A Taste of Honey (1961)

In the black and white echoes of northern England, we meet Jo, a young seventeen-year-old grappling with the complexities of life. Stuck in the heart of a socio-economic storm, she navigates a world filled with contrasts - class divergence, racial tension, and varying sexual orientations. Jo's world is an unstable life with her mother, Helen - a volatile, alcoholic woman driven by her carnal impulses. Her home, a battlefield where love and care are rare commodities, leaves Jo yearning for affection. An unexpected twist of fate leads Jo to an ephemeral encounter with a black sailor, Jimmy, on his fleeting shore leave. This brief tryst, a desperate attempt at finding love, leaves Jo pregnant and evokes a startling reality. At the same time, Helen, perpetually in search of her next romantic conquest, impulsively marries, leaving Jo homeless and adrift in a sea of uncertainty. Amidst these trials, Jo finds solace in her co-worker, Geoffrey – a gentle soul grappling with his own loneliness due to his homosexuality. As they discover a shared sense of displacement, they form an unconventional alliance. Together, they find a room, and Geoffrey, grateful for Jo's companionship, steps into the role of the impending child's father. For a moment, they taste a rare honeyed happiness, a sweet escape from their otherwise bitter lives. However, this newfound peace is short-lived as Helen, disillusioned by her own shattered romantic dreams, reemerges. She is a force to be reckoned with, assertive and domineering, hell-bent on wresting control of Jo's life and the unborn child's future. As Helen barges back into their lives, the delicate equilibrium is threatened, and Jo must confront the question: Which semblance of family will prevail in this whirlwind of conflicting desires and obligations? A Taste of Honey is a poignant exploration of the raw complexities of life, love, and the search for a place to call home.

A Taste of Honey is a drama movie featuring Rita Tushingham and directed by Tony Richardson.

A Taste of Honey is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Criterion Channel, Max and Max Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy A Taste of Honey on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.