This film is the story of the spectacular life and violent death of British playwright Joe Orton. In his teens, Orton is befriended by the older, more reserved Kenneth Halliwell, and while the two begin a relationship, it's fairly obvious that it's not all about sex. Orton loves the dangers of bath-houses and liaisons in public restrooms; Halliwell, not as charming or attractive as Orton, doesn't fare so well in those environs.

While both long to become writers, it is Orton who achieves fame - his plays "Entertaining Mr. Sloane" and "Loot" become huge hits in London of the sixties, and he's even commissioned to write a screenplay for the Beatles. But Orton's success takes him farther from Halliwell, whose response ended both his life and the life of the up-and-coming playwright.

Written by Gary Dickerson
Sourse IMDB

Directed by
Stephen Frears

Cast
Gary Oldman - Joe Orton
Alfred Molina - Kenneth Halliwell
Vanessa Redgrave - Peggy Ramsay
Wallace Shawn - John Lahr
Julie Walters - Elsie Orton
James Grant - William Orton
Frances Barber - Leonie Orton
Lindsay Duncan - Anthea Lahr
Janet Dale - Mrs Sugden
Dave Atkins - Mr Sugden
Derek Jarman - Patrick Proktor
Margaret Tyzack - Madame Lambert
Eric Richard - Education Officer
Charlotte Wodehouse - Janet
Linda Spurrier - RADA Instructor
Charles McKowen - Mr Cunliffe
Selina Cadell - Miss Datersby
Liam Staic - Brickie

Production Co.
Civilhand Productions
Zenith Productions
Pathe/FilmFour

Produced by
Andrew Brown

Studio
Samuel Goldwyn Company

Writer
John Lahr
Alan Bennett

Music
Stanley Myers