The Leather Boys (1964) Queer Film (B)

DIRECTOR: Sidney J. Furie

BOTTOM LINE: In “The Leather Boys,” we are introduced Reggie (Colin Campbell)  a young South London mechanic and biker who marries his teenage sweetheart Dot. Their marriage quickly deteriorates as Dot proves immature and self-centered, more interested in fun than responsibility. Reggie finds solace in the camaraderie of the “ton-up boy” rocker scene, riding motorcycles and spending time with friends. Reggie grows increasingly close to fellow biker Pete (Dudley Sutton), whose eccentric personality and warmth contrast with Dot’s indifference. Their friendship deepens into an emotionally charged relationship, with queer undertones that were daring for the time. Dot drifts away, The film ends ambiguously, with Reggie caught between conformity and self-discovery.

Canadian journeyman Sidney J. Furie, who would come into his own the following year with “The Ipcress File,” does a nice job here getting good performances from all three leads. The final scene in the gay bar is a bit of a disappointment from a gay perspective. However, the movie’s long closing tracking shot is a beauty.

The Ace Cafe, located on London’s North Circular Road, the diner/meeting point featured in the film, was restored and reopened in 2001 after being used for many years as a tire depot.

The Smiths’ single “Girlfriend in a Coma” features Tushingham and Campbell on the cover.

“The Leather Boys” influenced Katherine Bigelow’s movie debut, “The Loveless” (1981).

Adapted by Gillian Freeman from her novel of the same name.

Cinematography: Gerald Gibbs

British Lion-Columbia

STREAMING: YouTube, TUBI and Classix

Sixty-Eight Queer Films Made Under the Hays Code (1934-1967)

https://thebrownees.net/sixty-nine-queer-films-of-the-new-hollywood-1967-1981