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Poster for The Boys in the Band

The Boys in the Band

Seen it?

1970 | 120 min | Drama

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (90% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office loss. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved The Normal Heart or Rope, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr.
What might put you off
  • Rated R: expect sex.
  • Made in 1970: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Harold is celebrating a birthday, and his friend Michael has drafted some other friends to help commemorate the event. As the evening progresses, an unexpected guest shows up, the alcohol flows, the knives come out, and dormant and unspoken emotions are unleashed.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    90% on Rotten Tomatoes, 65 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.0 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $4 million worldwide on a $6 million budget

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 89K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by William Friedkin

  • Kenneth NelsonMichael
  • Leonard FreyHarold
  • Peter WhiteAlan McCarthy
  • Cliff GormanEmory
  • Frederick CombsDonald
  • Reuben GreeneBernard
  • Laurence LuckinbillHank
  • Keith PrenticeLarry
  • Robert La TourneauxCowboy Tex
  • Maud AdamsPhoto Model (uncredited)