The Boy Friend (1971)

In the dawn of the talking movie epoch, nestled within the heart of Portsmouth, England, the Theatre Royal hums with the energy of a dedicated yet underappreciated troupe led by the charismatic "Mr. Max" Mandeville. The troupe is deep in the throes of performing "The Boy Friend," a musical that typically attracts a smaller audience than the number of performers on stage. On an unexpectedly fateful day, the limelight shifts to the initially unassuming assistant stage manager, Polly Browne. With the lead actress, Rita Monroe, sidelined by an unfortunate ankle injury, Polly finds herself thrust into the lead role, mere moments before her first entrance. The timing could not be more dramatic, as the matinée is graced by the presence of the renowned Hollywood director, De Thrill, who is on a quest to scout talent for his upcoming all-talking, all-singing, all-dancing movie musical. The air is thick with anticipation and pressure as Polly, shy and unassertive, is entrusted with not just delivering a stellar performance, but also with the responsibility of saving the production, ensuring it impresses the critical eye of De Thrill. Amidst the backstage chaos and spotlight chasing, especially by the competitive chorus members Maisie and Tommy, Polly's aspirations are simple yet profound - she wishes to avoid embarrassment, deliver a performance that mirrors her real-life affection for the lead actor, Tony Brockhurst, and allow herself to dream of acting out their love story on stage. As Polly navigates the unfamiliar terrain of stardom, her journey is punctuated by vivid fantasy sequences that offer a tantalizing glimpse into the director's grandiose vision. The Boy Friend, thus, becomes a charming showcase of love, ambition and the magic of the theatre, all set against the enchanting backdrop of the 1920s.

The Boy Friend is a comedy movie featuring Twiggy and directed by Ken Russell.

The Boy Friend is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.

It is also possible to buy The Boy Friend on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.