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
The Pass The Pass
Drama 2015 86 mins Director: Ben A. Williams
Russell Tovey stars as a Premier League footballer who shares a fumbled pass (of the sexual kind) with a teammate (Arinzé Kene), changing everything - both on and off the pitch.
More than a Journey More than a Journey
1986 52 mins Director: Caroline Mylon
From Sudan to the Greek islands via the East Midlands - a young gay woman seeks love, happiness and fulfilment
Chemsex Chemsex
Documentary 2015 80 mins Director: William Fairman
A hard-hitting and often graphic documentary about the 'chemsex' sub-scene in London’s gay community.
Greek Pete Greek Pete
Drama 2009 70 mins Director: Andrew Haigh
Acclaimed filmmaker Andrew Haigh (Weekend, 45 Years) made his feature debut with this bold, sexually explicit drama-documentary about London rent boys.
One in Five One in Five
1982 52 mins Silent Director: Ken Howard
Endearingly right-on concoction bringing together lesbians and gay men for dancing and debate at Heaven nightclub
Dressed as a Girl Dressed as a Girl
Documentary 2015 101 mins Director: Colin Rothbart
An in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at London’s finest drag performers. Warning: extreme use of make-up and glitter.
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
Gwen Gwen
Drama 2018 84 mins Director: William McGregor
A young girl tries desperately to protect her family from illness and dark outside forces in William McGregor's stark period horror.
The Blonde One The Blonde One
Drama 2019 111 mins Director: Marco Berger
A tentative friendship blossoms into a beautiful bromance in this erotically-charged yet disarmingly sweet-natured offering from Marco Berger (Taekwondo).
Diego Maradona Diego Maradona
Documentary 2019 124 mins Director: Asif Kapadia
The supreme football superstar is the latest subject for acclaimed filmmaker Asif Kapadia (Amy, Senna), as he deftly explores the complicated dynamic between Diego the man and Maradona the icon.
Meeting Gorbachev Meeting Gorbachev
Documentary 2018 91 mins Director: Werner Herzog
Werner Herzog meets the former President of the Soviet Union in this invigorating portrait of a towering 20th-century figure.
Tell It to the Bees Tell It to the Bees
Drama 2017 108 mins Director: Annabel Jankel
Anna Paquin and Holliday Grainger star as two very different women who fall in love in this 1950s-set romantic drama.
A Fantastic Woman A Fantastic Woman
Drama 2017 104 mins Director: Sebastián Lelio
This invigorating and inspiring Chilean drama from Sebastián Lelio (Gloria) follows a trans woman’s quest for a little respect. Winner of the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film 2018.