Sapphire (1959)(dvd)

Synopsis: A young woman's murder leaves many questions unanswered in this intriguing detective tale from socially conscious director Basil Dearden (Violent Playground, Victim). The relatively innovative racial element — the victim is a young black woman who has been passing as white — adds to the historic interest, and gives the search for the murderer a wider resonance.

This vividly shot movie may seem dated in its treatment of racism and bigotry, but this was challenging material at the time — it was released the year after the Notting Hill riots. Indeed, the film went on to scoop the Bafta for Best British Film and it remains one of this country's more mature treatments of multiculturalism in Britain.

Cast: Nigel Patrick
Runtime: 91 min
Quality: 4:3, good vhs quality