Scott Thorson, the notable lover of Liberace and a pivotal witness in the infamous Wonderland Murders trial, has passed away at the age of 65, three days ago.

Greenwich Entertainment has secured the U.S. and Canadian distribution rights to the compelling documentary “Mad About the Boy – The Noel Coward Story.” This film offers an in-depth and intimate portrayal of Noël Coward, celebrated as one of the most influential writers and wits of the 20th century.

The documentary, produced, written, and directed by Barnaby Thompson, benefits from unprecedented access to Coward’s estate. It is uniquely narrated through Coward’s own words and music, drawing from his personal diaries, photographs, and home movies. Archival interviews with Coward and his contemporaries enrich the narrative, with Alan Cummings serving as the narrator and Rupert Everett providing the voice of Coward.

Noël Coward was a multifaceted talent—an acclaimed playwright, actor, director, singer, songwriter, and novelist. His prolific output includes 60 plays, 500 songs, five screenplays, 14 films adapted from his plays, nine musicals, 300 poems, 21 short stories, two novels, and three autobiographies. Additionally, he performed in over 70 plays and 12 movies.

Despite his eventual fame, Coward’s early life was marked by hardship. He grew up in poverty and left school at just nine years old. Living as a covertly gay man during a time when homosexuality was illegal added another layer of complexity to his life. Yet Coward managed to craft a public persona that exuded charm and sophistication. By the age of 30, he had become the highest-paid writer globally and a Broadway sensation. His works like “Private Lives,” “Blithe Spirit,” “Brief Encounter,” and “In Which We Serve” are testament to his versatile genius. Remarkably, without formal musical training, he rose to prominence as a world-renowned songwriter and performer. Frank Sinatra famously remarked, “If you want to hear how a song should be sung, go see Mr. Noël Coward.”

Coward’s influence extended beyond his own performances; he discovered luminaries such as John Gielgud, Laurence Olivier, and David Lean. During World War II, he served as a spy for the Allies.

“Mad About the Boy – The Noel Coward Story” will premiere on October 9 at New York’s IFC Center, followed by select theaters nationwide and home entertainment platforms starting October 11.

In the 1950s, Coward’s work faced declining popularity as theater shifted towards gritty working-class realism with plays like “Look Back in Anger” and “A Taste of Honey.” Nevertheless, he reinvented himself as a successful cabaret performer in Las Vegas. The 1960s saw a revival of interest in his work, culminating in him being knighted.

Edward Arentz, co-president of Greenwich Entertainment, commented on Coward’s enduring legacy: “One can only marvel at Coward’s glittering career. His plays are among the most frequently revived, suggesting his brand of wit never goes out of style. Barnaby’s account reveals hints of pathos that Coward carefully concealed, making the story both poignant and relevant.”

The film was produced by Barnaby Thompson alongside Gregor Cameron and executive producers Stanley Buchthal, Bob Benton, Amanda Ghost, Len Blavatnik, and Vince Holden. London-based Altitude Film Sales managed international sales, with Mike Runagall from Altitude and Edward Arentz from Greenwich negotiating the deal.