1980: Months later, in the spring of 1980, Arnold's mother ( Anne Bancroft) comes to visit from Florida, but her visit leads to a long-overdue confrontation.However, on their first night at their new home, Alan is killed in a homophobic attack. Eventually, they apply to foster a child together with a view to adoption, and their application is eventually successful and so they move to a bigger apartment. They settle down together, later spending a weekend with Ed and Laurel in the country, where their relationship is tested but endures. 1973–79: During Christmas, Arnold meets the love of his life, a model named Alan ( Matthew Broderick).Ed, however, is uncomfortable with his sexuality and he leaves Arnold for a girlfriend, Laurel. 1971: Arnold ( Harvey Fierstein), a New York City female impersonator, meets Ed ( Brian Kerwin), a bisexual schoolteacher, and they fall in love.The time period the film covers is several years earlier than the time period of the original play. Tate Donovan was cast, but two days into the rehearsal period Broderick had a change of heart and contacted Fierstein, who fired Donovan.Īlthough the play was over four hours, the film was restricted to a running time of two hours at the insistence of New Line Cinema, necessitating much editing and excisions. Broderick originally refused the role of Alan because he was recuperating from an automobile accident in Northern Ireland. Fierstein is Harvey Fierstein's brother.įierstein created the role of Bertha Venation Wanting to highlight the work of female impersonator Charles Pierce. The film was directed by Paul Bogart and stars Fierstein as Arnold, Anne Bancroft as Ma Beckoff, Matthew Broderick as Alan, Brian Kerwin as Ed, and Eddie Castrodad as David. Torch Song Trilogy is a 1988 American comedy-drama film adapted by Harvey Fierstein from his play of the same name.

Torch song trilogy matthew broderick