Mad About the Boy: The Noël Coward Story

Mad About the Boy: The Noël Coward Story is a historical documentary that explores the life and professional achievements of Noël Coward. The film examines how Coward transitioned from a childhood of poverty to becoming a globally recognized figure in theater and music, achieving significant wealth and fame as a playwright, director, and composer. A central theme of the narrative is the conflict between his public persona and his private life, specifically his efforts to keep his sexuality hidden from the world.

Directed and written by Barnaby Thompson, the film is the fourth project in his directorial timeline, following Pixie. The production features archive footage of Noël Coward, Laurence Olivier, Maggie Smith, and Harold Pinter. The narrative is guided by the voice of Alan Cumming, with Rupert Everett providing the voice for Coward. The film was a joint production between the United Kingdom and the United States, involving companies such as BBC Film and Fragile Films.