The Boys in the Band (1970) directed by William Friedkin

[reviews_and_ramblings]

Director: William Friedkin

Writers: Mart Crowley (play)
Mart Crowley (screenplay)

Release Date: 17 March 1970 (USA)
November 2003 (Italy - Festa per il compleanno del caro amico Harold - Turin Film Festival)

Genre: Drama

Tagline: "The Boys in the Band" ...is not a musical.

Plot: 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)

Awards: 1971 Golden Globe Nomination as Most Promising Newcomer - Male (Kenneth Nelson)
1971 Golden Laurel Award (3rd place) as Star of Tomorrow - Male (Cliff Gorman)
1971 Golden Laurel Nomination (4th place) as Star of Tomorrow - Male (Leonard Frey)

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The cast of ‘Boys in the Band’ with playwright Mart Crowley, left. Next to him are Laurence Luckinbill as Hank, the late Frederick Combs as Donald, the late Robert La Tourneaux as 'Cowboy,' the late Kenneth Nelson as Michael, the late Leonard Frey as Harold, the late Cliff Gorman as Emory, the late Keith Prentice as Larry, Peter White as Alan and Reuben Greene as Bernard. (Photo courtesy of the Karpel Group)









Cast (in credits order)
Kenneth Nelson ... Michael
Peter White ... Alan
Leonard Frey ... Harold
Cliff Gorman ... Emory
Frederick Combs ... Donald
Laurence Luckinbill ... Hank
Keith Prentice ... Larry
Robert La Tourneaux ... Cowboy
Reuben Greene ... Bernard
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Maud Adams ... Photo Model
Elaine Kaufman ... Extra / pedestrian (uncredited)

The Boys in the Band

Michael & Donald


Larry & Hank


Emory & Bernard


Harold & Cowboy


Alan


The original poster