A Taste Of Honey

Jo feeling depressed. Geoff tries to help. Great scene from 'A Taste Of Honey' (1961).
From the film by Tony Richardson. Based on the play by Shelagh Delaney.
One of the best dramas to come out of the British New Wave/kitchen sink movement of the 1950's and 1960's.
With Rita Tushingham, Murray Melvin, Robert Stephens, Dora Bryan, PaulDanquah.

[@coralarch]

The Brits excel at films about ordinary people and their problems- and do it with humour and humanity. Love this genre.

[@jayturner3397]

V true 👍 cheers 🍻

[@del7i540]

Ordinary people,where ? Creepy as fawk -liberals love degrading and defective displays of DNA through strange homosexuals and interracial mixing.

[@ghostrider2664]

​@Maponus Reborn it captured I guess what I would imagine post-war England to be. Kinda bleak and depressing, isn't it?

[@stuartlawsonbeattie1411]

Thank you, the irony is there is nothing ordinary about these wonderful artists and great movies of great character. ❤

[@JaesadaSrisuk]

Have you seen any of Ken Loach or Andrea Arnold? You’d definitely love their oeuvres, then.

[@cordeliahamilton1061]

Murray Melvin passed away today, 14/4/1923. RIP Murray. A very memorable film. He was 90 years old. 😪😪🇬🇧

[@maimoonaasghar4368]

RIP

[@lindat2009]

What an absolutely brilliant film. We all need Geoffrey in our lives ❤

[@del7i540]

creepy, weird, faux.

[@areyoureceivingme]

You know when you just happen upon a film as a young child and it just stays with you. It is one of my all-time favourites.

[@777_oracale]

Yes I just remembered it today and googled and to my delight I found it.👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👌🏾👌🏾

[@bettyboop59able1]

Same for me to a classic 🙂

[@bettyboop59able1]

The other film “Cathy come home”had a big impact to

[@monochrome8731]

I'm a Smiths fan and my fav song is "This night has opened my eyes" which the song was inspired by this film, I absolutely loved this film and I would love to watch a mini series about them raising their child together

[@imgoingtocountdownfromthir4580]

Morrissey used a few phrases from this film, such as "I dreamt about you last night, and fell out of bed twice" and "I haven't got a stitch to wear"

[@didsthecat1503]

My favourite song of theirs too. Very moving, and I have to admit, I’ve cried to it a lot recently.

[@RicardoMartinez-oh9sq]

Love The Smiths, too, greetings from Ohio, USA.

[@dannyvaulter5889]

I saw this on a TV "late Show' in Iowa when I was 13 just a year or two after it was made. It was the first and for many many years the only positive presentation of a homosexual that I would see. I have the deepest respect and admiration for this film.

[@melezee]

I remember watching them shoot this scene when I was about 18yrs old ,It was filmed in St Marys Church Yard .just by Stockport Market Hall, I was a traniee press photographer, working for the Stockport Press Agency. at the time They then went on to Film in Blackpool. most of the filming was done with portable hand held cameras, one of the first films units to move out of London to film on location in the north.I still have a BFI copy on DVD I am 69 now.

[@enna1913]

North camsabout dewood Wow! How fortunate you were to witness the filming of this beautiful, important movie.

[@prahslra]

What a wonderful memory! Thanks for sharing it here.

[@michaelstavri5943]

Very interesting... I only saw the film yesterday I found it very moving and historical..

[@MrKruger88]

That's really neat, thanks for sharing.

[@kbohare]

What a memory to cherish

[@65wiseman]

A touching movie and Tushingham is glorious.

[@Susie196921]

This movie is one of my favorites and one of the best movies made in the 1960's!

[@sirkeithstarmerofwokeshita2713]

Beautiful picture, heartbreaking beautiful ; from a Salford lad and god bless Shelagh Delany

[@ricko3k]

Murray Melvin, what a class act and totally understed actor.

[@youandwhosearmy6339]

He is great, but everybody in this film is outstanding. What a total masterpiece this movie is.

[@gerrynicol3951]

Murray Melvin who passed away 14 April 2023

[@ajs41]

RIP.

[@janeabbott5379]

Murray Melvin! What a fantastic role he played in this!

[@gregf9160]

Murray Melvin was marvellous in this.

[@rickilynnwolfe8357]

I’ve watch this movie for years every time it comes on TMC it’s such a great piece of art and the actors are so real like . I fell in love with Geoffrey the very first time I ever watched it . Breaks my heart at the end how Jo turned her back on him and I always liked to think that Geoffrey and Jo reunite sometime later on. I wish all men were a Geoffrey . Great film

[@timothy8017]

First time watching. That might be a movie I re-watch 40 or 50 times.

