South African author John Van De Ruit’s popular coming-of-age story set in an elite boarding school has an old-fashioned look and feel, despite occurring as recently as 1990. Nelson Mandela is about to be freed from prison and become president, signalling major changes for the white inhabitants. The title role (played by John Milton) refers to the new working class student’s nickname in recognition of his slight physical appearance. But he gradually overcomes this and gains the confidence of his dorm mates through a series of schoolboy pranks. More seriously, he is mentored by a sympathetic but hard-drinking teacher (John Cleese) — who recognises Spud’s artistic potential — and a friendship with a sickly fellow student. Throw in some romantic complications with teenage girls and you have a mix that pleased South African audiences as much as Boy did New Zealand ones. N.G.; 98 minutes.