Adapted from the smash Broadway play, 'Torch Song Trilogy' is the very personal story of flamboyant New York artiste Arnold Beckoff (played by Harvey Fierstein).

The film chronicles his search of love, respect and acceptance in a world in which he has never truly belonged.

From his first steps towards domestic bliss with a reluctant school teacher to his promising love with Alan a young fashion model (played by Matthew Broderick), Arnold's life is still dominated by his intense relationship with his mother (Anne Bancroft).

Armed with inexhaustible optimism and a keenly developed sense of humour, Arnold continues in his quest for ultimate happines in the face of harsh realism and rigid convention.

The main characters are almost all gay. Arnold Beckhoff is a female impersonator

I LOVE this movie. It is great in story, fabulous for its quotes, lovely in casting and did wonders for my coming out!

Absolutely FIVE THUMBS UP !

Arnold: I don't want to hear what you have to say, because believe me, you don't want to hear what I have to say.

Arnold: You want to be a part of my life, I'm not editing out the parts you don't like.

Arnold: There's one more thing you better understand. I have taught myself to sew, cook, fix plumbing, build furniture--I can even pat myself on the back when necessary--all so I don't have to ask anyone for anything.

Ed: Care to talk about it?
Arnold: I am upset, I am uptight, I am up to my nipples in Southern Comfort, and you're trying to take advantage of me. [He sprawls in Ed's lap.] Fine!

Mama: After all, a problem is never as permanent as a solution!

Arnold: I think my biggest problem is being young and beautiful. It's my biggest problem because I've never been young and beautiful. Oh, I've been beautiful, and God knows I've been young, but never the twain have met.

Arnold: A ugly person who goes after a pretty person gets nothing but trouble. But a pretty person who goes after a ugly person gets at least cab fare.

Arnold: A thing of beauty is a joy 'till sunrise.

Bertha: In order to be a real dame you've got to kneel before a queen!

Arnold: I know you'll find this hard to comprehend, but I want more out of life than meeting a pretty face and sitting down on it.
Murray: Graphically put!

Laurel: Just because I said that's what I wanted doesn't mean that's what I wanted. I mean, it may be what I wanted, but that doesn't mean I'm necessarily ready for it.

Mama: Friend-friend, or euphemism-friend?
David: He used to be a euphemism, now he's just a friend.

Ed: Did anyone every tell you you have a really sexy voice? Is that natural or do you have a cold?

Ed: Whoops.
Arnold: Whoops? Ed, did you say "whoops"? No, Ed. "Whoops" is when you fall down an elevator shaft. "Whoops" is when you skinny-dip in a school of piranha. "Whoops" is when you accidentally douche with Drano! No, Ed. This was no "whoops." This was an AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH

Mama: You want meaningful conversation? Do what I do, talk to yourself. It's the only way.

Ed: 'Casual'? We've known each other for nine years!
Arnold: Seven of which you spent with another woman.

Arnold: [to the unconscious Alan] If you have an I.Q. above 30, then there is no God.

Alan: Why are all the mirrors covered?
Arnold: So we don't see the pain in our faces.
Alan: Why is everyone sitting on boxes?
Arnold: To make sure there's pain in our faces.
Mama: [in an undertone] You told me he was Jewish!
Arnold: Out-of-town Jewish.

Bertha: You have a high voice for a lesbian!

Bertha: Did your mother have any children that lived?

Bertha: Just wait until you see my act: Bertha Vanation and her Dance of the Virgin.
Murray: Which she does COMPLETELY from memory.
Bertha: Bitch!

Bertha: Personally, I never enjoy sex with someone I know.
Arnold: Our Lady of High Standards!

Ed: Oh, you are really draggin' me over the coals!
Arnold: Well why should I be the only one around here with a barbecued ass?

Ed: Why don't you ask Arnold? I'm sure he has lots to say on the subject.
Alan: He says you're a boring, self-centered, insensitive old fool who wouldn't know love if it wore wings, diaper, and shot heart-shaped arrows at your butt.

Arnold: At 13 I knew everything. Senility set in sometime after that.

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