[@imgoingtocountdownfromthir4580]

RIP Murray Melvin, passed away today at the age of 90.

[@jaccusefashion]

THE BEST BRITISH BRITISH FILM BY A MILE! Perfect.....Dora Bryan....all the way and Murray Melvin is sublime as is Tushingham...

[@dvardeman]

A great movie of a great play. One of the best movies of the 60s.

[@Loverboy19691]

One of my favourite films, captures a the 60's and how it looked back then!

[@raymondgrice4118]

awsome lead actors for a truly awsome film love waching rita tushingham

[@cynthiahawkins2389]

The gritty, black and white "Kitchen Table" films coming out of Britain in the 1960's spoke loud and clear about the changes that were happening in society and the world. I loved Taste of Honey, also Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner, This Sporting Life. Americans got to see actors like Alan Bates, Julie Christie, Rachel Roberts, Albert Finney, Richard Harris, Rita Tushigham, a young, powerful Oliver Reed, Tom Courtenay. What a gift, these. I prefer not to dwell on the sociological heavy stuff - just watch and dig the movie.Leave the film analysis for later - fascinating and important as that may be!!

[@tangogirl100]

+Cynthia Hawkins, I agree, loved this movie & especially "Darling" with Julie Christie & all you mentioned above. They don't make these great movies anymore here in the US...just some good Independent ones...

[@tangogirl100]

+Carol Adams , I haven't been able to get my hands on "Saturday Night & Sunday Morning either, This sporting life is available on Netflix, one of my favorites also..

[@unclealand]

They were "kitchen sink" dramas, not kitchen table.

[@garycummins8443]

Kitchen sink dramas rather than kitchen table Cynthia

[@mattmale7183]

@@unclealand Yes, 'Kitchen sink'.

[@RobertoLorenzPianist]

I don't even have words to say how much I love this movie!

[@asa1973100]

Murray Melvin - awesome old school actor

[@anitawatkins954]

I'm African American Woman. I've loved this movie for over 60 years.

[@feverpitchtv]

Rest in peace, Shelagh Delaney, passed away this weekend aged 72. x

[@KJ-xc6qs]

Brilliantly acted and directed! In 1961, this "shocking" film was actually banned in certain countries for depicting a mixed-race relationship, homosexuality, unwed teen pregnancy, and other aspects of society common today.

[@roydidlock1867]

In spite of what is claimed in this films Wikipedia entry, New Zealand was NOT one of those countries. A bit of delving into online newspaper archives, revealed that not only was it being exhibited in New Zealand (March/April 1962), it seemed to be quite popular. Also the other British gay-themed film, "Victim" was being exhibited concurrently.

[@harryroberts2403]

Shelagh take a bow !!

[@RobertoLorenzPianist]

Thinking of this film I'm always astounded about how much I can love a movie.

[@jamestomlinson2000]

Brilliant Scene. Brilliant Film. Brilliant Story.

[@RicardoMartinez-oh9sq]

I am reading the book, "A light that never goes out-The enduring saga of The Smiths": This movie deeply inspired Morrisey.

[@Orchidee7]

A wonderful movie, which I saw, when I was 15 years old.

[@elliottgregory9539]

This movie always makes me cry. A taste of Love and Friendship..

[@dybbuk4640]

if art is meant to reflect life, then this film is art. it reflects life bleakly, as bleak as life can sometimes be.

[@AndrewWilliams-zc1hf]

A ground breaking film. I've seen it several times.

[@anthonyhamer6158]

wish these kind of films were on telly a bit more

[@josephinebennington7247]

Anthony Hamer. You need Talking Pictures TV. Just what you ordered. Current in 2020.

[@anthonyhamer6158]

@@josephinebennington7247 yes sometimes there on this station cheers

[@sonnykingcomposer]

I prefer my more modern stuff tbh, the reason why they don't show them is because it won't get enough viewing figures.

[@anthonyhamer6158]

@@sonnykingcomposer i like old and modern films

[@sonnykingcomposer]

@@anthonyhamer6158 I'm more into modern films tbh, I've allways thought the acting and directing was quite bland.

[@MsSarjen]

Great film, Tush is wonderful in it.

[@Resenbrink]

what a great film....

