The Toilers and the Wayfarers

A tender coming out drama independently made in Minnesota, The Toilers and the Wayfarers is a crisp black and white, compelling and highly original film. Set in a small German-American community, the film introduces two 16-year-old olds, Phillip (Woodhouse) and Dieter (Klemp), who are best friends; that is, until Phillip, in a moment of perceived closeness, reveals that he is gay. Dieter, the product of an oppressive puritanical father, spurns his friend, yet all-the-while beginning the process of acknowledging that he himself is gay, as well. Udo (Schirg), a goofy straight German in his early 20s who is visiting his sick aunt, befriends Dieter and unconsciously helps in his coming out. The film takes a less interesting turn when the action is switched to Minneapolis, a city that offers hope for both boys and Udo. But instead of finding acceptance, the two boys turn to prostitution to survive. The young leads are attractive and the nudity and love scenes between the teens are filmed in a non-exploitative but sexy fashion. Quietly ambitious, in that director Froelich tries to connect the immigrant experience with being gay in America, the drama winningly succeeds.