Envisaged as a ‘Romeo and Romeo in the south London suburbs,’ Gillian Freeman’s 1961 novel centred on an explicitly homosexual relationship. Inevitably, Freeman had to tone down her screenplay for the film version, yet it deserves recognition as a significant moment in queer British cinema for its sympathetic portrayal of a working-class gay man (Dudley Sutton).  British Film Institute

With some scenes shot at Butlins and on The Esplanade in Bognor Regis, The Leather Boys boasts some excellent widescreen cinematography and two outstanding performances from Rita Tushingham and Dudley Sutton.

Among the photos below is the US poster for the film.