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Short summary

Robin, a gay writer, has his script declined by a television executive whilst school-boy Theo stalks his neighbour Tim, on whom he spies through the window. Terry, who lives with his grandmother, prepares for a night out whilst professionals Gavin and Will celebrate a civil partnership though faithless Will flirts with young waiter Alfie, giving him his ring. Terry picks a man up at a gay club, inexplicably giving him a savage beating-up. Robin goes cruising in a toilet meeting the closeted Julian, before going on to a dinner party with married friends. To Robin's surprise Julian also turns up, having hidden in a cubicle whilst Alfie was pursued and attacked by gay bashers. Terry finds the severely injured waiter but rather than help him steals Will's ring. The dinner party guests, who also number Theo's parents, see the ambulance draw up for Alfie but Julian refuses to tell the police what he saw, to Robin's dismay. Terry himself is also beaten up and treated in hospital by Gavin, ...

Inspired by the murder of Jody Dobrowski in October 2005 who was beaten to death by two "gay-bashers" on Clapham Common. Dobrowski was beaten so badly, he could only be identified by his fingerprints, a detail that is echoed in the film. Both of Dobrowski's murderers received life sentences.

This marks a reunion for Rupert Graves and James Wilby who had previously appeared in another gay-themed film, James Ivory's Maurice (1987).

Presented as the centerpiece drama in the UK's Channel 4 40th anniversary season dedicated to the decriminalization of homosexuality in England and Wales.

This attracted 1.1 million viewers when first shown on Channel 4 in the UK, a good figure for a minority channel.

On its first screening, the scene where Terry assaults a pick-up in his flat was set to "I'm with Stupid" by the Pet Shop Boys. During his attack, Terry even says that he hates the group. When the film was repeated on Channel 4's sister digital channel, More4, eight days later, the music and reference had been changed - at the request of the Pet Shop Boys.

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Cast overview, first billed only:
Tom Beard Tom Beard - Roger Hopkirk
James Bellamy James Bellamy - Black Youth 2
Robin Berry Robin Berry - Man in Toilet 2
Rachael Blake Rachael Blake - Belinda Hopkirk
Samantha Bond Samantha Bond - Marion Rowan
Stuart Bunce Stuart Bunce - Gavin
Philip Childs Philip Childs - Newscaster
Jason Frederick Jason Frederick - Black Youth 1
Richard Freeman Richard Freeman - Registrar
Rupert Graves Rupert Graves - Robin Cape
Stephen Hagan Stephen Hagan - TV Assistant
Jefferson Hall Jefferson Hall - Mail Man
Johnny Harris Johnny Harris - Tough Man
Francis Lee Francis Lee - Murray
David Leon David Leon - Alfie
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