I lived in that period of time. So, I can tell you, from living there; "Boys In The Band' was exactly the way it was! The camp, the pickering & word fights, (We called it;" reading you out like a book"....."BUT" You'll get over it") Oh those were the days my friends.

The only life we Gays had back at that time period, was either, our homes, apartments, bars (oh the bars), or the Baths. Not forgetting one important thing, which this movies does show so clearly, we had each other. So, even though we may have fought & bickered amongst ourselves, as one sees in this great classic. We did love & protect each other. we had a "special bond" amongst ourselves.

Yes, this is the original "Gay Film Classic"! It is a "MUST" for any gay movie collection, as it's the grandfather of all "gay movies". A pure gem.

The acting is suburb, and real to the time period. There are many tense moments, in the film, but as I mentioned earlier, it was as we were, back than.

One has to remember, this was a period in time, when being "Gay" had to be hidden. You couldn't "come out" openly, than walk around announcing; "I'm Gay". For if you did, you would either be spit on, laughed at, or beaten up badly. Worse yet, your family could have you locked away in a menal instituition, as one of my friends were. I even had a friend who's families disowned him. Thank God, for "Stonewall". As it was the beginning of a new life for we gays. Note....we really have to thank "Woman's Lib" for starting it all. They gave us "gays" the courage to hit back at society, and to start being recognized.

To conclude, it's great to know, that they "finally" put "Boys In the Band" out of DVD. It's hard to imagine, two great classics out at the same time on DVD; "Partners" , and now "Boys In The Band".

I was fortunate enough to have received this film from my partner as a birthday gift. I have since watched it repeatedly and pick up something new each time I view it. I find it intriguing that some find the movie offensive and can only speculate that they must be very young. As a 48 year old, I am positive that anyone my age and older has had people like the characters depicted in this marvelous film amongst their inner circle. It's important to point out that this movie pre-dates the AIDS crisis which was to strike the gay community about 12 years after this film premiered. What it accurately depicts is some of the intense self loathing present in our community especially with regard to how many of us haven't quite accepted or found a way to love ourselves and be comfortable with our sexual orientation. Yes, there are some offensive moments. However, who hasn't had the token African American, guilt ridden Catholic, flaming queen or Jewish Princess as a part of their inner circle of friends? Only true friends would deride each other (or "read each other for points") in the manner this group of does and manage to remain friends. I hope this movie is released on DVD as I would definitely add it to my collection. On another sadder note, all of the actors depicting the main characters with the exception of the African American died of AIDS or AIDS related illnesses.

Unlike other people who take great offense to this movie and would probably be happy if it never saw the light of day again, I would most certainly add it to my DVD collection if it were available. I remember seeing it some years ago, and at my first viewing was completely appalled at this group of sad, delusional, self-centered, self-loathing fairies. Of course, this was way before I started going to gay bars on a regular basis. I hate to tell some of the PC guardians out there the truth, but besides being a notable period piece that contains some of the most remarkable and unsung performances of any film based on a play, it also drives home an inescapable truth. Much as we'd like to deny that these stereotypes exist, the reality is that they always have and they STILL do. (Try going to a bar now and NOT running into at least a couple of Harolds or Michaels.) Of Friedkin's two ill-advised forays into exploring the gay world, I will still take this one over CRUISING any day. I read the source novel that CRUISING was based on, and I still haven't forgiven Friedkin for what he did (or didn't do) with it. In fact, I wish that some gay filmmaker like Todd Solondz or Gus Van Sant would remake them both.

I first saw this movie when it first came out in 1970 and loved it. I can't get enough of this movie,It has such sentimental attachments to it. It takes me back to my youth and the golden era of the seventies.

Of all the gay movies this one should be out on DVD. Saw the play with the original cast (same as film cast) on visit to NYC. Another trip to NYC and the film was released and saw it. Also have the Video and a 33 and third record of the complete play. Why the film is not on DVD yet is really strange..........does someone know why it hasn't been released. Sure some of the guys in the film hate their selves but remember some guys did in that era. Times have changed but our Gay History has not...........we must have this film released.