Customer Reviews

A Different Story

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This gem is virtually impossible to find, and that's a pity. "A Different Story" was among the very, very few gay-lesbian films of the 70's, a decade that, although relatively recently, was shamefully replete of works that didn't demean the gay person and, instead, reinforced just about every homosexual stereotype thinkable. Remarkably, the film featured hunky Perry King and breathtakingly beautiful Meg Foster as a gay man and lesbian woman, respectively, who enter into a marriage of convenience to spare King's character as a foreigner from being deported. Although the couple continue their respective lifestyles independent of each other, they eventually are attracted to each other, and the never-before thought that two gay people of different sexes could love each other blossoms. As it does, each is forced to confront and sacrifice some dimension of their alternate lifestyles to strengthen their own relationship. A predictable sub-plot is the "guy almost loses girl but they find each other again" bit when they come to their senses and literally fall into each other's arms. Both King and Foster are dynamic here, and a well-written script helps them to project their characters as real people with real feelings and real everyday situations with their sexual orientation not really that pertinent. They and the script, in the end, treat the subjects of homosexuality and being gay with respect and dignity, and that there's no steamy sex in this one is actually a saving grace: having it would have been nothing more that vulgar gratuity. This jewel of a film is obviously well buried: finding it is virtually, if not totally, impossible. It's just a good-feel love story and, gay or not, who of us doesn't need one of those once in a while?

One will no doubt read many venomous reviews of this film. Most were written by offended homosexuals. Ignore them. This film seems more keen to explore gender roles rather than just being another gay platform. Personally, sexuality has never simplified anything, in my opinion. So I don't want a predictable plotline from a film that deals with this subject matter. You won't find that sort of predictabitlity here.

This is a brave cinematic work for its time and seems even more courageous today. The basic plot: an illegal, gay immigrant is befriended by a gay real estate agent. One drunken evening, the consumate their friendship, which results in a pregnancy. The become a couple, get married and begin dealing with day to day struggles.

Honest, complex, and engaging, I highly recommend viewing this film. Again, it is my belief that it was intended to tackle gender assigment, and it does so. There are rather harrowing consequences for the two characters, but I won't ruin it for anyone.

5 star movie, but the dvd is edited. I noticed this during the very first love scene (where they are eating that cake). I distinctly remember that Stella's breasts were exposed in that scene. This dvd doesn't have that shot. I googled for VHS screen caps and sure enough, my memory was correct. It's been cut from the dvd. That's just one shot of course and might not bother anyone in the least, but it makes me wonder if there are any other scenes that are missing. So I'm going ahead and purchasing the VHS as well. The dvd is still a great buy for the special features which includes an interview with Perry King, the writer and producer.

If I DO see any additional scenes on the VHS, I'll be sure to add the information here.

12/9/11 UPDATE: Unfortunately the VHS is edited as well. I've done some research and from the looks of it, HBO was the only place to see it in it's entirety. Here's to hoping a full version is released eventually (along with a cleaner print).

I just saw this film for the first time today. I wanted to see it when it was released in the 70s but didn't. I thought this film was really great and flies under the radar for romance film junkies like myself. There are a few hokey moments but overall this is a film about relationships and ultimately love. The message of this film is really something that transcends sexual orientation. Friends first, then lovers. The pace of this film was just right and while this film is ultimately a fantasy, I always gravitate towards messages of love. So I have to give A DIFFERENT STORY the highest rating. Just wonderful!

I got this movie for my girlfriend and here is her review:

"The one thing I loved about this movie was the 70's scenes, the cars, the clothing. Perry King and Meg Foster are rather funny together. The DVD cover photos of both actors are older than they appear in the movie. Perry King is like 20....LOL. Not a flick I will want to watch over and over again, but it was ok. The acting is average at best. The dialogue rather tame not a lot of profanity. Not a cellphone in sight...LOL, There were times when they needed one. Don't want to spoil the very predictable plot. One question was wonder where they got that wallpaper in a kitchen scene. If you're a Perry King Fan, if nothing else,see this movie just to see him as a young alternative guy...My goodness."
Enjoy....