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"Maurice" (prononced "Morris") is the film adaption of the book by E.M. Forster and stated to be semi-autobiographical of his life. The book was banned for many years and it wasn't until 1987 that this visually splendid film was released from Merchant-Ivory - ("A Room With A View", "Howard's End"). Set in early 19th century England, it details the coming of age story of Maurice Hall, an upper-class aristocrat who falls in love with fellow classmate Clive Durham (Hugh Grant). Shortly after their romance begins, a fellow student is entrapped and imprisoned for soliciting a military officer. Out of fear of losing his inheritance and political future, Clive decides to get married. Although hurt and feeling very alone, Maurice continues a close platonic relationship with Clive. After attempts to "cure" his homosexuality fail, Maurice finds himself falling in love with Clive's gamekeeper, Scudder. With the threat of exposure and blackmail always a real possibility, they must risk everything to build a future together. Supporting performances by Denholm Elliot, Helena Bonham Carter and Ben Kingsley help make this a true classic. The lush and elegant score is available as part a 3-disc set of Merchant-Ivory film scores. Guys, if you're looking for a great "first-date" video, it really doesn't get much better than "Maurice"!

"Yentl" is Barbra Streisand's adaption of an Issac Bashevis Singer short story. Set in Eastern Europe at the turn of the century, it tells the story of a woman who must disguise herself as a man in order to study scripture. Along the way she falls in love with a fellow student, Avigdor, who is engaged to be married. Due to a family secret he is prevented from doing so by the bride's father. In a desperate bid to keep him from leaving, Yentl, now known as Anshel, marries her instead.

The story has been modified for the film in that the role of Yentl is somewhat older and her internal dialogue is fleshed out in the form of songs. A sort of musical narrative solely from her perspective.

The opening song "Where Is It Written", the soulful "Papa, Can You Hear Me?", "The Way He Makes Me Feel" and the closing "A Piece of Sky" are some of the stand-out performances. This is Streisand's first directing effort and she was the first woman to win a Golden Globe for it. She pulls solid performances from everyone and tells her story with a fresh sense of style rarely seen in film today. There are moments when Streisand lingers a bit long to make sure you "feel" what she is trying to convey. Her subsequent directorial efforts, the 1991 "The Prince of Tides" and the 1996 "The Mirror Has Two Faces" are more fluid. Avigdor's concern over his affection for "Anshel" is not adequately explored, but the "girl marries girl" theme is approached with great humor and tact.

For music fans, check out the "Yentl Medley" from the 1994 "Barbra - The Concert" and the soundtrack album, which contains studio versions of "The Way He Makes Me Feel" and 'No Matter What Happens". Her 1991 box set "Just For the Record" includes "The Moon and I" which was written for this film but never used.

At the end, Streisand dedicates this film to her father, and all our fathers... I'm sure he would be very proud.

*Academy Award for Best Score* *Grammy nominations for TWO songs*

Barbra Streisand - Love her or hate her, few would deny her talent for singing! Her first concert tour in over two decades was well worth the wait. Opening with "As If We Never Said Goodbye" from "Sunset Boulevard", she had some of the lyrics changed, now instead of the song referring to Norma Desmond's return to the movie studio, it is about Streisand herself returning to the concert stage. The performance was staged very much like a theater production with two "Acts" and Barbra offering an audio biography along the way. She performs one new song, the beautiful "Ordinary Miracles". Among the highlights are a medley from "Yentl", a mesmerizing version of "Lazy Afternoon" and the closing number "Somewhere". In truth, nearly ever song is a gem. Streisand reminds you how moving truly talented vocalists can be. Here's looking forward to her 1999 tour!

"The Boys in the Band" opened as an off-Broadway play in New York City in 1968 to wide acclaim. It was adapted to the screen into this 1970 film by William Friedkin. However, between 1968 and 1970 was "The Stonewall Riot" in New York and the beginning of the modern gay rights movement. The same people who loved the play were picketing the film when it was released because of "stereotypical" portrayals. In took about 25 years, but "The Boys in the Band" did return to New York City. It is now viewed more as a "period piece" of gay history and accepted by many to be fairly accurate of its time and place. At an anniversary screening just a few years ago a group of men who had never seen the film were asked to give their opinions. The 40 somethings stated "we're not like that anymore", the 30 somethings stated "we're more like that than we care to admit" and most surprisingly, the 20 somethings stated "we're exactly like that!". Though times have changed in many ways for the better, some of the issues that were being dealt with back then are still very much alive today. Trying to forge a positive gay identity in the face of religious intolerance and a homophobic society are still issues being dealt with. "The Boys..." had one weapon... humor. Often self-deprecating but also cathartic. "The Boys in the Band" is a great example of film at its best. Entertaining, insightful and thought provoking. These "Boys" were just trying to cope and make the best of it. They are the reason we have so much more today. This film stands as a testament to that struggle and to the power of truth. There may be many 20-30 year olds who just don't get it, but trust me... in time... you will...