Prick Up Your Ears
“They shared everything... except success.”
Synopsis
When the young, attractive Joe Orton meets the older, more introverted Kenneth Halliwell at drama school, he befriends the kindred spirit and they start an affair. As Orton becomes more comfortable with his sexuality and starts to find success with his writing, Halliwell becomes increasingly alienated and jealous, ultimately tapping into a dangerous rage.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Official 30th Anniversary TrailerOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2017-06-12
Top Cast
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Gary Oldman
Joe Orton
Alfred Molina
Kenneth Halliwell
Vanessa Redgrave
Peggy Ramsay
Wallace Shawn
John Lahr
Lindsay Duncan
Anthea Lahr
Julie Walters
Elsie Orton
James Grant
William Orton
Frances Barber
Leonie Orton
Janet Dale
Mrs Sugden
Dave Atkins
Mr Sugden
Margaret Tyzack
Madame Lambert
Eric Richard
Education Officer
William Job
RADA Chairman
Rosalind Knight
RADA Judge
Angus MacKay
RADA Judge
Linda Spurrier
RADA Instructor
Charlotte Wodehouse
Janet
Helena Michell
Orton's Friend
Release History & Theatrical Window
April 17, 1987
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Stephen Frears
- Screenplay & Story
- Alan Bennett
- Original Score
- Stanley Myers
- Original Title
- Prick Up Your Ears
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 51m
- Production Studios
- British Screen Productions, Civilhand, Zenith Entertainment, Film Four International
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Stephen Frears
Alan Bennett, John Lahr
Stanley Myers
Oliver Stapleton
Mick Audsley
Andrew Brown
Department Leadership Roster
Stephen Frears
Director
Alan Bennett
Screenplay
Andrew Brown
Producer
Stanley Myers
Original Music Composer
Oliver Stapleton
Director of Photography
Mick Audsley
Editor
Hugo Luczyc-Wyhowski
Production Design
Bob Ringwood
Costume Design
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
Suitable only for adults 18 years and over.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Prick Up Your Ears.
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Classic Movies Collection
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Gary Oldman Portfolio - Movies
Curated master portfolio of movies starring Gary Oldman Portfolio - Movies. Updated frequently. Last updated September 26, 2026.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Prick Up Your Ears
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Prick Up Your Ears about?
When the young, attractive Joe Orton meets the older, more introverted Kenneth Halliwell at drama school, he befriends the kindred spirit and they start an affair. As Orton becomes more comfortable with his sexuality and starts to find success with his writing, Halliwell becomes increasingly alienated and jealous, ultimately tapping into a dangerous rage.
Who directed Prick Up Your Ears?
Prick Up Your Ears was directed by Stephen Frears.
Who stars in Prick Up Your Ears?
The principal cast of Prick Up Your Ears includes Gary Oldman, Alfred Molina, Vanessa Redgrave, Wallace Shawn, Lindsay Duncan.
When was Prick Up Your Ears released and how long is it?
Prick Up Your Ears was released in 1987 with a total runtime of 1h 51m.
Who composed the musical score for Prick Up Your Ears?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Prick Up Your Ears was composed by Stanley Myers.
Is Prick Up Your Ears based on a book or true story?
Prick Up Your Ears is adapted from the following source material: Book: "John Lahr".
What is the age rating and content advisory for Prick Up Your Ears?
Prick Up Your Ears holds official age classifications: GB: 18 (Suitable only for adults 18 years and over.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).