This film is part of Rentals
Tall Dark Stranger
Are you ready to strut your stuff? Take a bracing, sexy cruise around the diverse 1980s gay scene.
1986 48 mins
Director: Paul Oremland
Overview
After a gentle opening in which a gay schoolboy explains his love of cruising, we hear a number of older, wiser male voices who reveal their youthful experiences of dipping a toe into London’s gay scene. From drag routines from David Dale to clone queens discussing the AIDS crisis, this 80s TV programme offers an unusually vivid and poetic look at queer lives.
This episode of the LGBT documentary series Ace of Hearts was later criticised by director Paul Oremland, who regarded it as a flawed experiment, but its meandering guide through clubs and cruising grounds - some long gone - make for a heady viewing experience. Unlike the other episodes, which focused exclusively on gay figures, it includes an interview with a bisexual man. Before it had even been broadcast, Six of Hearts was a target of protest from Mary Whitehouse. Thankfully, Channel 4 ignored her concerns and these remarkable snapshots of gay culture are available to view for the next generation.
Related
LGBT Britain
Pride Pride
Comedy 2014 120 mins Director: Matthew Warchus
The smash culture-clash comedy tells the incredible true story of how miners and a Gay Pride support group come together to fight a common cause.
50 Years Legal 50 Years Legal
Documentary 2017 77 mins Director: Simon Napier-Bell
Five decades on from the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality, a range of LGBTQ+ stars (including Sir Elton John and Stephen Fry) reflect on Britain's history of prejudice, persecution and liberation.
Supernova Supernova
Drama 2020 97 mins Director: Harry Macqueen
Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci shine as a long-term couple dealing with the onset of illness in this warm and tender drama.
Rebel Dykes Rebel Dykes
Documentary 2021 91 mins Director: Harri Shanahan
A brilliant and refreshing story of UK post-punk dyke culture, told by those who lived it.
Sweetheart Sweetheart
Comedy 2021 103 mins Director: Marley Morrison
AJ discovers it’s not so bad being on a family holiday when she meets flirtatious lifeguard Isla in this smart and funny first feature.
Ammonite Ammonite
Biopic 2020 118 mins Director: Francis Lee
Francis Lee follows up God’s Own Country with a film that is every bit as immersive, tactile and emotionally powerful, aided by the devastatingly good Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan.
Directed by Paul Oremland
A Boy Called Mary A Boy Called Mary
1986 52 mins Director: Paul Oremland
The fabulous life and times of queer writer Kris Kirk, who became one of the UK’s most influential music journalists.
Andy the Furniture Maker Andy the Furniture Maker
1986 53 mins Director: Paul Oremland
How did a cute, gay Essex boy go from oyster fishing to becoming the toast of the London arts scene?
Tides of Laughter Tides of Laughter
1986 49 mins Director: Paul Oremland
A female ‘end-of-the-pier’ double act find out a surprising secret about their landlady - and about each other.
New
Ali & Ava Ali & Ava
Drama 2020 94 mins Director: Clio Barnard
Clio Barnard’s latest film is a tremendously warm and tenderly written love story.
Parallel Mothers Parallel Mothers
Drama 2021 123 mins Director: Pedro Almodóvar
Almodóvar at his very best, presenting a riveting drama about two mothers from very different backgrounds whose lives become intertwined.
Wake Up Punk Wake Up Punk
Documentary 2022 84 mins Director: Nigel Askew
Nigel Askew's documentary explores the punk movement, featuring revealing insights from designer and punk icon Vivienne Westwood.
We're All Going to the World's Fair We're All Going to the World's Fair
Horror 2021 86 mins Director: Jane Schoenbrun
This remarkable debut from Jane Schoenbrun is destined to be a cult classic.
Murina Murina
Drama 2021 96 mins Director: Antoneta Alamat Kusijanovic
Tensions rise between restless teenager Julija and her oppressive father Ante when an old family friend arrives at their Croatian island home.
Compartment No. 6 Compartment No. 6
Drama 2021 107 mins Director: Juho Kuosmanen
Juho Kuosmanen’s grungy train journey to Siberia, in a Finnish student’s shared sleeper carriage with a volatile Russian labourer, won the 2021 Cannes Grand Prix.