County Durham, during the endless, violent 1984 strike against the Thatcher closure of British coal mines. Widower Jackie Elliot and his firstborn, fellow miner Tony, take a dim view of 11 year-old second son Billy's poor record in boxing class, which worsens when they discover he sneakily transferred to the neighboring, otherwise girls-only-attended ballet class. Only one schoolmate, closet-gay Michael Caffrey, encourages Billy's desire, aroused by the teacher, who judged him talented enough for private lesson, to train and try out for the world-renowned Royal Ballet audition. Only the prospect of a fancy career unimagined in the pauper quarter may twist pa and big brother's opposition to indispensable support.
Written by KGF Vissers
When Elton John first saw the film at Cannes he immediately pitched the idea of making a stage musical of it to director Stephen Daldry.
See more »
Goofs
Continuity:
When Jackie is inside the bus leading to the mine, an egg hits his window (at 01:14:40), but when the bus is viewed from outside, the window is clean (01:14:44).
See more »
Quotes
Billy:
I don't want to do your stupid audition. You only want me to do it for your own benefit! See more »