Skip to content
Torch Song Trilogy poster
7.4 / 10(112 votes)IMDbR19882h 0m$4.9M Worldwide GrossUnited States of America

Torch Song Trilogy

“It takes a lot of guts and a helluva sense of humor to live life in Arnold's shoes.”

Synopsis

Arnold Beckoff is looking for love and acceptance, but as a gay man working as a female impersonator in 1970s New York City, neither come easily. After a series of heartaches, Arnold believes he has found the love of his life in Alan, and the couple make plans to adopt. But when tragedy strikes, Arnold's life is shaken to its very core, leading to a confrontation with his overbearing mother, who has never approved of her son's lifestyle.

Play Movie

Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes

Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.

Torch Song Trilogy (1988) Trailer | Paul Bogart

Type: Trailer • Published 2012-09-25

Release History & Theatrical Window

World Premiere

Source: IMDB (MIFED)

Festival / Special Debut

Theatrical Premiere

December 14, 1988

Wide Cinema Exhibition

4K UHD / Blu-ray Debut

August 25, 2005

Physical Home Media

Financials & Box Office Performance

Released

Production Budget

Undisclosed

Filming & production cost

Worldwide Gross

$4.9M

Total global ticket sales

Key Information & Fast Facts

Director
Paul Bogart
Screenplay & Story
Harvey Fierstein
Original Score
Peter Matz, Allan K. Rosen
Original Title
Torch Song Trilogy
Country of Origin
United States of America
Spoken Languages
English, Spanish
Runtime
2h 0m
Worldwide Gross
$4.9M
Production Studios
New Line Cinema, Howard Gottfried/Ronald K. Fierstein Production

Creative Leadership & Key Crew

Director

Paul Bogart

Screenplay & Story

Harvey Fierstein

Original Score & Music

Peter Matz, Allan K. Rosen

Director of Photography

Mikael Salomon

Film Editing

Nicholas C. Smith

Producers

Howard Gottfried, Ronald K. Fierstein

Department Leadership Roster

Paul Bogart

Paul Bogart

Director

Mikael Salomon

Mikael Salomon

Director of Photography

Colleen Atwood

Colleen Atwood

Costume Design

Howard Gottfried

Producer

Nicholas C. Smith

Editor

Richard Hoover

Production Design

Peter Matz

Peter Matz

Original Music Composer

Allan K. Rosen

Original Music Composer

Harvey Fierstein

Harvey Fierstein

Screenplay

Age Classification & Content Advisories

Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.

Primary: R

R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

International Certification Matrix

Germany (FSK)16

FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.

United States (MPAA)R

Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

Official cinematic photography and background stills for Torch Song Trilogy.

Featured In Curated Collections

Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Torch Song Trilogy.

LGBTQ+

Auto-filled from Letterboxd lists

4717 titles

Comedy Movies (Top Rated From 1960 To Today)

4366 titles

list0

21490 titles

LBGT+

2375 titles

Cult Classics

Every film on Wikipedia's List of cult films.

2602 titles

500 best 88's movies

491 titles

Similar Titles to Torch Song Trilogy

Movies sharing stylistic DNA, tone, and thematic storytelling

  • 8.0
  • 5.8
  • 5.1
  • 1.0
  • 5.5
  • 4.5
  • 3.5
  • 4.0
  • 4.6
  • 3.4
  • 6.5
  • 5.2
  • 5.5
  • 6.6
  • 5.1
  • 4.0
  • 6.8
  • 5.2

More Like Torch Song Trilogy

Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.

6.2
6.2
6.1
7.9
7.3
7.0
6.3
7.4
7.5
6.9
5.9
6.2

Frequently Asked Questions About Torch Song Trilogy

Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.

What is Torch Song Trilogy about?

Arnold Beckoff is looking for love and acceptance, but as a gay man working as a female impersonator in 1970s New York City, neither come easily. After a series of heartaches, Arnold believes he has found the love of his life in Alan, and the couple make plans to adopt. But when tragedy strikes, Arnold's life is shaken to its very core, leading to a confrontation with his overbearing mother, who has never approved of her son's lifestyle.

Who directed Torch Song Trilogy?

Torch Song Trilogy was directed by Paul Bogart.

Who stars in Torch Song Trilogy?

The principal cast of Torch Song Trilogy includes Harvey Fierstein, Matthew Broderick, Anne Bancroft, Brian Kerwin, Eddie Castrodad.

When was Torch Song Trilogy released and how long is it?

Torch Song Trilogy was released in 1988 with a total runtime of 2h 0m.

How much did Torch Song Trilogy make at the box office?

Torch Song Trilogy grossed $4.9M in worldwide ticket sales.

Who composed the musical score for Torch Song Trilogy?

The original motion picture soundtrack for Torch Song Trilogy was composed by Peter Matz, Allan K. Rosen.

What is the age rating and content advisory for Torch Song Trilogy?

Torch Song Trilogy holds official age classifications: DE: 16 (FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).