It explores his homosexuality and exposure to Marxism, while examining the hypocrisy and snobbery of the English public school system.

Martineau subsequently hangs himself, as teachers and the senior pupils try their hardest to keep the scandal away from parents and the outside world.

Devastated at the loss of his cherished dream of becoming a God, Bennett comes to realise that the British class system strongly relies on outward appearance and that to be openly gay is a severe hindrance to his intended career as a diplomat.

The title refers not only to Soviet Russia, which is the "other country" Bennett turns to in the end, but it can be seen to take on a number of different meanings and connotations.

The Go-Between is a novel by L. P. Hartley, published in London in 1953 and beginning with the famous line: "The past is a foreign country: they do things differently there."

The most direct reference is to several well-known lines from English literature, originating from Christopher Marlowe's play The Jew of Malta (c. 1590).

The balance was made up of £500,000 from the National Film Finance Corporation, deferred fees and the proceeds of a tax leasing deal with Eastern Counties Newspapers.

Jake Eberts of Goldcrest says Alan Marshall's producing ensured the film came in on time and on budget while not losing any production value.

[5][6] It was nominated for three BAFTA Awards in 1985: Editing for Gerry Hambling, Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles for Rupert Everett, and Adapted Screenplay for Julian Mitchell.