Based on Susan William’s book “Color Bar,” it is a remarkable tale not only because it’s a true story, but one where a romance influenced the outcome* of British and African history.

    David Oyelowo, who played American leader Martin Luther King Jr. in “Selma,” takes the role of Seretse Khama, heir* to the kingdom of Bechuanaland (later Botswana) and then his country’s first democratically elected president. While studying law in London after the war, Seretse falls in love with Ruth (Rosamund Pike), a simple office worker he meets at a dance.

    Apart from the fact that they have a common interest in jazz, it’s not easy to see what attracts him to the point of jeopardizing* his future kingship, or Ruth when it means breaking with her family. A hidden destiny* seems to draw them together. Soon Seretse is on his knees, proposing*. Neither of them realizes their marriage will cause an international political crisis.

    A foretaste of the racial tension that awaits them is offered by some fights on a dark street, and by Ruth’s father, who washes his hands of* her when he hears of their engagement*.

    But when they fly off to Bechuanaland, a poverty- and disease-stricken land of flat plains and red dust, the greatest obstacles* come from Seretse’s uncle (Vusi Kunene), who has raised him like a son and has been the country’s regent* while the boy was readied to take the reins of power. For him, a white wife is an affront* to the whole country, and he demands the future king divorce her or give up his throne.

    So does the British Government, which controls Bechuanaland as a British Protectorate. Britain has made a “pact with the devil,” i.e., the racially divided South Africa, which won’t tolerate a happy, mixed-marriage royal couple living on its border.

    While Parliament and two prime ministers maneuver* the African chessboard, Ruth and Seretse are buffeted by apparently invincible forces. Their peaceful but strong refusal to give up leads to the film’s rousing* final scene. (SD-Agencies)