[@gavinpow77]

Studied and acted this play for GCSE drama, along with A Kind of Loving. Thankyou Mr Kaczmaryk (my drama teacher). Gave me a great insight to kitchen sink drama. Still love these films. I doubt kids get such insight these days.

[@weeeeoooow]

Me too, so real, gritty and depressing about two outsiders finding friendship and support....such a great film and script : )

[@youandwhosearmy6339]

They just come any better than this amazing film.

[@DSmith365]

"The color is wrong!" Jimmy should've have more senses. Great movie, made me fall in love with England!

[@レイノルズ道子]

Excellent movie!!

[@littleredrose6254]

I love the sound of the church bells. You don't hear that now, everywhere is so noisy and busy.

[@roydidlock1867]

Lovely film. As noted in its Wikipedia entry, it was banned in a number of countries due to its themes. Contrary to Wikipedia, New Zealand was NOT one of those countries, where the movie screened to 18+ audiences (March/April 1962) and was quite popular. Meanwhile, across the Tasman, here in Australia, the movie hit the screens in August, 1962 (SOA- strictly only adults)and got some very positive reviews in the Melbourne Age (Literary Supplement), The Sydney Sun-herald and The Bulletin magazine. The reviewers in those publications gave quite some praise to the newcomer, Rita Tushingham, while all managed to avoid calling her an "ugly ducking'".

[@hebneh]

Grey, cold, depressing, despairing. And wet.

[@harryroberts2403]

Yep, that's Manchester

[@FrancisBecka]

I live steps away from Barton swing bridge - hasn't changed.

[@sinner48]

classic movie one of my favourites

[@georgie23]

I love this movie...Its great. Any True Moz fan should see this movie since a few lines from the movie..morrissey used in some smiths songs.

[@schorsch5314]

Reel around the fountain ⛲️ one of them -

[@jtab4994]

Can't wait - it's on Turner Classic Thursday at 10:00PM eastern time. Not available on Region 1 DVD so this is my only chance to see it!

[@starouterspace4320]

This scene is filmed at the Market place in Stockport,that tomb in the graveyard has been moved,a part of history that has nt changed much... Such a great film,really captures the romance & grime of the 60s.

[@rodoza66]

the gritty, gloomy, grime, of 60's England...

[@marimardin4309]

i love this actress❤

[@adeblair]

Shelagh Delaney R.I.P.

[@asmodeus0454]

Shelagh Delaney's great play from 1958 made into the 1961 film directed by Tony Richardson. Released Sept. 15, 1961. Delaney and Richardson co-wrote the screenplay for the film.

[@szilvavirag]

Murray Melvin

[@7arboreal]

This is such a contrast to Smashing Time, which Rita Tushingham is equally good in.

[@burles]

Shelagh Delaney was only 19 when she wrote this play

[@john111257]

the best 60s movie..british classic

[@racheltarmey6429]

remember reading this in school . the tittle was a taste of honey with sub tittle " a nice view over the gas works"

[@bryanleigh6497]

Tittle tattle

[@ebf1957]

Loved this movie. Rita looks like a young Tracey Ullman.

[@zweiosterei]

'Do you like me more than you don't like me or do you not like me more than you do?' 'Now you're being Irish.'

[@AS6VIDEO]

A classic film

[@merseymain]

A BRITISH CLASSIC

[@conanhayle]

I remember sitting next to Rita Tushingham in a pub in Polperro in Cornwall back in the early 70s and feeling all strange as a 20 year old boy

[@Marcel_Audubon]

she doesn't remember you

[@meatwoodflacmedia]

Morrissey Anyone?

[@snake-oil]

"There's a Place in Hell for Me and My Friends, and I Don't Mind If You Forget Me"

[@ailtondossantos69]

"The dream has gone But the baby is real"

[@monazurroville6652]

I went on comment section to find this comment😂

[@arnoldamaral7406]

The Disingenuous Gamer It's a coastal town but they I forgot to shut down. Come Come Armageddon come nuclear war. That's pretty much the way it was those were the days my friend I prayed that they would end. Thank God for the Beatles it was like lithium amen and Glory Hallelujah. Most ardently Arnold Bourbon Amaral 🙏🌚🌏🌎🌍🏃🏃🏃☝

[@trevorloughlin1492]

More Joy Division than the Smiths in my opinion. I watched this film at art school and have been obsessed ever since.

[@ravenhill_night_visitor_1968]

this is when this country was great, a bygone era which will never come back.

