“The Boy Friend” is a vibrant, musical romp set in the roaring 20s. A shy stagehand steps into the spotlight to save the day when the leading lady falls ill. As he navigates his newfound fame and love, he learns that life can be a dazzling show full of surprises. With toe-tapping tunes and colorful costumes, “The Boy Friend” is a delightful escape into a bygone era of glamour and charm.
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Review
Ladies and gentlemen, gather round! I have a tale to tell of love, regret, and the grandeur of the stage. The tale is “The Boy Friend,” a delightful movie musical that will have you tapping your toes and humming along.
Set in the roaring twenties at a seaside resort in England, “The Boy Friend” follows Polly Browne, played by the lovely Twiggy, as she dreams of becoming a star on the stage. But alas, she’s stuck working at Madame Dubonnet’s finishing school for girls. That is until she meets Tony, played by Christopher Gable.
Tony is an assistant stage manager and aspiring writer who’s been sent by his boss to check out the talent at Madame Dubonnet’s. Polly mistakes him for the wealthy son of Madame Dubonnet’s friend and falls head over heels in love with him. In true Jane Austen style, there are misunderstandings aplenty that lead to misadventures.
The cast is impeccable with a mix of British stage and screen legends along with fresh new faces. Alongside Twiggy and Gable are such luminaries as Glenda Jackson, Barbara Windsor, and Brian Murphy.
What makes “The Boy Friend” so special is its joyous celebration of the musicals from Hollywood’s golden age. Director Ken Russell pays homage to classics like “42nd Street” and “Top Hat” while adding his own unique style with surreal dream sequences and elaborate dance numbers.
The score was written by Sandy Wilson back in 1953 as a pastiche of 1920s musicals but it wasn’t until 1971 that it became a full-blown extravaganza on London’s West End. The success of the stage version led to this film adaptation which adds even more glitz and glamour to an already dazzling show.
It’s hard not to fall in love with this movie when you see Twiggy singing her heart out to “I Could Be Happy with You” or Glenda Jackson belting out “Poor Little Pierrette.” The choreography by John Meehan is breathtaking, especially in the show-stopping finale where the entire cast is decked out in silver and gold.
But it’s not just the songs and dances that make this movie a delight. The characters are all so lovable and quirky, from Tony’s overbearing boss played by Vladek Sheybal to Madame Dubonnet’s bumbling love interest played by Max Adrian.
And who can forget Twiggy’s comedic turn as her own twin sister, impersonating her way through a lover’s quarrel? Her comic timing is impeccable and adds another layer of fun to an already entertaining movie.
While “The Boy Friend” didn’t receive any major awards or nominations at the time of its release, it has become a cult classic among musical theater fans. It’s easy to see why with its infectious energy and enchanting performances.
The cinematography by David Watkin captures the beauty of the English seaside with its pastel-colored buildings and shimmering waters. And Russell’s use of split screens and multi-layered images add a sense of whimsy that perfectly matches the fantasy world created on stage.
There may be some who criticize “The Boy Friend” for being too campy or nostalgic but I say there’s nothing wrong with reveling in a little nostalgia now and then. Especially when it’s done with such skill and heart as this movie.
So if you’re looking for something to brighten your day or lift your spirits, look no further than “The Boy Friend.” It may be a bit silly at times but it will leave you with a smile on your face and a song in your heart.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 137
- Release : 1971-12-16
- Genre : Comedy, Music, Romance
- Cast : Twiggy as Polly, Christopher Gable as Tony, Max Adrian as Max, Bryan Pringle as Percy, Murray Melvin as Alphonse
- Crew : David Watkin as Director of Photography, Tony Walton as Production Design, Simon Holland as Art Direction, Harry Benn as Associate Producer, Michael Bradsell as Editor
- Popularity 5.222
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Russflix, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer British Studios
- Summary : The assistant stage manager of a small-time theatrical company is forced to understudy for the leading lady at a matinée performance at which an illustrious Hollywood director is in the audience scouting for actors to be in his latest “all-talking, all-dancing, all-singing” extravaganza.
- Tagline : EMI-MGM Presents The Return Of Entertainment
