The Boy Friend

1971
U
2h 17m

IMDb RATING

6.8/10

3.7K

YOUR RATING

When the leading lady of a low-budget musical revue sprains her ankle, the assistant stage manager is forced to understudy and perform in her place, becoming a star and finding love in the process.

Play trailer2:50

1 Video

87 Photos

Comedy Musical Romance

When the leading lady of a low-budget musical revue sprains her ankle, the assistant stage manager is forced to understudy and perform in her place, becoming a star and finding love in the p... Read allWhen the leading lady of a low-budget musical revue sprains her ankle, the assistant stage manager is forced to understudy and perform in her place, becoming a star and finding love in the process.When the leading lady of a low-budget musical revue sprains her ankle, the assistant stage manager is forced to understudy and perform in her place, becoming a star and finding love in the process.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.8/10

3.7K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 4 wins & 4 nominations total

Videos1

Trailer 2:50

Trailer

Photos87

+ 83

‘Snow White’ Stars Test Their Wits

Rachel Zegler, Gal Gadot, and director Marc Webb take our Ultimate Disney Quiz.

Watch now

9:57

More like this

6.9

7.0

7.7

7.2

6.1

6.4

6.3

6.1

6.9

6.6

7.1

5.7

Storyline

Edit

Did you know

Edit

Trivia
Though much more lighthearted than most of his films, according to Ken Russell, this was the most difficult film he ever made.

Quotes
Mme. Dubonnet: [singing] I am so good, At spreading mirth and joy
Percy: But it's no good, With such a sulky boy
Maisie, Fay, Dulcie, Nancy: I try, To play the game the other fellows all choose
Percy: The other fellows all choose
Maisie, Fay, Dulcie, Nancy: I sigh, Because you always refuse
Mme. Dubonnet: What is a girl to do, With such a boy as you? I've got those
Percy, Mme. Dubonnet, Maisie, Fay, Dulcie, Nancy: Dreary, Weary, You-Don't-Want-To-Play-With-Me Blues

Crazy credits
Ken Russell's Talking Picture

Alternate versions
CBS edited 38 minutes from this film for its 1975 network television premiere.

Connections
Featured in Omnibus: Russell's Progress (1971)

Soundtracks
Main Titles (Overture)
Music by Sandy Wilson

User reviews68

Featured review

A Visual Treat

"The Boy Friend" is an exciting adaptation of Sandy Wilson's stage-born play which Ken Russell has elevated into the status of a grand musical.Although Mr. Russell's excesses have worked/failed in other productions (I still adore "The Music Lovers", this one has a complete menu that satisfies this viewer. Top-notch cast (Twiggy, Tommy Tune and others and elevates the viewer into a three world dimmension: the actual show, the backstage goings on and Mr. Russe's projection into the Busby Berekely world of film going. Visuals are splendid. JuST A WONDERFUL FILM!!