THE HIGH BRIGHT SUN

UK, 1964, 114 minutes, Colour.
Dirk Bogarde, George Chakiris, Susan Strasberg, Denholm Elliot, Gregoire Aslan.
Directed by Ralph Thomas.

The High Bright Sun is a typical Dirk Bogarde vehicle. Set in Cyprus in the 50s, the film reflects the tensions on that island that were so prevalent in the 50s and 60s. The film takes the form of an espionage drama with racial themes added in. An alternative title to the film - was Maguire Go Home. The film was made by the production direction team of Betty Box and Ralph Thomas, for whom Dirk Bogarde had worked often, for instance in the 'Doctor' series, A Tale of Two Cities, Hot Enough For June.

1.The significance of the title and the focus on Cyprus? the alternate title, Maguire Go Home, which more appropriate?

2. The film as a Dirk Bogarde adventure, the quality of the adventure, British, audience enjoyment of this kind of political thriller?

3. The presentation of Cyprus, locations, colour, the cities and the countryside, the political oppression, the themes of Cypriot music? How authentic?

4. The presentation of Cyprus in the 50's, racial differences, British colonialism, the atmosphere of terrorism?As seen in the perspective of the 60s? Its impact in thd 70's?

5. How did the film set the Cyprus situation and its atmosphere, the initial terrorism, the introduction to Juno and the boys on the bill, Maguire and his authority and control, the Doctor and his family and their relationship with the terrorists, their involvement? British, Greek, Turk? Americans and the migrant background? The presentation of the Cypriot heritage? The issues on the island, political loyalties? Violence? How did the audience get involved in these?

6. The focus on Juno as the outsider, her encounter with the boys on the bill and the knife, Maguire and his saving her, her involvement with. him? Her studies, the American attitude, her place with the doctor and his family, her seeing the assassination and her knowledge of Skyros? The dilemma and whether she should divulge knowledge or have loyalties? Her intrusion into the library and the consequent behaviour of her trying to steer a course between the rebels and the British? How well did she cope, should she have spoken out?

7. The character of Maguire as the typical British officer in charge, his background and his wife leaving him and her promiscuity, his cynical attitude towards life, towards his job and the Cypriots? His efficiency, seeking, out of information, the hostility in giving., information? The fascination with Juno as well as his duty to get information from her? His relationship with his fellow officers and security chief? His friendship with Baker and his reliance on him? A man of control, a man of anger?The puzzle of the man following him?

8. The doctor and his wife and son? Their place in Cyprus, their loyalties, the dinner with Paghlos, Skyros? Their involvement, their dilemma, their testing out of Juno and their reliance on her?

9. The presentation of Haghios as the impetuous patriot? His assassination, his conflicts with Skyros? His hounding of Juno and suspicions? Maguire's hostility? The gun siege and the irony of his presence on the plane and at Athens? The inevitability of his death?

10. The suspense and melodrama of Juno trying to cope and his tricks to keep her knowledge? The meeting with Maguire and growing reliance on him?

11. The build up of tension, the plan to kill Juno, the doctor’s son and his decision to save her, her holding the gun, parking the car on the road, meeting in the cafe, staying with Maguire and the victim of the siege? The real danger and audiences being convinced of it?

12. Haghios’ place in the siege, his presence on the plane, his attempt on her life at the airport?

9. The character of Baker, British, authority, his relationship with Maguire and the others?

13. The satisfactory ending – but indications of ongoing problems in Cyprus.