The Naked Civil Servant (1975)

The life and times of Quentin Crisp, an outrageous and flamboyant homosexual, coming of age and growing into old age in conservative England.

Director:

Jack Gold

Writers:

Quentin Crisp (autobiography), Philip Mackie (screenplay)

Stars:

John Hurt, Liz Gebhardt, Patricia Hodge

3 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Hurt	...	Quentin Crisp
Liz Gebhardt	...	Art Student
Patricia Hodge	...	Ballet Teacher
Stanley Lebor	...	Mr. Pole
Katherine Schofield	...	Mrs. Pole (as Katharine Schofield)
Colin Higgins	...	Thumbnails
John Rhys-Davies	...	Barndoor
Stephen Johnstone	...	Young Quentin
Antonia Pemberton	...	Mrs. Longhurst
Lloyd Lamble	...	Mr. Crisp
Joan Ryan	...	Mrs. Crisp
Frank Forsyth	...	Family Doctor
Shane Briant	...	Norma
Ron Pember	...	Black Cat Proprietor
Roger Lloyd Pack	...	Liz

Storyline

The life and times of Quentin Crisp, an outrageous and flamboyant homosexual, coming of age and growing into old age in conservative England.

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Plot Keywords:

homosexual | gay lead character | based on autobiography | transvestite | cross dresser | 

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Genres:

Biography | Comedy | Drama

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 December 1975 (UK)

Also Known As:

Den nakne statstjenestemann

Filming Locations:

Kings Road, Chelsea, London, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Thames Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

77 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Just before transmission, the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) censored a line by Quentin Crisp: "Sexual intercourse is a poor substitute for masturbation."

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Goofs

(at around 1h 13 mins) As the 1975 segment begins, the pedestrians Crisp passes on the sidewalk include a woman in a white top and plaid skirt, and then a man in a lavender shirt and yellow pants. When the shot changes to one from Crisp's point of view, the same two pedestrians pass by again.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Mr. Crisp: Do you intend to spend your entire life admiring yourself?
Quentin Crisp: If I possibly can.

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Connections

Featured in Verity Lambert: Drama Queen (2008)

User Reviews

Excellent!

I had a copy of this film back in the early 80s, it's long gone, but I'll never forget its power. I'm not a homosexual, nor had I ever heard of Quentin Crisp before, but watching the film, I was very impressed by his determination to stand up for his God-given right to be himself, whatever that "self" might be. I didn't see it so much as a proclamation of his homosexuality, but rather, an individual determined to live life on his own terms, rather than kowtow to the wants of society. To this fact I strongly relate. Crisp was a man who faced the ostracism of society head-on, and soldiered on through in spite of it. And for that I admire him strongly. After watching the film, I quietly said "Thank You" to Crisp for his forthrightness and honesty.

John Hurt's portrayal of Crisp was absolutely magnificent, and I've been a fan of his ever since. He's the most versatile actor of his generation, having played everyone from Jesus Christ in "History of the World part 1" to the guy in "Alien" who has the little monster jump out of his body to the inimitable Quentin Crisp in this film! However, some of his films are hard to find, given that he's not a household word name as an actor. Too Bad, He's among the best!