'Master Harold'... and the Boys (TV 1985)

When Harold, a young white man, learns that his alcoholic, handicapped father is returning home, his frustration turns into racist viciousness against the two black men who work for the family.

Director:

Michael Lindsay-Hogg

Writer:

Athol Fugard

Stars:

Matthew Broderick, John Kani, Zakes Mokae

2 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Matthew Broderick	...	Master Harold 'Hally'
John Kani	...	Willie
Zakes Mokae	...	Sam

Storyline

Master Harold" is what the black employees are ordered to call young Hally, the son of a well-to-do white couple who own a fashionable tea room. Hally wanders into the establishment one day and sees two black male workers practicing for an upcoming ballroom competition by dancing together. The two employees and Hally exchange kidding rebukes, not meant to offend anyone. But after Hally receives some bad news about his father, he takes out his anger upon the workers. Efforts to smooth out the situation erupt into an all-out racial conflict.

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Plot Keywords:

racism | south africa | character name in title

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Company Credits

Production Co:

Lorimar Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

89 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

The original Broadway production of "'Master Harold'...and the Boys" by Athol Fugard opened at the Lyceum Theater in New York on May 4, 1982, ran for 344 performances and was nominated for the 1982 Tony Award for the Best Play.

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Connections

Version of 'Master Harold' ... And the Boys (2010)

User Reviews

The greatest South African literature ever?

Athol Fugard's drama brought to life on TV. Zakes Mokae, who co-starred in the Yale Reparatory Theatre production of this play with Danny Glover, works alongside future star Matthew Broderick. The script itself is outstanding, uncovering the inherent racism in even the best of friends, and how it can momentarily tear apart a friendship. This adaptation is done very well; the movie was low-budget for a reason: only three parts were cast in the original script to begin with, and only one set was necessary!