

Thank you, thank you for posting. It has been too many years since I first saw this excellent movie (39 years.) "The Boys in the Band" now has a new life thanks to the reissue of the DVD.

[robertspeck]

Thanks for posting.

Happy Pride Y'all.

[bearcub410]

this was a wonderful film . broke my heart to think of all those great actors gone . tops

[exxxcccited]

I've watched this movie countless times. I am just curious, do you know which if any of those actors were gay in real life? Did they all die? I agree with you that this was a fantastic movie. Thanks for any info.

[mrteryx]

wikipedia gives you all the infos

[bearcub410]

yes a lot of them were look under boys in the band wikipedia list the cast , only a few were strait . ground breaking film

[wntoply6]

laurence luckinbill is lucy arnez's long time husband.

[bearcub410]

yes a lot of them were gay , most died of aids , very very sad . ground breaking film . i believe the stonewall riot was 40 years ago today !!!!

[Iank14]

It really is very very sad when you realize the fate of most of them.

[bearnurse1]

Laurence Luckinbill "Hank" is married to Lucy Arnez. Peter White, "Alan" was a guest star on NYPD Blue a couple times as the father of the gay guy who was a civilian aid on the show.

[byh]

what's the jazz song in the end, does anyone know?

[robertspeck]

"The Look of Love"

Burt Bacharach

[0K1mberly]

Fucking beautiful.

[agent9752]

You can't know where you're going if you don't know where you came from.

A snapshot of a moment in time prior to the Stonewall riots, when Black and Puerto Rican drag queens got fed up and fought back during a bar raid.

Self-hatred was more common then than now. There was less social acceptance. Some still have to struggle, but the general atmosphere is more tolerant.

Excellent acting in this film. Many thanks for uploading this film to YT.

[LEAFtea57]

I dont have any friends who are also gay and after seeing this movie Im not sure if I like to have some or not, it appears to be double edged sword of sorts.

[BearCubster]

A great film.

There was always that nagging question about Micheal's friend, Alan and what he was truly upset over the phone about. Is the real reason given in the play...?.

[garzaeduardo]

wow, i saw it as a premiere showing in 70 got the lp and have quoted this play since 1970. what a jewel.and i'm not even gay.i think.

[willrobinson1229]

Kenneth Nelson as Michael is really incredible. What acting chops! How he could build from the beginning of the play all the way to the climax so perfectly and then end with a whimper and resignation. Impressive.

[ladyvee7110]

Wow, Michael really knows how to throw a party...lol.

Anyway, good film and way ahead of its time. Its still relevant to this day. It doesn't seem dated at all.

[TIPTON340]

Kenneth Nelson = died of AIDS

Frederick Combs = died of AIDS, 57

Ckiff Gorman= died of leukemia

Keith Prentice = died of AIDS related cancer

Leonard Frey = died of AIDS

Reuben Greene=70

Robert La Tourneaux = AIDS

RIP

[permanentaddiction]

RIP

[nancyzeetoo]

@TIPTON340 Actually, no one seems to know whether Reuben Greene is dead or alive as he dropped out of sight decades ago. A search was launched for him during the filming of the new documentary Making The Boys, but he could not be located to participate.

[dirtyblondny]

you can't make a pic about happy gays .. hollywierd and the liberals won't allow it. therefore all gay flics will be self loathing fairies. don't ask don't tell.

[oranger2525]

your point is taken. and agree.

but did you see the movie Milk?

there are others.

start with "Trevor"

[dirtyblondny]

he died in Milk - your point is ???

[oranger2525]

Milk was murdered, so was the hertro mayor of SF a few minutes before Harvey was. the murders do not take away the legacy Milk. or the overall positive nature of the film.

and my point is that there are gay positive movies out there.

[contempgirl]

What about Rent? Sad parts but generally happy.

[TIPTON340]

Yes the industry is very ridgid about showing gays in films, however tv is going the distance in revealing gay life.

[wowobb]

adam & steve..... excellent gay love story rom-com; and, YES... it would be nice if there were a lot more.

[jesusisascam]

Many of the actors in the video were active homosexuals who contracted HIV and have since died of AIDS related complications. So sad- that people choose alternative lifestyles that lead to disease destruction and premature death.

[launwatch]

What about all the heterosexuals who have 'normality' and throw it away. No-one chooses being gay, Ofcourse after years of being told people like you are just too plain thick to get that.

[antoninus138]

@jesusisascam In this instance I definately agree

[afiomai]

Though not at this level I believe that self-loathing STILL exists in our community because of people in the church, in government, in schools in the media all around us who are all to willing to tell us that we all the things that we loathe that don't matter, that we don't count or deserve equal rights.

It is up to US to believe in ourselves and to support one another and be the best that we can be as people not only as gay people...

I love this movie...

[tickle155]

thanks so much never saw the uncut version.

[KissingBoyZ]

thanks so much for uploading this marauderthesn. You rock! :-)

One line that sticks to me in the movie is during the dance seen when Michael said "No thanks. I only lead." lol

I wish someone would dance with me and lead...

LOL

[laminage]

"The Look Of Love" by the Late Dusty Springfield. was a perfect song for this ending. I was also looking at the credits and saw two familiar faces. Alan White played Linc Tyler on All My Children in the 1970's, which is in my opinion the most Gay Friendly Town for a Soap. William Christian (Ex-Derek Frye) was in a local version of this Pla as well as Former Olympic Winning Diver Greg Louganis, and maybe, Laurence Luckinbill may be related to Thad Luckinbill who plays JT on Y & R.

[markserjeant]

This wasn't dusty's version of this song.

[mthivier]

One thing's for sure, if Keith Prentice/Larry had asked me to dance, I wouldn't have turned him down!

[TailoredFit]

Are there Michaels in today's world? Is the self-loathing queen a thing of the past? How far have we come in almost 40 years?

[ClueSign]

Nowaday anybody can be self-loathing -- it's equal-opportunity time.

[neonight]

@TailoredFit to abuse an old cliche; the more things change, the more they stay the same..

[jeffreykenathan]

i think michael is the best bcuz he bring up the truth in everybody

thank marauder for uploading this

[Brandojack1369]

But as Harold pointed out,he can't seem to face the "Truth" about himself.

[willrobinson1229]

That's the tragedy, isn't it?

[Brandojack1369]

Indeed.

[rettrovision]

If I were Tex, I would have demanded a whole lot more money than $20 to put up with this drama all night!!

[unfortunatebeam]

this film was great. Thanks a many for uploading it. Some of the best and sharpest dialogue I've ever heard in movies.

[freak7art]

Michael seems to have been throwing this party for himself...a pity party, that is.

[earthmother]

thanks for the 'series'

[cuttock]

THank you homosexual.