And Patrick is never faint of heart. Witty, wise, deeply moving - usually all in the same 1 act play. And you get 7 plays here. My ex still hasn't given this volume back, and I hardly have the heart to ask for it, as I wish hir all the best, and this is the best... OK, I've changed my mind, either put out or give me one of my favorite books back you cur!

So concludes a wisecracking AIDS recluse in the last of these hilarious and heartbreaking one-act plays. Each one covers a decade in the lives of American gay men, from the sophisticated closets of the 1920's through our grimmest hour in the 1980's. Patrick may see little progress toward liberation, whether political or personal. But each decade is etched specifically and urgently, by a master playwright. You'll shed many a tear over this one, half of them from laughter.

A terribly fun book about individuality. It's about a dad so worried about what other people think and say about how he raises his boy that, he tries to persuade his son Elmer to do 'masculine' things like play baseball instead of bake or paint. But not every boy likes to play baseball (nor every girl bake) and though an outcast Elmer stays true to himself and amazes everyone with his unique abilities and insights. It's a predictable but beautiful tale, written by an author experienced in being unique and being true to that uniqueness (brilliant actor, gay-rights-activist Harvey Fierstein). I find any book written form experience is a book worth reading, a book which speaks form the heart and 'The Sissy Duckling' is no exception. I would even go so far as to say that this book, like many other children's books'The Little Prince by St.Antoine and The Butterfly by Jay Singh'is written for adults. Absolutely. It has a lot to say to people from all walks of life. A great book to read to your kids, to discuss in class, or give to someone terribly original who might need a little pick-me-up! Very pleased with this book!

The cover alone convinced me to buy this book and I was not disappointed. The narrative is simple and straight forward, the art work is captivating and I am considering buying this book for all the young ones on my Christmas list. "The Sissy Duckling" celebrates differences and individuality in a memorable package. Good job Harvey...

"Elmer was the happiest duckling in the whole forest." But he was different from the other boy ducklings. While they boxed, built forts, and played football, Elmer baked, built sand castles and put on puppet shows. His father and the other boy ducklings called him a sissy, but his mother comforted him and tried to explain that "...sissy is a cruel way of saying that you don't do things the way others think you should." "You are special, Elmer, and being special sometimes scares those who are not." "...one day you will amaze us all." And no truer words were ever spoken. One day Elmer runs and hides from a playground fight with a bully, and later overhears his father belittling him and declaring, "He's no son of mine!" Heartbroken, Elmer runs away and makes a new home for himself in an old hollow tree deep in the forest. When disaster strikes the flock as they leave to fly south for the winter, and his father is shot by hunters, Elmer doesn't "act like a normal duck" and fly away to save himself, but stays behind, showing courage and ingenuity in the face of danger. "It may not have been what any other duck would do, but Elmer knew in his heart that it was the right thing for him to do." Harvey Fierstein has authored a sensitive story, with a positive message of acceptance, and how important it is to respect and appreciate our differences, that won't be lost on even the youngest readers. His simple and entertaining text is complemented by Henry Cole's bold, bright, and evocative illustrations, filled with eye-catching detail and marvelous facial expressions, that bring Elmer and his personality to life on the page. With its comforting and reassuring, happily-ever-after ending, The Sissy Duckling is a superb picture book that celebrates the unique and special qualities in each and every one of us. Perfect for youngsters 4-8, and best read aloud and shared, this is a wonderful, "must read" story, told with great insight, wisdom, and humor.

You don't have to be gay to love this surprising and unpretentious little movie, which should appeal to the hidden sense of "outsider" in most viewers. The story of an overweight, overly emotional, gravel-voiced and very unglamorous drag queen who seeks true love in a society that prizes appearance over values, TORCH SONG TRILOGY is a hilarious and often poignantly touching film with a break-out performance by Harvey Fierstein, who adapts his Tony-award winning stage script and performance for the screen with considerable aplomb.

In addition to Fierstein's brilliantly honest script and self-depreciating performance, the film also offers knock-out performances by Anne Bancroft as Fierstein's Jewish-Mother-From-Hell and Matthew Broderick as his much younger and somewhat unlikely lover; although not in the same league with these three, supporting players Brian Kerwin strikes the right note as Fierstein's tepidly bisexual ex-lover and Karen Young is quite good as Kerwin's understandably neurotic wife. Although the film script does depart from the stage script, it remains faithful in spirit, and the film as a whole is reasonably--although not outstandingly--served by director Paul Bogart.

The film abounds with quotable lines ("I'm the pretty one") that will keep you laughing, but although it concludes on a "hope for the future" note TORCH SONG TRILOGY is not all grins and giggles by a long shot: the dramatic underpinnings are deadly serious, and at least one or two scenes will leave most viewers as shocked, angered, and heart-broken as the characters it so vividly displays. While the film isn't BOYS IN THE BAND, I think it is the only gay-themed film to date that actually approaches the artistic and emotional impact of BOYS IN THE BAND; more over, most viewers will probably find it more accessible, and many will be surprised to by a realization of much TORCH has influenced cinema's portrayal of gay characters from the 1980s right up to the present. It deserves considerably more praise and attention than it has received. Strongly recommended.

This is an offbeat story of a gay female impersonator in his seach for love and a committed relationship. Primarily psychological drama with excellent insights and incisive dialog. Anne Bancroft is great as the Jewish mother, and Harvey Fierstein, who wrote the original play, brings so much angst and personality to his portrayal of the main character that I just couldn't help wishing I knew someone like that in real life. Highly recommended if you want to know more about a lifestyle most people have never seen.

Harvey Fierstein, Anne Bancroft, Matthew Broderick and Brian Kerwin combine in a bitter-sweet comedy-drama set in the 1970's, concluding in 1980. The "Trilogy" is a collection of 3 specific pieces blended together telling the saga of Arnold Beckoff (Fierstein). The story revolves around love, relationships and family - something everyone can relate to. It was a movie before it's time when it premiered in 1988. It is straight-forward and to the point. It will make you laugh and cry and understand the true meaning of love and respect. Harvey Fierstein & Anne Bancroft (Arnold's Mother) are outstanding in their roles. A must see for anyone trying to understand the complexity of love. A well-done adaption to the screen from theatre. Add this video to your collection!

At first, I only knew Harvey Fierstein from the film "Torch Song Trilogy." Then, I've seen him on many TV shows where he plays the overly typecast, essentialist gay man. (Even though I loved his Carl character on "The Simpsons.") Finally, I read this book and it made me realize what an artist, activist, and pioneer he is. This book has two plays about gay men and couples dealing with their identities and loves years into the AIDS crisis. I think it would be a good idea for some producer to get these plays performed nationally. (Maybe someone, probably Harvey, already has and I just don't know it.) Despite his status as stereotype, he truly is a role model and a good guy.
Allow me to mention a funny anecdote. I was a freshman in college when I bought this book. Everytime straight ppl saw the title "safe sex" on my bookshelf, they thought it was a manual and wanted to borrow it for information. I wonder if Harvey purposely titled his book in this way, just to grab the attention of ppl of all sexualities.