Burning an Illusion (1981): Cast & Plot
Burning an Illusion is a 1981 drama directed by Menelik Shabazz, starring Cassie McFarlane as Pat Williams, Beverley Martin and Victor Romero Evans. It runs 1 hour 46 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 46m (106 min)
- Director
- Menelik Shabazz
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- BFI
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Burning an Illusion About?
The premise of Burning an Illusion without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
A young black woman in England becomes increasingly frustrated with her life with her lazy, demanding boyfriend, and with the help of friends seeks something better.
Burning an Illusion Themes & Keywords
· 5 tags- british renaissance
- friend
- woman
- young
- independent film
Burning an Illusion Cast & Characters
Cassie McFarlane leads the cast as Pat Williams, with Beverley Martin as Sonia and Victor Romero Evans as Del Bennett. Directed by Menelik Shabazz; 22 actors are credited in all.
- Director Menelik Shabazz
- Cassie McFarlane as Pat Williams
- Beverley Martin as Sonia
- Victor Romero Evans as Del Bennett
- Malcolm Frederick as Chamberlain
Also Starring in Burning an Illusion
· 18 more- Nicola Wright Christine
- Brian Bovell Nat West
- Trevor Laird Pest
- Gary McDonald Policeman
- Andy de la Tour Foreman
- Corinne Skinner-Carter Pat's Mother
- John Cannon Prison Warder
- Ian Cullen Desk Sergeant
- Angela Wynter Cynthia
- Larrington Walker Tony
- Chris Tummings Scotty
- Janet Kay Singer in Club (Self)
- Loftus Burton Solicitor
- Marva Buchanan Lorna
- Suzanne Auguiste Angela
- Ruddy L. Davis Pat's Father
Show all 22 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Leroy Anderson Richard
- Millie Kiarie Chairwoman
More from Menelik Shabazz
More films directed by Menelik Shabazz: The Story of Lovers Rock and Time and Judgement: A Diary of a 400 Year Exile.
Burning an Illusion Plot Summary
What happens in Burning an Illusion from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Pat Williams Cassie McFarlane is a 22-year-old who feels unsure about where life is headed, introduced through a diary-like voice-over that threads through the film at key moments. The montage of a house party gives way to a quieter, more intimate portrait of a young woman trying to find direction as her world expands beyond the party scene. The narration serves as a gentle, reflective lens on Pat’s hopes and vulnerabilities, inviting the audience to watch as she navigates friendships, romance, and the quiet pressure of expectations.
Full summary
The whole story of Burning an Illusion, scene by scene
Burning an Illusion Videos
The clip of Burning an Illusion.
How Well Do You Know Burning an Illusion?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is the first name of the film’s protagonist?
Burning an Illusion Also Known As
2 alternative titles: “Illuusiot murtuvat” and “Knus illusjonene”.
- Also known as
-
- Illuusiot murtuvat
- Knus illusjonene
Seen Burning an Illusion?
Movies Like Burning an Illusion
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Burning, Burning Man and The Burning.
Burning an Illusion FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of Burning an Illusion, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Burning an Illusion?
Burning an Illusion runs 1 hour 46 minutes (106 minutes).
When was Burning an Illusion released?
Burning an Illusion was released on November 13, 1981.
Who directed Burning an Illusion?
Burning an Illusion was directed by Menelik Shabazz.
More films by Menelik Shabazz Who is in the cast of Burning an Illusion?
Burning an Illusion stars Cassie McFarlane as Pat Williams, Beverley Martin as Sonia and Victor Romero Evans as Del Bennett, among 22 credited actors.
Does Burning an Illusion have a post-credit scene?
No. Burning an Illusion has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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