[@ARIZJOE]

This film illustrates the privations and economic hardships face by a bombed out Britain after WW ll. It made you think, about young people and the youth culture that soon emerged out of the rubble. "A Taste of Honey," the music was a recurring theme for the Broadway version of the British play in 1958. I believe that instrumental is not used in the film. Lyrics were added later, and of course the song was done by the Beatles. This film was released a year or so before the Beatles broke out in the U.K. It's unfortunate that the Beatles song could not have been used. The poignancy of the song reflects the lifestyle way back then, and I believe the lads had had a bitter taste of that. The plaintive tone of Paul's vocals make me think of the movie - and they are not related whatsoever.

[@IchbinSchalker]

That's great! Congratulations! I love this song.

[@MANthe93]

IchbinSchalker what song, you prick?

[@mwells219]

This is like the cinematic equivalent of a joy division song.

[@forreal245]

British movies are the best.

[@mrmynx]

"The Colours wrong"?? I thought all babies in these movies were gray?...:)

[@ricko3k]

@realtwinlord. He works at the Theatre Royal as trustee and archivist. I emailed him via the theatre email about a year ago, mentioning what a great part I thought he played in the film, and to my surprise he answered. He sounds a lovely chap. Good luck to him.

[@ClassicTV4U]

This film doesn't get shown that much on TV (recently played on TCM) --I suppose with "streaming" services it's a bit more accessible, but see it if you get the opportunity.

[@megmoses328]

this is how it was,, in the sixtees

[@Kohl423]

A film from my youthful memories when the UK and France for example made such earthy, grainy films. At the time they didn't mean quite as much but now they remind me of lost youth and a lost world that was once England. Very Black & White in those days (nothing to do with race).

[@Marcel_Audubon]

you must not know what grainy means, those movies were sharp and clear - black and white isn't synonymous with grainy

[@BuffaloBuffalo-uc6zp]

It has everything to do with race, every culture has a right to their own identity, to be replaced by another is genocide, to think anything else is living in denial or playing the fool to what is staring you in the face..As the Beatles used to say living is easy when your eye's are closed!!

[@naviifra2374]

this is so gritty

[@thunor3656]

Thank you Morrissey

[@janarnaud8058]

Beautiful movie

[@leopictor]

1:45 CLASSIC!

[@bertilliozephyrsgate6196]

Movies: If they're black and white and British, they're Good.

[@anthonyhamer6158]

wish these kind of films were on tey a bit more

[@rodoza66]

In my all-time top 10 films. No Taste of Honey, no Smiths. Too bad Moz has gone off the rails...

[@jtab4994]

Pity this movie isn't available in Region 1.

[@bigtwit799]

he's one of them

[@bascet1]

Morrissey's favourite film. Salford has always been bleak and hard!! It's just rougher nowadays!!!

[@dancingbearfilms]

aaaaaaa-mazing!

[@joconnor6]

Great, if sad, movie

[@athensinrome]

Jo (Rita Tushingham) and Geoffrey (Murray Melvin) make a splendid queer couple. #splenax

[@milenaa03]

morrissey ❤

[@davidpar2]

That’s the gal who would go on to play Zhivago’s grown up daughter four years later

[@aneaneaneoioioi]

モリッシーが好きなんですかね。 フルで見たいなあ

[@simonrowe5380]

This is very good.. Was Tony Richardson's Dad a villian from Croydon - a sort of South East London 'Kray' ?

[@versioncity1]

Weird? - Why would you think that? - his dad was a chemist from Yorkshire.

[@tomschneitter8180]

Now you’re being Irish. Brill!

[@paolobradley1]

I think writer Shelagh Delaney was making inferences to her own Irish family. The play and the film are about people who are marginalised, and the Irish most certainly were. Besides, Shelagh often said that she "wrote how people speak".

[@terryosborne5928]

Kitchen Sink Drama

[@littleredrose6254]

Just wondering, is Jo short for Josephine or Joanne?

[@bensimps123]

why didnt geoff stay :(

[@rohansrider]

The days before legal abortion .Thank goodness for David Steele!

[@Andrewsmate]

That's a disgusting, ignorant and racist comment. This film tackled many subjects - homosexulaity, interracial relationships, teenage pregnancy, single parenting and if you didn't see the questions asked within this film, then you missed the point.

[@CS-rk6fu]

It's a British thing, so keep your neb out.

[@riseuplight]

yeah thanks never saw it so i didnt understand

[@dvardeman]

@feverpitch96 So sorry to learn this.

[@janbonsema5888]

it was either this , or Eddie Constantine, for my money