Orlando Martins in "Sapphire" 1959 Crime Thriller

Orlando Martins in "Sapphire" 1959 Crime Thriller

"Sapphire" is a 1959 British crime drama. It focuses on racism in London toward immigrants from the West Indies and explores the "underlying insecurities and fears of ordinary people" that exist towards another race.

The film was directed by Basil Dearden and stars Nigel Patrick, Earl Cameron and Yvonne Mitchell. It received the BAFTA Award for Best Film and screenwriter Janet Green won a 1960 Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for Best Foreign Film Screenplay. It was considered a progressive movie for its time.

The body of a pregnant young woman is found stabbed on Hampstead Heath. Although she appears to be white, when her brother (Earl Cameron) arrives at the police station to give evidence, the investigating police officers see that he is black. He confirms that he and Sapphire were both the children of a white father and a black mother, but Sapphire has recently been passing for white.
Sapphire's white boyfriend, a student, immediately becomes the chief suspect, but, as the investigation proceeds, other aspects of Sapphire's life in London bring to light other possible suspects.

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Cast
Nigel Patrick as Superintendent Robert Hazard
Yvonne Mitchell as Mildred
Michael Craig as Inspector Phil Learoyd
Paul Massie as David Harris
Bernard Miles as Ted Harris
Olga Lindo as Mrs. Harris
Earl Cameron as Dr. Robbins
Gordon Heath as Paul Slade
Jocelyn Britton as Patsy
Harry Baird as Johnnie Fiddle
Orlando Martins as Barman
Rupert Davies as P.C. Jack Ferris
Freda Bamford as Sergeant Cook
Robert Adams as Horace Big Cigar
Yvonne Buckingham as Sapphire Robbins
Vanda Hudson as Blonde Girl at Tulip's Club (uncredited)
Philip Lowrie as Student (uncredited)
Boscoe Holder as Dancer in Nightclub (uncredited)
Basil Dignam as Doctor Burgess (uncredited)
Fenella Fielding as Lingerie Shop Manageress (uncredited)
Lloyd Reckord as pianist in the International Club (uncredited)
Peter Vaughan as Detective Whitehead (uncredited).