Review of The Boy Friend (1971) by Dave S — 19 Nov 2009
After the darkness of The Devils (1971), Ken Russell wanted a change, so he adapted Sandy Wilson's stage musical. Set in the 1930's at the Theatre Royal in Portsmouth, it has a small-time theatrical company putting on an afternoon production of The Boy Friend to a near empty house, then the company's assistant stage manager Polly Browne (Twiggy) finds herself understudying for the leading lady, who's broke her foot.
In the audience is Hollywood film director Cecil B. DeThrill (Vladek Sheybal), who is entertained by the production. Probabily one of Ken Russell's best films, a world away from his more darker films, and a love-letter to the Hollywood musicals of old, although it does contain some imagery typical of Russell, but it's a well staged film, he also gets the best out of Twiggy, and it's beautifully shot by the late, great David Watkin.
Plus, it has a good supporting cast to it's name, including Bryan Pringle, Barbara Windsor, Tommy Tune, Brian Murphy and Glenda Jackson!! Once you see this film, it'll be impossible to forget!! :D.
This review of The Boy Friend (1971) was written by Dave S on 19 Nov 2009.
The Boy Friend has generally received positive reviews.
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