Mad About the Boy: The Noël Coward Story (PG)

Sir Noël Coward grew up in poverty and left school when he was only nine years old. He was queer in a very straight world.

And yet by the age of 30, he was the highest paid writer in the world, and a star on the Broadway stage.

He wrote, directed and acted in some of the finest plays and movies of all time, including Private Lives, Blithe Spirit, Brief Encounter and In Which We Serve. He also became a world renowned songwriter and performer of whom Frank Sinatra said, ‘If you want to hear how a song should be sung, go see Mr Noël Coward’.

And if that wasn’t enough, he was also a spy during the Second World War! Against all odds, Sir Noël Coward became the most successful multi-talented artist of the Twentieth Century. He defined an era and led an extraordinary life. This is his inspirational story told in his own words and music, and unique home movies.

The film features Sir Laurence Olivier, Dame Maggie Smith, Harold Pinter, Frank Sinatra, Lauren Bacall, Sir Michael Caine and Lucille Ball. It is narrated by Alan Cumming, with Rupert Everett as the voice of Sir Noël Coward.

Cast: Noël Coward, Michael Caine, Maggie Smith, Rupert Everett, Alan Cumming, Lauren Bacall, Frank Sinatra, Laurence Olivier, Harold Pinter, Lucille Ball

Director: Barnaby Thompson

★★★★★ "If anyone wants to take a mesmerising journey into matchless wit and style, watch Mad About the Boy, Barnaby Thompson’s documentary on Noël Coward." INDEPENDENT UK

★★★★ "The tale of how a boy who left school at nine and had no musical training yet became one of the world’s most prolific playwrights and composers undoubtedly has something fantastical about it." ARTS DESK

★★★★ "[a] fascinating portrait of a 20th-century great" OBSERVER UK

★★★★ "A suitably expansive look at a giant talent." TIMES UK