A Taste of Honey

'A Taste of Honey' provides a grim slice-of-life look at the working class poor in early 1960's England. Teen pregnancy, an openly homosexual companion, a negligent single mother and homelessness are featured- mainstream topics in today's movies, but this was released in 1961, folks (beats me how they got it past the censors). This sensitive, remarkable film should be required viewing for junior high schools.

Shelagh Delaney's screenplay for "A Taste of Honey," based on her play of the same name, remains a moving period drama. Beautifully directed by Tony Richardson, this film evokes all the stark realism of the famed English "New Wave/kitchen sink" dramas (made popular by John Osborne) of the late 50s/early 60s.

Rita Tushingham is striking as an working-class adolescent girl, growing into maturity--first through her pregnancy by a young sailor, played by Paul Danquah, and then by her association with a sensitive man, played by Murray Melvin. Dora Bryan is impressive Tushingham's mom.

The sparse photography, sets and score, all combine to make an unforgettable statement.

I first watched this film when I was about 14 years old sat at home with my mam and dad and I was absolutely riveted. Ever since then I have kept an eye out for it in the TV listings but never spotted it until now !...they have finally released it on DVD and it was worth the wait. The black and white photography is stunning, painting a grey stark picture of life in the poverty stricken back streets of Salford and Eccles in the late 50's and early 60's. I grew up around most of the locations, many of the streets are now bulldozed and many of the historical landmarks are now set against different backdrops...maybe not as grim, but in my opinion not as interesting or compelling. The theme of the film is warm and loving giving a realistic picture of people in the area at that time..friendly, caring, enjoying life when they can as life could be hard, poor housing, low wages the dirt and grime of living and working in the post war northern inner city.

Barton Swing Bridge and the Manchester Liners Shipping Company, Old Trafford Football Ground - complete with floodlight pylons, the atmosphere of a back street boozer and Blackpools brightly lit amusements are seen in all their grim Majesty.

The acting is tremendous,Dora Bryan superbly cast as the selfish mother...she should have gone on to stronger roles after this performance. Rita Tushingham the gawky teenager full of youthful wonder of her harsh world and Murray Melvin as the young adolescent battling with his sexuality and feelings for the enchanting Tushingham.

It really is a must see for anyone interested in this genre or who lives or has worked around Manchester. It shows the hope and warmth of people who have nothing, who only maybe aspire to a simple life...but who have had a Taste Of Honey.......

Taste of Honey is evocative of life in Lancashire in the 1960's. The scenes of what were called the "Whit Walks" must bring back memories to many Lancashire folk, as must the scenes of England's most famous seaside resort; Blackpool. The film made Rita Tushingham a houshold name. Her portrayal of the the schoolgirl "done wrong" is second to none. Her large wide eyes show the fear and her innocence at the same time. Dora Bryan is magnificent as the "couldn't-care-less" mother who's quest for a good time is at the expense of all others. The film is well worth a watch, particularly if you are a fan of British films of the 60's. Watch out for a continuity gaff in the scenes on the pier!

Rita Tushingham is excellent as an unhappy girl. Her mother (Dora Bryan) is a slattern. The mother is interested primarily in her dubious good looks and gives almost no attention to daughter Jo (Tushingham.) In one of the few heart-to-heart talks -- in which she tells Jo that her (Jo's) father was a simpleton -- she says that we always remember our first.

Jo's first is indeed a very handsome sailor. He's black.

I'm not going to give anything beyond this away other than to say that Jo becomes best friends with a gay man Murray Melvin. He is the best thing that ever happened to her.

Shelagh Delaney, who wrote the play as a very young woman, wrote the screenplay with director Tony Richardson. It's opened up but not in an annoying manner. I think it's one of Richardson's very best.

I saw this when it first came out. I was a kid and very impressionable. I haven't seen it since but find I'd forgotten little. And that includes the wonderful music. I had never heard the song children sing at the beginning, about a big ship sailing, before nor have I heard it since (until tonight when I watched it again.) But I have never forgotten it.