The Biko Inquest (1984)

Based on the official transcripts of the investigation that followed after the very suspicious notorious death in prison of one of the most important leading men of the South African anti-apartheid movement, Steven Biko.

Directors:

Graham Evans, Albert Finney

Writers:

Jon Blair, Norman Fenton

Stars:

Michael Aldridge, Nigel Davenport, Mark Dignam

2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Michael Aldridge	...	Dr. Tucker, Chief District Surgeon
Nigel Davenport	...	Colonel Goosen, head of security police
Mark Dignam	...	Martinus Prins, magistrate
Albert Finney	...	Sidney Kentridge, for Biko family
Stafford Gordon	...	Major Snyman, interrogation team
Michael Gough	...	Professor Loubser, State Pathologist
Edward Hardwicke	...	Professor Proctor, pathologist
Paul Jerricho	...	Lieutenant Wilken (as Paul Jerrico)
Richard Johnson	...	Dr. Hersch, consultant
John Standing	...	Van Rensburg, for Attorney General
Paul Fryer	...	Clerk to van Rensburg
Betty Bod Hlela	...	Steve Biko's widow
Peggy Phango	...	Steve Biko's mother
Benny Mayer	...	Steve Biko's brother
Doreen Webster	...	Singer

Storyline

Based on the official transcripts of the investigation that followed after the very suspicious notorious death in prison of one of the most important leading men of the South African anti-apartheid movement, Steven Biko.

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Plot Keywords:

south africa | lawyer | inquest | apartheid | based on true story | 

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Genres:

Drama | History

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 September 1985 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Riverside Studios, Hammersmith, London, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Channel 4 Television Corporation, Embassy Communications, United British Artists (UBA)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

102 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

User Reviews

Powerful and revealing

This is a televised play/film based on the real transcripts of the inquest following the death of anti-apartheid South-African leader Steven Biko.Even for that reason only, it is a highly interesting piece, however,its value is enhanced by the powerful script and dialogue as well as the strong performances by the cast.Albert Finney directed this, his second (and last, up to now at least) directorial attempt after the scandalously underrated ''Charlie Bubbles'' in 1968.His job is a rather discreet one,as he lets the documents and the power of both truth and deception speak for themselves and, to those familiar with the real events, it will seem as an honest piece of work, without propagandistic sentimentalities. Richard Attenborough's film ''Cry freedom'', which shortly followed Finney's, narrates the events that led to Biko's arrest and subsequent death, it however takes many poetic licenses, a case not to be found in this one.It is powerful, at times shocking and I can only lament the fact that Finney has never seriously moved to the directorial seat before or since that.