The Boy Friend is a prime example of style over substance when it comes to filmmaking, and the result, while not a masterpiece, is definitely great fun. This is often the case with lavish musicals, which have a tendency to rely more on visual and aural stimulation than anything too complex (see: anything Baz Luhrmann has ever had anything to do with, ever). Seeing as The Boy Friend is primarily an homage to Busby Berkeley’s gorgeous dance-driven films from the 1920s, this kind of stimulation is really all that’s necessary. The film is enjoyable to watch, a kaleidoscope of candy-colored props and costumes and cartoon-faced dancers. All are captured vibrantly in this newly remastered version of the film, available for the first time on DVD as part of the Warner Archive Collection, a series of made-to-order DVDs of rare and cult classic gems.
The ensemble is led by Twiggy in her big-screen debut. To see the iconic model’s face in motion (and to hear her thick Cockney accent), as opposed to just seeing her wide-eyed blank stare in a fashion spread, is enough of a draw in itself to make the film worth watching. Twiggy takes on the lead role of Polly Browne, who was portrayed by Julie Andrews on Broadway in the Sandy Wilson musical from which the film was adapted; it was the iconic Mary Poppins actress’s American stage debut. Those are big shoes to fill, and while Twiggy is always magnetic to look at, and her performance energetic and charming, one can’t help but wonder what the film would have been like with Ms. Andrews in the lead instead. It would have probably brought a small amount of gravitas to the proceedings, but as I already said, The Boy Friend is in no need of such seriousness anyways. Nonetheless, Twiggy won two Golden Globes for her trouble.
The story is only loosely drawn from Wilson’s musical, so fans of that show might be slightly confused upon first popping in the DVD. In it, Polly is the assistant stage manager of a small-time theater company who is forced to step in onstage for the lead actress during a performance where a buzzed-about Hollywood mogul will be scouting talent for his next production. Polly falls for her leading man, Tony, and a variety of musical numbers, mostly fantasy sequences, ensue. Think Moulin Rouge!, but on acid instead of absinthe. Despite taking place in the 1920s, everything seems very trendy and mod; the fact that it was shot in 1971 is written all over every frame, and in every splash of color. And boy, are there a lot of those!
The Boy Friend is pure fluff, but it’s fun fluff, albeit far too long at 136 minutes (the original theatrical release was only 109 minutes, which sounds a lot more ideal). Ken Russell takes his tendency to go overboard to the breaking point in every aspect of the production, but proves that when it comes to Mod-Squad musical madness, he was definitely the master (see: Tommy, Lisztomania). I would put The Boy Friend on during a party as background music and visuals; it’s that kind of film, where you don’t need to pay close attention to the plot to appreciate what’s there.
DVD Bonus Features
There is only one bonus feature on the disc, but it’s a good one: a vintage, behind the scenes “making-of” featurette. To see all these people in their prime is phenomenal—especially Twiggy, of course.
This made-to-order edition of The Boy Friend is available exclusively from the online WB Shop.
"The Boy Friend" is on sale April 12, 2011 and is rated G. Dance, Musical. Written by Ken Russell, Sandy Wilson. Starring Christopher Gable, Glenda Jackson, Twiggy.
