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Dora Bryan, Rita Tushingham, Robert Stephens, Murray Melvin, Paul Danquah ... see more see more... , David Boliver , Margo Cunningham , John Harrison , Eunice Blalck , Jean Cadell , Herbert Smith , Shelagh Delaney

Director Tony Richardson adapted the screenplay of A Taste of Honey from the "kitchen sink" stage play by Shelagh Delaney. Rita Tushingham plays a working-class British teenager, living with her drink... read more read more...-sodden, libertine mother Dora Bryan. Denied affection by her selfish mother, Tushingham is pushed further in the background when Bryan impulsively marries her latest boyfriend Robert Stephens. The girl takes a job at a shoe store, then moves in with her kindly homosexual employer Murray Melvin. The two lost souls live in harmony until Tushingham becomes pregnant after a casual affair with black sailor Paul Danquah. Melvin comes to the rescue by offering to look after the baby. This relatively blissful state of affairs is short-lived; before long, Tushingham's hateful mother, having been kicked out by Stephens, descends upon her daughter and her "family," with all her debilitating emotional baggage intact. A poignant denouement caps this riveting slice-of-life drama. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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84% liked it

2,297 ratings

Critics

80% liked it

10 critics

Unrated, 1 hr. 40 min.

Directed by: Tony Richardson

Release Date: January 1, 1961

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DVD Release Date: November 28, 1995

 

Stats: 164 reviews

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A Taste of Honey A Taste Of Honey Jo and Jimmy Jimmy and Jo
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Flixster Reviews (164)

  • RCCLBC
    May 16, 2008
    RCCLBC
    I LOVE Rita Tushingham!

    No one does "ackward but endearing" like she does.

    This a really sweet (and sad film) film. A great example of the British "kitchen sink drama".
  • littlecharmer1959
    February 6, 2008
    littlecharmer1959
    A fine piece of British social realism. Rita Tushingham puts in a brilliant performance.
  • sepio41
    December 6, 2008
    sepio41
    this 1961 film has many plot elements that are taken for granted. but as directed by tony richardson, opened up for the screen by playwright shelagh delaney and acted with such energy and focus by its cast, it's very watchable and very fresh. probably its two gifts are rita tush... read moreingham as jo and its ability to make up laugh and touch our hearts with her story.
    one final reason this film is so watchable is because it chronicles the shift in power in this world from a conservative way of thinking to a more encompassing way of thought in our relations with others.
  • littlelittle
    April 9, 2007
    littlelittle
    A hallmark british film of the '60s with a great performance by the young lead, Rita Tushingham. Touches on a variety of social issues of the time.
    Young teenage girl, with a terrible mother becomes pregnant from a one-night stand with a black sailor, moves in with a gay man, ... read moreis almost happy and then mom comes back into the picture to spoil things.
    I saw this movie many years ago and it left quite an impression.

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Critic Reviews

Variety Staff
March 26, 2009
Variety Staff, Variety

[A Taste of Honey] has an earthy gusto and sincerity that lift its somewhat downbeat theme and drab surroundings. Full Review

A.H. Weiler
May 20, 2003
A.H. Weiler, New York Times

Freed from the constricting confines of the stage, the shining honesty, the trials, the disenchantment of the drama's low-born Lancashire principals have become all the more striking and true. Full Review

Dave Kehr
January 1, 2000
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

Tony Richardson, who directed this mess, was once quoted as saying, "The British cinema is the worst in the world," and he was in a position to know. Full Review

Dennis Schwartz
May 22, 2009
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews

It might have been daring during its time, but is now outdated. Full Review

Geoff Andrew
June 24, 2006
Geoff Andrew, Time Out

A perfect example of how the 'New British Cinema' of the late '50s and early '60s has dated and become almost unwatchable. Full Review

Emanuel Levy
June 20, 2005
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

Though outdated, this offebat, well-acted melodrama was a significant work in the British school of Kitchen Sink realism and in the career of Tony Richardson (better known for Tom Jones). Full Review

Phil Hall
May 5, 2005
Phil Hall, Film Threat

Raw, poignant, powerful. One of the very best. Full Review

July 30, 2003
TV Guide's Movie Guide

A taste of the British "Kitchen Sink" school at its best. Full Review

Peter Bradshaw
November 19, 2002
Peter Bradshaw, Guardian [UK]

Tushingham's performance and lovely, open face are still a tonic. Full Review

Jon Fortgang
October 13, 2002
Jon Fortgang, FilmFour.com

Skilful performances, subtle visuals and the power of Delaney's writing all contribute to a landmark in British cinema. Full Review

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