Prick Up Your Ears
1987, English. Directed by Stephen Frears.
They shared everything... except success.
When the young, attractive Joe Orton meets the older, more introverted Kenneth Halliwell at drama school, he befriends the kindred spirit and they start an affair. As Orton becomes more comfortable with his sexuality and starts to find success with his writing, Halliwell becomes increasingly alienated and jealous, ultimately tapping into a dangerous rage.
- Runtime
- 1h 51m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- R
Start now and it ends at ….
Popcorn Flick
Fun if you don’t overthink it.
6.7/10 from 106 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch Prick Up Your Ears
Prick Up Your Ears is streaming on fuboTV, MGM+, and Philo in India.
fuboTV
MGM+ Amazon Channel
Philo
MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel
MGM PlusFree
Tubi TVAvailability in India as of 9 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Stephen FrearsDirector
- Gary OldmanJoe Orton
- Alfred MolinaKenneth Halliwell
- Vanessa RedgravePeggy Ramsay
- Wallace ShawnJohn Lahr
- Lindsay DuncanAnthea Lahr
- Julie WaltersElsie Orton
- James GrantWilliam Orton
- Frances BarberLeonie Orton
- Janet DaleMrs Sugden
- Dave AtkinsMr Sugden
- Margaret TyzackMadame Lambert
- Eric RichardEducation Officer
Details
- Released
- 17 April 1987
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Written by
- Alan Bennett
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
What Prick Up Your Ears is based on
Prick Up Your Ears is adapted from a novel.
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
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Prick Up Your Ears: quick answers
Is Prick Up Your Ears worth watching?
Our verdict is Popcorn Flick: Fun if you don’t overthink it. It scores 6.7/10 from 106 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is Prick Up Your Ears?
Prick Up Your Ears runs 111 minutes (1h 51m).
Does Prick Up Your Ears have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Prick Up Your Ears. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Prick Up Your Ears parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
Prick Up Your Ears is rated R in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is Prick Up Your Ears on?
Prick Up Your Ears is streaming on fuboTV, MGM+, and Philo in India. (Checked 9 November 2026.)
What movies are like Prick Up Your Ears?
If you liked Prick Up Your Ears, try Wilde, Rocketman, Sebastian.
Who directed Prick Up Your Ears?
Prick Up Your Ears (1987) was directed by Stephen Frears and stars Gary Oldman, Alfred Molina, Vanessa Redgrave.
What is Prick Up Your Ears based on?
Prick Up Your Ears is adapted from a novel.