Prick Up Your Ears

Prick Up Your Ears

Year: 1987

Runtime: 105 min

Language: English

Director: Stephen Frears

BiographyDramaRomance

During the 1960s in London, playwright Joe Orton challenges societal norms with his daring and controversial works. His relationship with his partner, Kenneth Halliwell, is complex and passionate, but as Orton’s career ascends and Halliwell struggles for recognition, tensions build. The couple’s tumultuous romance ultimately leads to a devastating and premature end for both of them, forever silencing their creative voices.

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Timeline – Prick Up Your Ears (1987)

Trace every key event in Prick Up Your Ears (1987) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Peggy Ramsay's Visit

On 9 August 1967, Peggy Ramsay arrives at the home of playwright Joe Orton and his partner Kenneth Halliwell but receives no answer at the door. Concerned about their well-being, she decides to contact the police for assistance.

9 August 1967 Islington
2

Discovery of the Bodies

The police respond to Ramsay's call and break into the apartment where they tragically discover the lifeless bodies of Orton and Halliwell. This shocking revelation marks the beginning of a complex narrative surrounding their relationship and the dark turn of events.

9 August 1967 Islington
3

John Lahr's Ambition

A decade after the tragic events, theatre critic John Lahr expresses a desire to write a biography about Joe Orton. This ambition leads him to meet with Peggy Ramsay to delve into Orton's life and explore the legacy he left behind.

4

Unearthing Orton’s Diaries

During their meeting, Ramsay and Lahr discover Orton's diaries, which offer a profound insight into the playwright's thoughts and experiences. These diaries become crucial in reconstructing the narrative of Orton's vibrant yet troubled life.

5

RADA Beginnings

The journey of Orton and Halliwell begins at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, where they both study. This early chapter sets the stage for their developing relationship, marked by contrasting personalities and creative ambitions.

Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts
6

Shifting Dynamics

As time passes, Orton, initially the less confident of the two, begins to flourish both personally and professionally. In contrast, Halliwell struggles in his creative pursuits, leading to a significant shift in their relationship dynamics.

7

The Married Couple Persona

Orton and Halliwell's relationship evolves into a caricatured dynamic often likened to a conventional married couple. Orton assumes the role of the 'husband' while Halliwell embodies the neglected 'wife,' a portrayal undercut by the reality of their struggles.

8

Legal Constraints of Homosexuality

Their relationship unfolds against the backdrop of a society where homosexuality is illegal, amplifying the internal conflict they face. This context serves to heighten their emotional turmoil and the stakes surrounding their lives.

9

Beetles Commission

Orton receives an exciting commission to write a script for a movie featuring the legendary Beatles, propelling him further into the limelight. Halliwell's enthusiasm for this opportunity highlights the complexity of his feelings toward Orton's rising fame.

10

Fateful Meeting

As preparations are underway for Orton's meeting with the Beatles, an unexpected call pulls him away to a private discussion. This moment underscores the turbulence in their relationship, showcasing Halliwell's insecurities amid Orton's burgeoning success.

11

Tragic Climax

In August 1967, the increasingly fraught relationship between Orton and Halliwell reaches a heartbreaking climax. A despondent Halliwell, overwhelmed by a mix of despair and jealousy, makes the tragic decision to take Orton's life.

August 1967 Islington
12

The Aftermath

Following the tragic event, Halliwell ultimately succumbs to suicide, marking a grim end to a tumultuous relationship. Their intertwined lives leave a lasting impact on the world of theatre and an eternal reminder of the costs of fame and despair.

13

Legacy and Impact

The tragic tale of Orton and Halliwell highlights the complexities of their lives as artists and partners, shedding light on the challenges they faced in a less accepting society. Their story not only informs theatre history but also resonates with themes of identity and artistic pursuit.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 20:01

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Prick Up Your Ears Summary

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Prick Up Your Ears Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Prick Up Your Ears

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Prick Up Your Ears

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