Torch Song Trilogy 1988

Janet Maslin, New York Times: Greatly shortened from Mr. Fierstein's long-running, Tony Award-winning play, the film version emphasizes the lovable at every turn, but the surprise is that it does this entertainingly and well. Read more

Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader: Simply viewed as a movie about people, Torch Song Trilogy has the kind of wit, grace, and intense feeling that Woody Allen tried for unsuccessfully in Interiors, September, and Another Woman... Read more

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times: I have not seen anyone quite like Fierstein in the movies, and the fact that he is a specific individual gives this material a charm and weight it might have lacked if an interchangeable actor had played the role. Read more

Geoff Andrew, Time Out: A straightforward, very funny love story which glows with fulfilment and promise. Read more

Variety Staff, Variety: Bracing in its frank depiction of gay sex life, both promiscuous and committed. Read more

Rita Kempley, Washington Post: The themes are universal, and Arnold is an Everyperson who wants to be loved not for what others want him to be, but for what he really is -- "a person, a valuable person." Read more