"History" is coming

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I'm assuming that Nicholas Hytner's film version of Alan Bennett's The History Boys (Fox Searchlight, 11.24), which has the spiritual and thematic ingredients required for Best Picture consideration in spades, will play the Toronto Film Festival.

I still think there's a speed bump waiting to happen in the subplot about the older teacher fondling some of his students, but the stage version, which won won a passel of Tony awards (including one for Best Play), is so rich and resounding, and it says so many right things in such a commanding way, that it's hard to imagine the film not being received with great end-of-the-year, award-level acclaim. Unless, of course, Hytner somehow cocks it up.

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Posted by Jeffrey Wells on July 1, 2006 at 10:30 AM

comment #1

Nicol D says ...

I have read several reviews of the play and it says that it does not condemn the teacher molesting his students. That he is seen as a romantic figure.

Does anyone know if this is true of the play of film.

Jeffrey,

Care to comment?

Posted by Nicol D at July 1, 2006 1:59 PM

comment #2

John says ...

Jeff,

Having seen the play, I would hardly say it takes a romantic view. The price is, as always, unbearable. However, this near perfect production changed the way I look at things. What is left is bittersweet. Let's hope the film can live up to expectations.

I can call you Jeff, yes?

David Poland is a pudknocker! Ouch, that sort of just slipped out.

Posted by John at July 2, 2006 12:17 AM

comment #3