The History Boys

One of the oldest dramatic premises in the business—the story of an aging, eccentric teacher beset by challenges from hostile superiors, younger colleagues, and precocious students as he nears the end of his career—has been given a new lease on life in Alan Bennett's titular play (rewritten for the screen by the playwright and featuring the original cast). Director Nicholas Hytner's The History Boys is most noteworthy for showcasing the talented Richard Griffiths as Hector, a flamboyant, idiosyncratic general studies instructor prepping a group of gifted grammar school students for their entrance exams to the elite Oxbridge colleges. When the officious headmaster—seeing a possibility of raising the school's image—hires a younger instructor to supplement the older man's scattershot lessons, it sets up a pedagogical contrast between Hector's culturally broadening approach and his new cohort's more glibly pragmatic one. Added to the mix is the fact that Hector is a closeted homosexual whose habit of lightly groping his charges while giving them rides on his motorbike becomes a major problem when it's reported to the authorities. While not quite as remarkable as the play's many awards would suggest, The History Boys is nevertheless an engaging recycling of an old formula. Recommended. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary with director Nicholas Hytner and playwright and screenwriter Alan Bennett, a 14-minute “Tour Diary” featurette, a 13-minute “Pass it On” making-of featurette, and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a winsome academic drama.] (F. Swietek)