
During the 1960s in London, playwright Joe Orton challenges societal norms with his daring and controversial works. His relationship with his partner, Kenneth Halliwell, is complex and passionate, but as Orton’s career ascends and Halliwell struggles for recognition, tensions build. The couple’s tumultuous romance ultimately leads to a devastating and premature end for both of them, forever silencing their creative voices.
Does Prick Up Your Ears have end credit scenes?
No!
Prick Up Your Ears does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.
Explore the complete cast of Prick Up Your Ears, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.
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72
Metascore
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User Score
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TOMATOMETER
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User Score
7.1 /10
IMDb Rating
66
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User Score
Challenge your knowledge of Prick Up Your Ears with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.
What profession did Peggy Ramsay hold?
Literary agent
Playwright
Theatre critic
Director
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Discover all the awards and nominations received by Prick Up Your Ears, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how Prick Up Your Ears and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.
41st British Academy Film Awards 1988
Best Adapted Screenplay
45th Golden Globe Awards 1988
3rd Independent Spirit Awards 1988
Best International Film
Read the complete plot summary of Prick Up Your Ears, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.
On 9 August 1967, in Islington, the literary agent Peggy Ramsay finds herself knocking on the door of playwright Joe Orton and his partner Kenneth Halliwell; however, no one answers. Concerned, she decides to call the police, who unfortunately discover the tragic scene of the two men’s lifeless bodies. Fast forward a decade, and theatre critic John Lahr is eager to pen a biography on Orton. He visits Ramsay, where they come across Orton’s diaries, prompting her to recount Orton’s fascinating life story.
The journey of Orton and Halliwell commenced at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. Initially, Orton took on the role of an unrefined youth beneath the pretense of Halliwell’s older wisdom. However, as time progressed, Orton’s confidence surged, bolstering his literary prowess, while Halliwell found himself stagnant in his creative efforts. They gradually slipped into a caricatured dynamic resembling a conventional married couple; Orton took on the role of the “husband,” while Halliwell morphed into the neglected “wife.” This internal struggle was heightened in an era when homosexuality was deemed illegal.
As Orton received a commission to script a movie for the legendary Beatles, Halliwell became overly enthusiastic while preparing for an encounter with the iconic band. Yet fate dealt a harsh hand, as Orton was called away to a solitary meeting. The culmination of their fraught relationship led to a heart-wrenching climax in August 1967, when a despondent Halliwell took the drastic step of ending Orton’s life before succumbing to suicide himself.
This tragic tale reveals the complexities of their intertwined lives and the profound impact of fame, despair, and the pursuit of artistic identity.
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