The Grass Is Singing
“A marriage, a murder, a country without mercy”
Synopsis
In Southern Rhodesia in the 1940s, city-dweller Mary marries farmer Dick Turner and is plucked from the comforts of her cosmopolitan life and forced to live on his unsuccessful farm. Mary slowly goes insane and has a sexual affair with her black servant, Moses. When the affair is discovered, Mary asks Moses to leave the farm, but he returns and murders her.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
The Grass is Singing | Trailer | Available nowOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2016-08-03
Top Cast
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Karen Black
Mary Turner
John Thaw
Dick Turner
John Kani
Moses
Patrick Mynhardt
Charlie Muller
John Moulder-Brown
Tony Marston
Margaret Heale
Ellen Muller
Björn Gedda
Sgt. Denham
Jan Nygren
Doctor
Vincent Mijoni
Boss' Boy
Ivy Miyanda
Moses' Wife
Reg Cornish
Mary's Boss
Gailos Shiyamba
Samson
Kennedy Mungomba
Fison
Martyn Hitchins
Harry
Wesley Kaonga
Dhlamini
Jesse Martin
Matron
Release History & Theatrical Window
TIFF
Festival / Special Debut
October 5, 1984
Wide Cinema Exhibition
January 1, 1982
Physical Home Media
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Michael Raeburn
- Screenplay & Story
- Michael Raeburn
- Original Score
- Lasse Dahlberg, Björn Isfält, Temba Tana
- Original Title
- The Grass Is Singing
- Country of Origin
- Sweden, United Kingdom, Zambia
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 45m
- Production Studios
- Chibote Limited, Mark Forstater Productions, Svenska Filminstitutet
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Michael Raeburn
Michael Raeburn, Doris Lessing
Lasse Dahlberg, Björn Isfält, Temba Tana
Bille August
Thomas Schwalm
Mark Forstater
Department Leadership Roster
Mark Forstater
Producer
Thomas Schwalm
Editor
Disley Jones
Production Design
Julie Atkinson
Costume Design
Beverly Lanyon
Costume Design
Lenamari Wallström
Costume Design
Michael Raeburn
Director
Michael Raeburn
Screenplay
Bille August
Director of Photography
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Grass Is Singing.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Grass Is Singing
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Grass Is Singing about?
In Southern Rhodesia in the 1940s, city-dweller Mary marries farmer Dick Turner and is plucked from the comforts of her cosmopolitan life and forced to live on his unsuccessful farm. Mary slowly goes insane and has a sexual affair with her black servant, Moses. When the affair is discovered, Mary asks Moses to leave the farm, but he returns and murders her.
Who directed The Grass Is Singing?
The Grass Is Singing was directed by Michael Raeburn.
Who stars in The Grass Is Singing?
The principal cast of The Grass Is Singing includes Karen Black, John Thaw, John Kani, Patrick Mynhardt, John Moulder-Brown.
When was The Grass Is Singing released and how long is it?
The Grass Is Singing was released in 1981 with a total runtime of 1h 45m.
Who composed the musical score for The Grass Is Singing?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Grass Is Singing was composed by Lasse Dahlberg, Björn Isfält, Temba Tana.
Is The Grass Is Singing based on a book or true story?
The Grass Is Singing is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Doris Lessing".
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Grass Is Singing?
The Grass Is Singing holds official age classifications: AU: M (Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.).