

Sapphire
“The sensational story of a girl who didn't belong.”
Synopsis
Two Scotland Yard detectives investigate the murder of a young woman of mixed race who had been passing for white. As they interview a spate of suspects -- including the girl's white boyfriend and his disapproving parents -- the detectives wade through a stubbornly entrenched sludge of racism and bigotry.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Nigel Patrick
Superintendent Robert Hazard
Michael Craig
Inspector Phil Learoyd
Yvonne Mitchell
Mildred
Paul Massie
David Harris
Bernard Miles
Ted Harris
Olga Lindo
Mrs. Harris
Earl Cameron
Dr. Robbins
Gordon Heath
Paul Slade
Barbara Steele
Student (uncredited)
Peter Vaughan
Detective Whitehead (uncredited)
Yvonne Buckingham
Sapphire Robbins
Jocelyn Britton
Patsy
Robert Adams
Horace Big Cigar
Desmond Llewelyn
Police Constable
Fenella Fielding
Lingerie Shop Manageress
Susan Stranks
Student
Freda Bamford
Sgt. Cook
Rupert Davies
Ferris
Release History & Theatrical Window
London
Festival / Special Debut
November 2, 1959
Wide Cinema Exhibition
September 5, 2011
Physical Home Media
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Basil Dearden
- Screenplay & Story
- Janet Green
- Original Score
- Philip Green
- Original Title
- Sapphire
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 32m
- Production Studios
- Artna Films Ltd., The Rank Organisation
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Basil Dearden
Janet Green
Philip Green
Harry Waxman
John D. Guthridge
Michael Relph, Earl St. John
Department Leadership Roster
Basil Dearden
Director
Janet Green
Writer
Michael Relph
Producer
Harry Waxman
Director of Photography
John D. Guthridge
Editor
Julie Harris
Costume Design
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Parental Guidance — Unlikely to upset children 8 and older.
Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Sapphire.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Sapphire.
Periodic import List
Classic Movies Collection
Copy of TMDB public list 8294149 - Classic Movies Collection
THE MARVELOUSLY-MANIACAL HEART-STOPPING FLICKERS PROJECT 2015 💔
Once again, a new year starts and this list will be a record of the films I watch in 2015. The title for this year's list is by Beck77 letterboxd.com/beck77/
The Criterion Collection
Every film released by The Criterion Collection on DVD, Blu-ray or 4K, including box sets and Eclipse. Enumerated from Wikidata and Wikipedia.
Letterboxd
dfdfdfdfd
Criterion US - Thriller Movies
Curated list of Most Popular on Criterion (US). Updated frequently. Last updated August 28, 2026.
Similar Titles to Sapphire
Movies sharing stylistic DNA, tone, and thematic storytelling
More Like Sapphire
Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.












Frequently Asked Questions About Sapphire
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Sapphire about?
Two Scotland Yard detectives investigate the murder of a young woman of mixed race who had been passing for white. As they interview a spate of suspects -- including the girl's white boyfriend and his disapproving parents -- the detectives wade through a stubbornly entrenched sludge of racism and bigotry.
Who directed Sapphire?
Sapphire was directed by Basil Dearden.
Who stars in Sapphire?
The principal cast of Sapphire includes Nigel Patrick, Michael Craig, Yvonne Mitchell, Paul Massie, Bernard Miles.
When was Sapphire released and how long is it?
Sapphire was released in 1959 with a total runtime of 1h 32m.
Who composed the musical score for Sapphire?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Sapphire was composed by Philip Green.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Sapphire?
Sapphire holds official age classifications: GB: PG (Parental Guidance — Unlikely to upset children 8 and older.); US: NR (Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.).




















