About 'A Taste of Honey'

'A Taste of Honey' is a 1961 British film adaptation of the play of the same name by Shelagh Delaney. It was directed by Tony Richardson and produced by Woodfall Film Productions. The film offers a gritty depiction of working-class life in post-war Britain and challenges then-contemporary norms of race, class, and gender.

Plot and Summary

The film tells the story of Jo (Rita Tushingham), a 17-year-old schoolgirl who lives with her carefree and irresponsible mother, Helen (Dora Bryan). When Helen leaves their Manchester flat for a relationship with her wealthy lover, Jo begins a romantic relationship with a black sailor, Jimmy (Paul Danquah). After Jimmy goes back to his ship, Jo discovers she is pregnant. She eventually finds support and comfort in her friendship with a homosexual man, Geoffrey (Murray Melvin), who becomes a surrogate parent to Jo's baby.

Making / Production

The film was a product of the British New Wave of the late 1950s and early 1960s, also known as the “kitchen sink” movement. The film was indeed groundbreaking at the time for its raw portrayal of life in the working-class North of England, its focus on a female protagonist, and its frank treatment of issues like inter-racial relationships and homosexuality. The film was shot on location in Blackpool and Manchester, adding to its gritty realism.

Actors

• Rita Tushingham as Jo: Rita Tushingham's remarkable debut performance as Jo earned her the Cannes Film Festival prize for Best Actress.
• Dora Bryan as Helen: Dora Bryan delivers a memorable performance as the slovenly and selfish Helen, giving depth and complexity to an otherwise unlikeable character.
• Paul Danquah as Jimmy: Paul Danquah's understated yet profound performance as Jimmy brings to the screen the sensitivity and vulnerability of his character.
• Murray Melvin as Geoffrey: With a gentle and compassionate portrayal, Murray Melvin’s performance as the caring and understanding Geoffrey is unforgettable.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was considered highly controversial at the time of its release because of its direct tackling of issues like interracial relationships and homosexuality.
• 'A Taste of Honey' is often credited for helping to usher a 'new wave' in British cinema, characterised by a more realistic portrayal of life in Britain.
• The film was adapted from a play that was also written by Shelagh Delaney when she was just 18 years old.

Awards

The film won numerous awards and nominations. Tushingham won the 'Best Actress' award at Cannes Film Festival, while the film was awarded 'BAFTA Award for Best British Film'. Murray Melvin won the 'BAFTA Award for Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles' for his portrayal of Geoffrey too.

Quotes

• "You don’t need to marry him to have his baby."
• "I can't be a mother, I'm a child myself."
• "I don't find men more attractive because they may be the father of my child."

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's theme song, "A Taste of Honey," is performed by Acker Bilk and his Paramount Jazz Band.
• Music from the film was used extensively by The Beatles in a number of their early songs.
• The film's atmospheric soundtrack has been praised for effectively mirroring the stark realism of the on-screen narrative.