Broadway Damage

This is a sweet movie, yes, sweet movie about gay love, gay friendships, gay life and finding the right guy in your life. It took me back to the days when I went through this, myself, while living on the West Side in New York. I, too, had a girl-friend, a bit overweight by the name of Cass Elliot [Mama Cass before success]. Mara Hobel reminded me of Cass, except Cass didn't go back to Baltimore, where she was from. Hobel had some wonderful moments [funny and sad]. The boys did well for themselves. The gorgeous Michael Shawn Lucas [Marc] and his romantic tryst with Hugh Panaro [David] seemed doomed from the beginning. It was the key case that gave him his walking papers in my diary. Yet Panaro gave the role lots of depth without making him just a sleeze-ball. Some tenderness in him and such a body, oh my. I'd ask him in to share my bed. But the line, "Let's be lovers for just one night" went out in the 60s. When was this movie filmed? Then there was dear sweet Robert [Aaron Williams] who without those glasses looked really cute. Sort of a good looking Gilligan [from Gilligan's Island]. That book store clerk was crazy to turn him down. His scene where he wrote the song for Marc [and by the way, it was a gorgeous song and I'd love to have a recording of it] but then denied it when discovering Marc with David was touching. Yet, when he finally sang the song for him, my heart went out to him. And still he was denied. Ugh! But, love wins out in this and thanks for that goes to writer/director Victor Mignatti. Mignatti is a romantic, thank heavens, and gives us this special Valentine of love. Victor, if you ever read this critique, where can I get a copy of that song that Robert sang?

I lived in Manhattan from 1978 to 1986 and these were characters inspired by many of the creative aspirants filling the streets, shops, bars, cafes and yes, air shafts and fire escape landings, during that era. Guess you had to be there to get it!

There's not too much in this film which is challenging or thought provoking. It is light and entertaining - there are a few small laughs - a few musical numbers (although not enough to justify the title) and a few gentle plot twists.

It is a bit clichéd gay - you could say gay for straight people. Intimate moments are very tame and usually only hinted at. It is certainly safe for your maiden aunt.

Acting, and cinematography are handled in a workmanlike, but unremarkable way. The lead, Michael Lucas, is good to look at but the director rarely takes advantage of his physique.

Scripting is the film's achilles heel. It can be ponderous and dreary. While other parts seem rushed and unfinished. Too often dramatic tension is wasted particularly in the closing scenes.

Not a great film but not awful either.

This film is a breath of fresh air in so many ways. It makes you feel good, and the production quality is stunningly brilliant for a low-budget film. You don't even think of the film budget when you watch it because everything is so completely first-rate, including the photography, editing, original music, and the wonderful performances.

"Broadway Damage" is a lovely old-fashioned romance, but since it involves two men, you haven't seen this film before no matter how many romantic comedies you've seen. This film's adorable main characters are people you would love to know, and due to the excellent decision to film this on location in actual buildings in Greenwich Village, you really feel like you have just stepped into the lives of the main characters.

The story is a typical romance, but it has so many fun and charming moments along the way that you just hate to see the film end. The original music by Cindy Soltoff is absolutely reason enough to watch the film. Hugh Panaro, who has gone to great fame on Broadway since this movie was made, plays the hot object of one main character's affections... until it is learned that he isn't what he seems. But alas, a happy ending is around the corner anyway, and the ending is just so beautiful and charming, that you really don't care if you may have figured out how it all ends. I didn't figure out the ending, but I know people who did. All of us were totally charmed by the ending irregardless of whether or not we figured it out ahead of time. We need more joyful endings like this one. It's a shame they are so rare.

Two years ago, in high school, I did some community theater shows in a theater that was also used by the actress Mara Hobel as part of her acting school for children (in suburbs outside of NYC). There was a big bulletin board showing pictures of Mara's film work, including of course "Mommie Dearest," (she was Baby Christina) and a movie I had never heard of, "Broadway Damage." I didn't see it until a few months ago, and being a student at NYU, I was able to play "spot that building" since much of the movie was filmed in NYU's surrounding neighborhood. But on to more important things: Regardless of where I grew up or where I live now, this is one adorable movie. When it was over, I felt like I wanted to hug the world. And it's great when movies have such a positive effect on you. Watch this one with people you love. 9/10