A Taste Of Honey

Tony Richardson's A Taste Of Honey  (1961) is a kitchen sink drama of the British Realist school based on a play by the young Shelag Dleaney. It has recently gotten a Criterion release and is notable for providing lyric sand inspiration to Morissey during his time withe Smiths. Here is a ample of lyrics from the play/film: “That river, it’s the colour of lead” / “You can’t just wrap it up in a bundle of newspaper” / “And dump it on a doorstep” / “Oh well, the dream’s gone, but the baby’s real enough” / “I’m not sorry and I’m not glad” (This Night Has Opened My Eyes), “I dreamt about you last night. Fell out of bed twice” (Reel Around The Fountain), “I’ll probably never see you again” (Hand in Glove), “It’s a long time, six months” (Shoplifters Of The World Unite And Take Over), “You want taking in hand” (Barbarism Begins At Home),  “Sing me to sleep”(Asleep), “What would you say if I started something?” (I Started Something I Couldn’t Finish), “Put your arms around me” (Tomorrow), “Anyway it’s your life, ruin it your own way” (Alma Matters). Rita Tushingham won the British Academy Award for her performance as the young working class girl who has gotten herself pregnant in this, her debut role. (Both Tushingham and costar Murray Melvin, as Peter the gay artist, won awards at the Cannes Film Festival.)The story is also remarkable since two of the characters are a black sailor and a gay artist who are not mocked but portrayed realistically and sympathetically rather in an stereotyped manner. There is some excellent work by cinematographer Walter Lassally throughout the film as well.