It's not very well known that there are several versions of this movie available, from 109 to 135 minutes. The DVD version is the shortest, and excludes a few of the most extravagant numbers, while the director's cut has all of the musical sequences. The full theatrical version of the film is an unapologetic mix of reality and fantasy - some of it wonderful, some other segments not fully successful. But the film has a buoyant energy, thanks to the delightful musical numbers. The DVD version eschews the wilder fantasy sequences in favor of a more realistic approach. It seems to lack a certain energy. I'd rate the shortened, DVD version of the movie maybe 6/10 - a real disappointment. I'd rate the full-length, theatrical version of the movie 9/10. If you can, see the movie. Don't bother with the DVD.

A camp classic but also so much more. The critics came down like a ton of bricks on Ken Russell's musical comedy which was, on the one hand, a screen version of Sandy Wilson's show and, on the other, a comment on the 'putting-on-a-show' kind of musical popular in the early thirties. Russell's idea of opening up most of the numbers, as in a big Busby Berkeley production, worked brilliantly but didn't please either the critics or the public; still it made a movie star (of sorts) out of the model Twiggy who is charm personified while the former ballet dancer Christopher Gable is a delightful leading man. It's also got a great supporting cast of some of the best British character players of the time, including an unbilled Glenda Jackson - Go out there and be so great you'll make me hate you - and whatever happened to Antonia Ellis and Georgina Hale, both brilliant here, as well as Broadway's Tommy Tune whose dancing comes close to stopping the show. Unfortunately it wasn't really a commercial success and is seldom seen now but if, like me, you have any interest in the musical, catch it; it's absolutely fabulous!

I had to stop watching after about 20 minutes.One of the most uncomfortable movies I've ever seen.I don't understand how anyone could like this movie.NOT charming at all to me.I had to stop watching after about 20 minutes.One of the most uncomfortable movies I've ever seen.I don't understand how anyone could like this movie.NOT charming at all to me.I had to stop watching after about 20 minutes.One of the most uncomfortable movies I've ever seen.I don't understand how anyone could like this movie.NOT charming at all to me.

THE BOY FRIEND is simultaneously a parody of, and a tribute to, the musicals of the thirties. When the star of a cheesy English musical hall play is injured, the assistant stage manager, Polly Browne, has to take her place. And of course, the great Hollywood director Cedil B. de Thrill is in the audience talent scouting, Polly is in love with the male lead (something everyone but him knows), the musical's director is rewriting the show as he goes, and one of the cast is intent on sabotaging everyone else to get noticed by de Thrill.Periodically, we get brilliantly done big stage numbers based on the great 1930s screen musicals of Busby Berkeley, all done absolutely perfectly.The cast is marvelous. Whether playing it straight or deliberately overacting every note is perfect.For lovers of musicals, this is a must.