Maizie James I read the book, WHITE MISCHIEF soon after it was published in the early 90's. When the movie version premiered, I thought the adaptation was fairly good. Both the book and the movie presents a wonderful story of a mystery-murder evolving around a group of pampered haughty individuals among the British elite 'high society' living in colonial Kenya during WWII. The movie version features Sarah Miles, in an incredible performance.We see this naught group getting into all types of 'mischief' while visiting each others homes, vacationing, and attending exclusive private clubs during the height of elegance in colonial Kenya during the 40's. There is a healthy dose of sex, pride, betrayal, and all manners of decadence amid an environment of wealth and affluence.The movie and book was highly enjoyable for those who are intrigued with the lifestyle and social posture of the British in places such as Africa and India before these countries achieved independence.Yet, I'm puzzled why this movie, WHITE MISCHIEF is unavailable in the major rental outlets such as Blockbuster, or Netflix.M James

demanning52 The only thing that keeps me from giving this a 10, is the hit and miss score. There are moments when the music is completely wrong for what is going on. That said, the storyline is not new, in fact it is based on an actual incident. What makes it so entertaining is it's cast, their lines,beautiful wardrobes and the different "mischief" they nearly all take part in. Drugs,booze,polo, parties, mate swapping (and stealing), and eventually murder, has rarely looked so delicious on screen. There are moments here that should stick in your memory for years to come. One such scene involves Sarah Miles and her special way of saying goodbye to a dear departed. It's a shame that this Michael Radford gem is evidently out of print. Should you be lucky enough to find it to rent, I strongly recommend you having on hand a fine Port and some chocolate lobster!

ptb-8 What a demented film! It should be a late night cult classic like Rocky Horror or Blues Bros with the audience hooting and participating at every step, dressing up in character and swilling drinks, dead dogs, accordions, knives, whatever.....causing all sorts of audience mischief in tune with the on screen antics. A loaded cast in every way stagger across the veldt screwing and drinking and making a right old priviliged mess of their rich surroundings. I am sure th cast all laughed all the way to the bank with their fee, and I am not sure where the script ended and the camera kept rolling. The best way to enjoy this berserk trash is to get a group of friends quite drunk and put it on, over reacting and yowling at every scene. It is great fun.

rosscinema This story is loosely based on a real scandal that occurred in Kenya during the second world war and the film captures all the decadent events that were happening in an area nicknamed "Happy Valley". Story takes place in 1940 in Kenya where Sir Jock Delves Broughton (Joss Ackland) has brought back with him a much younger bride. Jock is in his 60's and his new bride Diana (Greta Scacchi) is probably more than 30 years younger. Diana meets the assorted British colonists that live there and spend their time drinking and going to parties and having sex with one another. Diana meets the local stud Josslyn Hay (Charles Dance) and it doesn't take long before the two are having a very public affair much to the chagrin of Jock. One night Joss drops Diana off and proceeds to drive down the road when someone appears out of the darkness and shoots Joss in the head killing him. *****SPOILER ALERT*****Jock is quickly accused of the murder and has to stand trial where it becomes a media circus. Jock is acquitted of the murder of Joss and Diana goes back to live with him but has serious thoughts that he was in fact guilty of her lovers murder. This film was directed by Michael Radford who also had directed the vastly underrated "1984". He would go on to direct other interesting films such as "Il Postino", "B. Monkey" and "Dancing at the Blue Iguana". In those films Radford has shown a knack for filming stories in exotic locations and also showing the more decadent lifestyles of individuals. He does that here in this film as well and even though the material is presented in a trashy manner, Radford still creates genuine moments with effective atmosphere. Scacchi is utterly beautiful to watch and her nude scenes are not easily forgotten. The best performance in the film comes from Ackland who has spent most of his film career being a character actor. His most effective scene is where he is sitting on his bed with a tear coming down his face while he contemplates what he should do. John Hurt plays a character named Gilbert Colvile and barely utters more than two words at a time. I had the feeling that his character was there just to make him another suspect in the murder. One of the more interesting bits of casting (For me anyway) is Jacqueline Pearce as Idina. I grew up watching Pearce in the Hammer horror films and it was quite the sight to see her in the nude in this film. Despite her age she was still very beautiful to look at. Also, a very young Hugh Grant has a small role at the beginning of the film. This is definitely a step down for a good director like Radford but he does capture the spirit of these people who are doing they're best to ignore the fact that a war is raging on in their own home country. The last shot in the film perfectly illustrates this as everyone gets together at the funeral of a close friend to have another party.