The Leather Boys

I laughed when I saw the title. I thought that is a very dodgy title! I was even more surprised when I realised it had a gay character lurking in his sexy leathers behind the main character! (Not that he got up to anything behind him) Although, I have to say it is extremely well acted, and even though the film is rather ancient now, it was actually rather refreshing, and very entertaining. So if it pops up on television somewhere, and you happen to be in front of it, watch it! It is well scripted and splendid stuff. You don't have to be gay to enjoy it either! Nice bikes too, makes me want to get my three wheeler out of the garage. Pedal power... Oh yes... Work those legs!

I caught this film on TV earlier this summer after having first seen it 30 years ago and it was every bit as good as I remembered it.

It gains a great deal by not being overt about its gay subtext. This does a lot to increase its poignancy. Beautifully shot and edited ,it also fascinating for the various location shots around south west London. It also to my mind has a undermining sniggering tone to the fairly wooden dialogue amongst the family in the first part of the film..very reminiscent of a Mike Leigh film. Did anyone out there ever remember seeing it in the cinema, as I imagine people would have got more of the references and picked up its satirical tone more acutely then.

Music by BillMcGuffie.He also did some arrangements for Sinatra.

Check out Dudley Sutton on you-tube

.The Leather Boys is a 1950s British film that explores themes of youth rebellion, homosexuality, and class struggle. It follows the story of a young couple, Reggie and Dot, as their relationship is put to the test when Reggie becomes involved with the gay subculture. The film's portrayal of homosexuality was groundbreaking for its time, and its examination of working-class culture and gender roles is notable. Despite its flaws, The Leather Boys is a powerful and important work of cinema. Another notable aspect of The Leather Boys is its depiction of gender roles and expectations. The film challenges traditional notions of masculinity and femininity, showing men who are sensitive and emotional, and women who are strong and independent. Through Reggie and Dot's relationship, the film shows the importance of mutual respect and understanding in a healthy relationship, regardless of gender.

The film's portrayal of gender roles and expectations is not without its flaws, however. Some have criticized the film's depiction of women as secondary characters, with Dot's role in the film limited to that of a supportive girlfriend. Others have argued that the film's exploration of masculinity and femininity is limited to a narrow range of gender identities and expressions.

An interesting kitchen sink film that alludes too, rather than tackling homosexuality. Worth watching for the location shots and the fine performance of Dudley Sutton. The final quarter of an hour is really quite poignant and there is an excellent final scene.

Rita Tushingham and Colin Campbell get married. Things don't work out. He expects sex , a clean home and meals on time. She...seems vaguer on what's entailed. They quarrel constantly and he walks out to live in his grandmother's house with his motorcycle buddy, Dudley Sutton.

There's a lot of gay subtext in this movie, what with the leather motorcycle togs, the men sharing a bed in Gladys Henson's house. Both of the principals seem lost and clueless as to what marriage entails, and fall into old habits. It's one of those kitchen-sink dramas that were popular in the late 1950s and early 1960s, and the performances under under-rated director Sidney Furie are terrific, but it's a movie in which there is no one to root for. The camerawork by Gerald Gibbs seems purposefully gray and gloomy, with a constantly foggy outdoors.