Girl Stroke Boy

SO many funny, edgy films are done in europe first, where the viewing audience isn't so squeamish about discussing LGBT topics. (The Ritz, Cage aux Folles, Girl Stroke Boy, Queer as Folk). Girl Stroke Boy came five years before Norman, Is That You? similar plot. in england, son Laurie (Clive Francis) brings home his girlfriend, or boyfriend (Straker)... the parents aren't quite sure which. and because the furnace won't shut off, it's already hot and uncomfortable in the house. Mom (Joan Greenwood) acts completely inappropriately the entire film, and the husband without a backbone (Michael Hordern) gets nagged into going along with it. some clever lines, but mom said so many rude things, the son Laurie should have told the mother to mind her own business. I personally would have stood up for the girlfriend or boyfriend and returned to my own home. Laurie has more patience, and stays to argue it out with his parents. an awkward and painful scene where mom and dad actually call Jo's parents to try to figure out if he/she is really a boy or girl. there are some surprises in here, and some clever turns of phrase. Patricia Routledge (Hyacinth from Keeping Up Appearances!) is the neighbor who pops in here and there. directed by Bob Kellett, who also did Space 1999 and Are You Being Served, the film. this seems to have started out as a play by David Percival. not much out there on him. the film is good, if you have the patience to sit through all the bickering.