Poster

The Boy Friend ()

Reference View | Change View
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.
Director:
Writers:
Stars:
Awards:
  • Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 4 wins & 3 nominations.
  • See more »
Reviews:

Photos and Videos

82 photos | 1 video

Cast verified as complete

Edit
...
Polly
...
Tony
...
Max
...
Percy
...
Alphonse
...
Mme. Dubonnet
...
Fay
Sally Bryant ...
Nancy
...
De Thrill
...
Tommy
...
Peter
...
Michael
...
Maisie
Caryl Little ...
Dulcie
Anne Jameson ...
Mrs. Peter (as Ann Jameson)
...
Catherine
Robert La Bassiere ...
Chauffeur (as Robert La'Bassiere)
...
Hortense
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Imogen Claire ...
Dancer (uncredited)
Susan Claire ...
Dancer (uncredited)
...
Bearded King in fantasy sequence (uncredited)
Randy Gerber ...
Child (uncredited)
Peter Greenwell ...
Pianist (uncredited)
Cheryl Grunwald ...
Cameo (uncredited)
...
Rita Monroe (uncredited)
Steven Longhurst ...
Theatre Worker (uncredited)
Petra Siniawski ...
Dancer (uncredited)

Directed by

Edit
Ken Russell

Written by

Edit
Sandy Wilson ... (based on a musical play by)
 
Ken Russell ... (screenplay by)

Produced by

Edit
Harry Benn ... associate producer
Ken Russell ... producer (produced by)

Music by

Edit
Peter Maxwell Davies

Cinematography by

Edit
David Watkin

Editing by

Edit
Michael Bradsell

Production Design by

Edit
Tony Walton

Set Decoration by

Edit
Ian Whittaker

Costume Design by

Edit
Shirley Russell

Makeup Department

Edit
Barbara Ritchie ... hairdresser
Roger ... hair stylist
Freddie Williamson ... make up
Leonard ... key hair stylist (uncredited)

Production Management

Edit
Neville C. Thompson ... production manager

Second Unit Director or Assistant Director

Edit
Graham Ford ... assistant director
Peter Cotton ... third assistant director (uncredited)

Art Department

Edit
George Ball ... property master
George Dean ... painter
Charles Hammerton ... construction manager
Ian Whittaker ... set dresser
Leslie Dilley ... assistant art director (uncredited)
Michael Finlay ... painter (uncredited)
Michael Guyett ... scenic painter (uncredited)
Brian Muir ... sculptor (uncredited)
Bryn Siddall ... property buyer (uncredited)

Sound Department

Edit
Maurice Askew ... sound recordist
Don Challis ... dubbing editor
Brian Simmons ... sound mixer
Rowland Fowles ... boom operator (uncredited)
Lionel Strutt ... re-recording mixer (uncredited)

Camera and Electrical Department

Edit
Peter Ewens ... assistant cameraman
Alan McCabe ... camera operator
Wick Finch ... electrician (uncredited)
Stuart Harris ... clapper loader (uncredited)
Douglas Kirkland ... still photographer (uncredited)
Sherman Kunkel ... camera operator (uncredited)

Costume and Wardrobe Department

Edit
John Brady ... wardrobe supervisor

Music Department

Edit
Peter Maxwell Davies ... music arranger / musical director
Christopher Gable ... musical choreographer
Peter Greenwell ... music associate
Sandy Wilson ... musical songs: composed by

Script and Continuity Department

Edit
Susanna Merry ... continuity (as Sue Merry)

Additional Crew

Edit
Philip Jenkinson ... film research
David Ball ... assistant accountant (uncredited)
Robin Demetriou ... cast and crew chef (uncredited)
Geoff Freeman ... unit publicist (uncredited)

Production Companies

Edit

Distributors

Edit

Special Effects

Edit

Other Companies

Edit

Storyline

Edit
Plot Summary

The assistant stage manager of a small-time theatrical company (Polly Browne) is forced to understudy for the leading lady (Rita) at a matinée performance at which an illustrious Hollywood director (Cecil B. DeThrill) is in the audience scouting for actors to be in his latest "all-talking, all-dancing, all-singing" extravaganza. Polly also happens to fall in love with the leading man (Tony) and imagines several fabulous fantasy sequences in which the director is free to exercise his capacity for over-the-top visuals in this charming 1920's era flick. Written by Bliss Blood

Plot Keywords
Taglines A Glittering Super Colossal Heart Warming Toe-Tapping Continously Delightful Musical Extravaganza See more »
Genres
Parents Guide Add content advisory for parents »
Certification

Additional Details

Edit
Also Known As
  • The Boyfriend (United States)
  • El novio (Spain)
  • Boyfriend (Ihr Liebhaber) (West Germany)
  • Το αγόρι μου (Greece)
  • Il boy friend (Italy)
  • See more »
Runtime
  • 137 min
Country
Language
Color
Aspect Ratio
Sound Mix
Filming Locations

Box Office

Budget $2,300,000 (estimated)

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. See more »
Movie Connections Featured in Russell's Progress (1971). See more »
Soundtracks Main Titles (Overture) See more »
Crazy Credits Ken Russell's Talking Picture See more »
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
See more »
Getting Started | Contributor Zone »

Contribute to This Page


Clear your history

Recently Viewed