The Zhoosh! Brighton Blog
Christopher and His Kind. 1930′s Gay Drama.
‘Christopher and His Kind’ aired on Saturday 19th March on BBC Two, at 21:30. As ever, I am behind the times with TV, forever missing programmes that have been aired. Luckily, catch up TV prevails and BBC iPlayer has given me the opportunity to see this amazing drama.
The drama takes elements from the famous novelist Chris Isherwood’s (known for ‘Goodbye to Berlin’ and most recently the film depiction of his 1964 novel ‘A Single Man’) biography, chronicling his hedonistic travels around Europe, most notably Berlin, where he enjoyed the ever blooming gay scene. The drama is not merely a lustful portrayal of 1930′s gay Germany but is a meaningful depiction of life under the ever increasing power of the Nazi regime.
Christopher and His Kind
The drama is well acted, with a cracking performances from Matt Smith (more widely known as Dr Who) and Toby Jones. Imogen Poots plays an absolute blinder as Jean Ross, Isherwood’s close and slightly eccentric friend, singer and prostitute. It is wonderfully shot; with many amazing visuals. It’s also great to see a drama depicting sexual awakenings and gay relationships in the 1930′s.
Another recent iplayer conquest is Scott Mills documentary ‘The World’s Worst Place to be Gay?’ In this documentary Scott Mills travels to Uganda where the death penalty could soon be introduced for being gay. He speaks to gay men and women cast out from society and living in the most horrendous of conditions due the perceived evil nature of their sexuality. Conversely, Scott Mills also interviews government officials who are perpetuating the hatred towards gay people and pushing for the death penalty.
The World's Worst Place to be Gay?
This documentary is not for the faint hearted, with upsetting scenes and unbelievable statements, not only from government officials but also school children, raised to believe homosexuality is a sin. It also touches upon corrective rape, claimed to being undertaken to ‘cure’ lesbians of their same-sex urges. Uganda’s gay population have been frequenting the UK press in recent months due to Michael Kato’s death and Brenda Namigadde’s possible deportation. It makes me realise how lucky we are, living in a country in which laws are being developed to help protect us, not threaten our lives.
Check out these TV materpieces, both interesting and thought-provoking in their own way. They will make you laugh, cry and your jaw will often drop with absolute amazement.
The World’s Worst Place to be Gay? is being repeated on Tuesday, 03:15 on BBC Three.
I absolutely loved Christopher and his kind, brilliantly acted all round. For those who liked this drama they should also get hold of film, Cabaret, the film based on his book Goodbye to Berlin.
Watching Scott Mills’ documentary, The Worse Place to be Gay was truly harrowing. I have often read about countries that are extremely homophobic, but to see that hatred coming out of the screen was really difficult to watch, but I’m glad I did. I hope your post will get more people watching both programs.
Glenn