Small Island (TV 2009)

In 1939 Hortense, illegitimate but intelligent and ambitious, is brought up on Jamaica with the family of charismatic, free-thinking Michael, who joins the Air Force when war breaks out and... See full summary »

Director:

John Alexander

Writers:

Andrea Levy (novel), Paula Milne (screenplay),

Stars:

Benedict Cumberbatch, Naomie Harris, David Oyelowo

4 wins & 8 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Benedict Cumberbatch	...	Bernard
Naomie Harris	...	Hortense
David Oyelowo	...	Gilbert
Ruth Wilson	...	Queenie
Mark Ryder	...	Kip (as Mark Davison)
Eoin Macken	...	Calhoon
Ashley Walters	...	Michael
Shaun Parkes	...	Winston
Karl Johnson	...	Arthur Bligh
Hugh Quarshie	...	Narrator
Michael Elwyn	...	Doctor
Nikki Amuka-Bird	...	Celia
Peter Brooke	...	Sikorski
Denise Black	...	Aunt Dorothy
Roger Sloman	...	Mr. Todd

Storyline

In 1939 Hortense, illegitimate but intelligent and ambitious, is brought up on Jamaica with the family of charismatic, free-thinking Michael, who joins the Air Force when war breaks out and goes to England. After the war, Hortense, now a qualified teacher, makes a marriage of convenience to Gilbert Joseph, paying for his passage to England on condition he sends for her. She not only hopes to see Michael again but believes that living in Britain will give her more scope. When she arrives in London in 1948, she is extremely disappointed by the one room in which they must live and the obvious colour prejudice. Queenie, their liberal landlady, is also a woman used to disappointment, marrying decent but dull and sexless Bernard to get her away from the family farm. Whilst Bernard - now presumed missing - was in the Air Force during the war, she first took in lodgers from the armed forces, partly for the company, including Michael, with whom she had sex.

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Plot Keywords:

interracial relationship

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Official Sites:

Official soundtrack site

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

18 April 2010 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Jamaica

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Ruby Films

Technical Specs

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Connections

Featured in Breakfast: Episode dated 3 December 2009 (2009)

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Soundtracks

"Rule Britannia"
(uncredited)

User Reviews

Gripping Social Drama

This compelling two-part Masterpiece Theatre offering is another reason why people should support public television.

A period piece placed in the not too distant past, Director John Alexander has assembled a fine cast to portray expatriated Jamaicans who, for a variety of reasons,choose the English Motherland over their Caribbean homeland. Set in the postwar years following Hitler's defeat, "Small Island" explores racial issues and colonial ideology. It also provokes viewers to examine the concepts associated with legitimate birthrights and those who are heir to less than noble beginnings.

I may hate the pledge drives, but quality public programming makes for satisfying presentations like "Small Island" worth all those gift mugs and tote bags.