Sapphire (1959)

In the heart of 1950s London, beneath the veneer of tranquility, a city pulsates with racial tensions. The brutal murder of a young, seemingly white girl on the tranquil expanse of Hampstead Heath sends shockwaves through the city. Sapphire Robbins, a 21-year-old music conservatory student with dreams as vibrant as her red hair, is found savagely stabbed multiple times, her lifeless body discarded like a forgotten melody. Superintendent Bob Hazard and Inspector Phil Learoyd are tasked with unraveling the tightly woven threads of Sapphire's life. Initially, they find a picture of an idyllic existence: Sapphire, a beloved student, an engaged woman with a working-class architecture student, David Harris, ready to embark on a Roman scholarship. A seemingly straight-forward tale of love and ambition brutally cut short. However, as they delve deeper, Sapphire's life unfurls like a complex symphony, revealing hidden layers and discordant secrets that challenge their initial perceptions. The arrival of Sapphire's Birmingham-based physician brother unveils the most significant secret of all: Sapphire's racial origins are far more intricate than what meets the eye. As Hazard and Learoyd navigate through the labyrinth of Sapphire's life, they are forced to confront not just the prejudices harbored by potential suspects, including David and his family, but also the societal biases that permeate the very fabric of British society, and perhaps even within themselves. The investigation evolves into a poignant exploration of racial prejudice in a post-war Britain, mirroring the stark contrasts within Sapphire’s life. Amidst the brewing storm of hostility, the question remains: who could have been driven by such hatred to extinguish Sapphire’s vibrant spirit? The answer lies buried beneath layers of prejudice and secrets, waiting to be unearthed.

Sapphire is a crime movie featuring Nigel Patrick.

Sapphire is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Plex, Plex Player and Tubi TV and it's also available on Criterion Channel.

It is also possible to buy Sapphire on Amazon Video and Apple TV.