IMDb 7.3 2023 HD

Mad About the Boy: The Noël Coward Story

Mad About the Boy: The Noël Coward Story

2023
Documentary History
95 min NR United Kingdom
6.4 / 10
7.3 IMDB

The extraordinary life of playwright, singer, actor, composer, and director Noël Coward, who rose from poverty to stardom while keeping his sexuality a secret. Featuring Laurence Olivier, Maggie…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Barnaby Thompson
Starring
Noël Coward / Rupert Everett / Alan Cumming / Laurence Olivier / Maggie Smith / Harold Pinter / Michael Caine / Frank Sinatra

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

witty insightful nostalgic complex celebratory revealing poignant artistic engaging well-researched restrained iconic

Reviews

I
Isabelle Moreau
Mar 21, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

Barnaby Thompson’s 'Mad About the Boy: The Noël Coward Story' is a beautifully curated journey into the life of a singular talent. The film excels in its portrayal of Coward’s multifaceted career, seamlessly blending his roles as playwright,…

A
Arthur Finch
Mar 21, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

This documentary on Noël Coward, 'Mad About the Boy', presents a comprehensive overview of his prodigious talents. It’s a film that aims to cover a great deal, from his theatrical triumphs to his musical endeavours. Alan Cumming’s narration…

G
Genevieve Dubois
Mar 21, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

'Mad About the Boy: The Noël Coward Story' is a richly textured tribute to an enduring icon. Director Barnaby Thompson has crafted a film that feels both intimate and grand, charting Coward’s journey with elegance. Rupert Everett’s vocal…

M
Marcus Bellwether
Mar 21, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

As an exploration of Noël Coward’s remarkable career, 'Mad About the Boy' succeeds in piecing together a complex individual. The documentary’s strength lies in its candid portrayal of Coward’s determination to rise above his circumstances and achieve stardom.…

E
Eleanor Vance
Mar 21, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

Barnaby Thompson’s documentary, 'Mad About the Boy: The Noël Coward Story', offers a compelling portrait of a theatrical titan. The film navigates Coward’s ascent from obscurity to international acclaim with a keen eye for both his public brilliance…

FAQs

The film is directed by Barnaby Thompson, an Academy Award nominee. This recognition suggests a certain level of artistic ambition and a commitment to quality filmmaking, hinting that 'Mad About the Boy' likely offers a thoughtfully crafted exploration of Noël Coward's life.