Gay & Lesbian Movies: The History Boys

Based upon a play by Alan Bennett, The History Boys centers on an unruly class of bright, funny teenage boys in pursuit of sex, sport and a college degree.

The action takes place in Cutlers' Grammar School, Sheffield, a fictional boys' grammar school in the north of England. Set in the 1980s, the film follows a group of history pupils preparing for the Oxbridge entrance examinations under the guidance of two teachers (Irwin and Hector) with contrasting styles.

Bounced between their maverick English teacher, a young and shrewd professor hired to up their test scores, a grossly out-numbered history teacher, and a headmaster obsessed with results, the boys attempt to sift through it all to pass the daunting university admissions process. Their journey becomes as much about how education works, as it is about where education leads.

One of the students, Posner (Samuel Barnett,) tells his teacher that he suspects that he might be homosexual and is convinced that he is in love with another student, Dakin (Dominic Cooper). Dakin is currently seeing school employee Fiona (Georgia Taylor), who is causing Dakin frustration.

Even more complications arise when the time arises for the boys to actually take their scholarship tests. Afterwards, Dakin produces a copy of his essay for Irwin to look over. Irwin is amazed by the fact that Dakin has taken all of his advice and that his essay is perfect. However, in the conversation, Irwin inadvertently confirmed Dakin's suspicions of Irwin's own homosexuality, due to his fondness towards Dakin.

Director: Nicholas Hytner

Cast: Richard Griffiths, Clive Merrison, Frances De La Tour, Stephen Campbell Moore, Dominic Cooper, Sacha Dhawan, Andrew Knott, Samuel Barnett, Russell Tovey, Jamie Parker, James Corden, Penelope Wilton, Adrian Scarborough, Georgia Taylor, Samuel Anderson

Where to find out more: foxsearchlight.com/thehistoryboys/