The Fifth of July Book

"Fifth of July" certainly will have a very special significance to those of us who were young adults in the 70s. Yet, I think that what it has to say about love, facing adversity, family, growing up, and growing old will fall on receptive ears of sensitive hearts and souls for some time to come. Structurally, the work is a masterpiece. While taking place within a two day time frame, the pertinent histories of the relationships and characters are revealed as needed through the amazingly believable and agile dialogue. Two of the central characters are a long-time committed male couple. Wilson's portrayal and treatment of them is awesome and very matter-of-fact. They just happen to be gay.

The Broadway Theater Archive series adapted it to film in 1982. The cast includes Richard Thomas, Jeff Daniels, Swoosie Kurtz, a very young Cynthia Nixon, and Jonathan Hogan. It is directed by Marshall Mason, who was the definitive interpreter of Wilson's works. I highly recommend it.