This is harrowing stuff, tough going, but ultimately very rewarding. Underpinned by Alan Bennett's sparkling script, director Stephen Frears does a good job of telling the real-life story of gifted playwright Joe Orton, who was battered to death by his lover Kenneth Halliwell in 1967.
At times more of a gay melodrama than a straight-forward docu-flick, Gary Oldman turns in a fine performance as Joe Orton, supported by Alfred Molina as Kenneth Halliwell and Vanessa Redgrave as Peggy Ramsay.
Prick Up Your Ears is a Film programme that first aired in 1987 and has been classified a 18 certificate.
