Broadcast as part of BBC 2's Gay Britannia season that commemorates the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Sexual Offences Act, Against The Law is a powerfully emotive factual drama of the court case that led to a review of laws regarding to homosexuality.
Set in the 1950s, journalist Peter Wildeblood (Daniel Mays) meets RAF corporal Peter McNally (Richard Gadd) and they begin a love affair at a time when being gay is against the law. This lead to to Wildeblood being arrested and put on trial alongside his two friends Lord Montagu and Michael Pitte-Rivers to be given a prison sentence. Determined to set an example, he's given a jail sentence but is also started a change in public opinion. His release coincides with the setting up of the Wolfenden commission set up to consider amending existing laws ion homosexuality. His testimony contributed to the eventual change in the law in 1967.
The addition of eyewitness accounts from gay men offering poignant reminders of the emotional, mental challenges as well as continual abuse and hostility that homosexuals experienced before 1967. The film’s director Fergus O'Brien has established a reputation for documentary TV work including Benefit Busters, Inside Harley Street and The Armstrongs. Based on Peter Wildeblood's best-selling autobiography of the same name, it’s been adapted by Brian Fillis (An Englishman In New York, and BAFTA-nominated Fear Of Fanny). Against The Law assembles an impressive cast including BAFTA-nominated Daniel Mays (Rogue One; Line Of Duty; Ashes To Ashes), Charlie Creed Miles (Peaky Blinders, Ripper Street), and Mark Gatiss (League of Gentlemen; Doctor Who. Sherlock), alongside TV newcomers Richard Gadd and Josh Collins.
Against the Law (12) is available on DVD on 11 September 2017, RRP £14.99, courtesy of Network Distributing.
