Marking its 50th anniversary, this landmark film stars John Hurt as the inimitable Quentin Crisp, who made the bold decision to be openly gay in the highly conservative environment of 1930s and ‘40s England.

Adapted from his memoir of the same name, it recounts Quentin’s coming of age and his refusal to hide who he was. Dying his hair red and adopting a flamboyant persona destined to attract attention, he wore his homosexuality as a badge of honour. As he navigates the streets of London he’s rejected by bigots and fellow gays alike, who feared his openness put their closeted lives in danger. But when he’s confronted with criminal charges, is he willing to defend his lifestyle in court?

When The Naked Civil Servant was first broadcast on British television in December 1975 it was a breakthrough moment for LGBTIQ+ representation, as one of the first mainstream sympathetic portrayals of a gay character since homosexuality was decriminalised in 1967. John Hurt’s performance won him a BAFTA, while director Jack Gold won The Desmond Davies Award for outstanding creative contribution to television.

For content advice about the film, please click here.

This is a free outdoor event at The Rocks Laneway Cinema, screening as part of the Queer Screen Mardi Gras Film Festival. Registration will open from 10 Feb. 

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