The Mystic Masseur

In this film, based on the comic novel of Trinidad life by Nobel Prize winner V.S. Naipaul, the hero, Ganesh Ransumair, is a schoolteacher in the island's capital city, Port of Spain. He learns that his father has died, and he travels back to his country village where he arranges for the burial. Once there he realizes that if he is to fulfill his dream of becoming a writer, he should probably stay in the village and write. He is determined to make something of himself in the world and thereby honour the memory of his father.

Ganesh is encouraged by his boisterous aunt, and by a neighbor, Ramlogan, to pursue his dreams. He decides to seek peace and quiet and moves to another village, but before he does so he marries Ramloan's daughter, Leela. Once they arrive in the new village Ganesh settles down to write. However, money is in short supply and his wife's patience begins to wear thin.

Eventually she moves back to her father's house, leaving Ganesh by himself. A lonely Ganesh is befriended by a local shopkeeper, Beharry, who both encourages and helps him. Eventually, Ganesh finishes his first book, but despite the efforts of Beharry, his ever faithful aunt, and his wife – who returns to Ganesh – the book fails to sell.

Critic Reviews:

• " An affectionate, sun-bathed memoir. " – Margaret A. McGurk

• " A bittersweet film, simple in form but rich with human events. " – Joe Baltake

• " A worthwhile way to spend two hours. " – Daphne Gordon