Known for his wit and flamboyance, legendary playwright, actor, composer, director Noël Coward’s career spanned over six decades, with over 50 published plays and hundreds of songs composed under his name. Greenwich Entertainment unveiled the official trailer for a new documentary on the influential artist directed by British director and producer Barnaby Thompson.

‘Mad About the Boy: The Noël Coward Story’ is narrated by Alan Cumming, and features some of the most notable names in history such as Laurence Olivier, Maggie Smith, Frank Sinatra, Michael Caine along with Lucille Ball. The documentary was released in the UK last year on June 2, 2023.

Release Date

Directed by Barnaby Thompson, ‘Mad About the Boy: The Noël Coward Story’ opens in US theaters and on VOD on October 11, 2024.

Synopsis

Noël Coward grew up in poverty and left school when he was only nine years old. He was queer in a very straight world. And yet by the age of 30, he was the highest paid writer in the world, and a star on the Broadway stage. He wrote, directed and acted in some of the finest plays and movies of all time, including Private Lives, Blithe Spirit, Brief Encounter and In Which We Serve. He also became a world renowned songwriter and performer of whom Frank Sinatra said, “If you want to hear how a song should be sung, go see Mr. Noël Coward.” And if that wasn’t enough, he was also a spy during the Second World War! Against all odds, Noël Coward became the most successful multi-talented artist of the Twentieth Century. He defined an era and led an extraordinary life. This is his inspirational story told in his own words and music, and unique home movies.

Reviews

Wendy Ide in a The Observer review praised the documentary, giving it a 4/5 score, writing, “This very enjoyable and informative documentary, directed by Barnaby Thompson, digs into the contradictions underpinning the life and work of one of the most prolific and versatile talents of the 20th century.”

Geordie Greig in an Independent UK review gave the documentary a perfect score of 5/5, writing, “If anyone wants to take a mesmerising journey into matchless wit and style, watch Mad About the Boy, Barnaby Thompson’s documentary on Noël Coward.”

Official Trailer

Watch the official trailer for ‘Mad About the Boy: The Noël Coward Story’.