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A classic Powell/Pressburger tale of sexual awakening based on the Rumer Godden novel. A group of British nuns are sent into the Himalayas to set up a mission in what was once the harem's quarters of an ancient palace. The clear mountain air, the unfamiliar culture and the unbridled sensuality of a young prince (Sabu) and his beggar-girl lover (Jean Simmons) begin to play havoc with the nuns' long-suppressed emotions. Whilst the young Mother Superior, Sister Clodagh (Deborah Kerr), fights a losing battle for order, the jaunty David Farrar falls in love with her, sparking uncontrollable jealousy in another nun, Sister Ruth (Kathleen Byron).
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By Keith M
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
Format:DVD
Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's 1947 masterpiece Black Narcissus was probably the most revolutionary, innovative and daring film of the period (certainly of British films) and still stands up well today. When the Archers (the name under which P&P made their films) raised the proposed subject matter of the film (a group of nuns, sexual repression, murder, etc) with Arthur Rank, who had his hands on the purse strings at the time, he was understandably nervous, but largely due to Powell's characteristic determination, thankfully the film got made.
Black Narcissus' story centres on a group of Anglican nuns, led by Sister Superior Clodagh (superbly played by Deborah Kerr), who are sent to a remote part of the Himalayas to establish a school and hospital for the benefit of the local population. Their objectives are undermined by a combination of factors, including the reluctance of the local British agent Mr Dean (David Farrar) to support them and the increasingly eccentric behaviour from the mentally unstable Sister Ruth (played by Kathleen Byron, in a film-stealing performance).
Black Narcissus was way ahead of its time in many elements. The most notable is undoubtedly the way in which the film creates a brooding, and increasing, atmosphere of sexual tension between the three main characters, Sisters Clodagh and Ruth and Mr Dean, as the latter parades through the nuns' living quarters (ironically a converted harem!) in shorts and bare, hairy legs. Visually, the film is also uniquely stunning.... Read more ›
Black Narcissus' story centres on a group of Anglican nuns, led by Sister Superior Clodagh (superbly played by Deborah Kerr), who are sent to a remote part of the Himalayas to establish a school and hospital for the benefit of the local population. Their objectives are undermined by a combination of factors, including the reluctance of the local British agent Mr Dean (David Farrar) to support them and the increasingly eccentric behaviour from the mentally unstable Sister Ruth (played by Kathleen Byron, in a film-stealing performance).
Black Narcissus was way ahead of its time in many elements. The most notable is undoubtedly the way in which the film creates a brooding, and increasing, atmosphere of sexual tension between the three main characters, Sisters Clodagh and Ruth and Mr Dean, as the latter parades through the nuns' living quarters (ironically a converted harem!) in shorts and bare, hairy legs. Visually, the film is also uniquely stunning.... Read more ›
20 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Powell and Pressburger in the 40's were a sure fire guarantee of cinema that was imaginative, innovative and involving - and this was one of the pinnacles of their career.
On the surface another British melodrama, this was made into much more, using the relatively new and cumbersome Technicolor process for heretofore unimagined uses. While America was using colour as a way of making musicals and location work bigger and more exciting, Powell and Pressburger were finding ways of using it as a way of expressing the internal - emotions as colour.
In this movie, we have Deborah Kerr as a nun who has been sent as Mother Superior to a palace (and former harem) in India in the shadow of the Himalayas to make of it a school and dispensary. However the location and its otherworldliness begin to gnaw at the nuns in different ways, digging up old forgotten memories of their previous lives, and forcing one all the way to madness. The presence of the Englishman who is their only source of help, only adds to a simmering atmosphere of repressed emotion which threatens to burst out as time progresses.
As a melodrama this might seem a little dated by modern viewers eyes, however as an expression of the dichotomy between our human nature and the nature of religion (in this case Christianity) this is a fascinating and timeless piece - and as a piece of cinema, this will stay with you for a very long time, with its stunning expressionist style and startling colours. One moment, when a nun driven mad appears in a doorway with murderous thoughts in mind, is more chilling than anything I have seen in a long time, all captured in one look through fantastic lighting.... Read more ›
On the surface another British melodrama, this was made into much more, using the relatively new and cumbersome Technicolor process for heretofore unimagined uses. While America was using colour as a way of making musicals and location work bigger and more exciting, Powell and Pressburger were finding ways of using it as a way of expressing the internal - emotions as colour.
In this movie, we have Deborah Kerr as a nun who has been sent as Mother Superior to a palace (and former harem) in India in the shadow of the Himalayas to make of it a school and dispensary. However the location and its otherworldliness begin to gnaw at the nuns in different ways, digging up old forgotten memories of their previous lives, and forcing one all the way to madness. The presence of the Englishman who is their only source of help, only adds to a simmering atmosphere of repressed emotion which threatens to burst out as time progresses.
As a melodrama this might seem a little dated by modern viewers eyes, however as an expression of the dichotomy between our human nature and the nature of religion (in this case Christianity) this is a fascinating and timeless piece - and as a piece of cinema, this will stay with you for a very long time, with its stunning expressionist style and startling colours. One moment, when a nun driven mad appears in a doorway with murderous thoughts in mind, is more chilling than anything I have seen in a long time, all captured in one look through fantastic lighting.... Read more ›
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By lycidas
Format:DVD
This is a beautiful Archers' collaboration in every sense. The technicolour studio set of the Himalayas, the quality acting, the plotline, all this made for a real masterpiece. Deborah Kerr has that peaches and cream complexion which even a nun's habit cannot conceal. The metamorphosis of Hathleen Byron (remember her as the celestial receptionist in 'A matter of Life and Death')from seclusion into a sexually repressed Fury is seen against the remarkable tranquillity of Kerr (who reprised her role as a nun in 'Heaven knows, Mr Alison'). My quibbles are minor. I felt that Jean Simmons was totally miscast as the Indian girl, while Sabu strives too hard to please. David Farrar, as the local agent and the target of Byron's affections, was a paragon of English indifference who treated the nuns with a fair degree of cynicism. Jack Cardiff won an Oscar for his superb cinematography. If you enjoyed watching Deborah Kerr in 'The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp, you will certainly repeat the experience here.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Ian Hunter
Format:DVD
The opening sequences include the focus on some wall pictures that convey a former erotic function for the palace; a euphemism for a windswept compound on the shelf of a mountain. Ian Bannan, a Scottish actor, once referred to Deborah Kerr as "that lassie frae Helensburgh"; a posh town near Glasgow. Her performance is something to behold, particularly in the confines of a nun's habit. Consequently, the acting is often like in the silent movies; sudden head movement and expressive eyes, captured in the camera. Jean Simmons (an English rose in normal life) is a revelation in her role. It's as if the House of Women, as the palace was once known, is affecting some of the nuns. The photography and the colour are stunning (Jack Cardiff). Mr Dean (David Farrar) is a strong, masculine presence. He is uncouth at times yet strangely sympathetic to the nuns' plight. There is love; both unrequited (the worst kind) and acknowledged, with such gentleness and from a surprising source. It's a stunning film!
Ian Hunter.
Author of `e-Love'.
Ian Hunter.
Author of `e-Love'.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
OTT - yes, and love it!
Overwrought and up the mountains - though David Lean swapped the Himalayas for Pinewood - this is an irresistible tale of nuns leading an isolated existence in a convent and, what... Read more
Published 1 day ago by David Alford
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Item, at bargain price
Great Item, at bargain price, ordered one day, here the next morning. It made a great and appreciated gift for me to give.
Published 25 days ago by a1 toolman 2011
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great
This was a Christmas present for my mother-in-law and she was made up with it, she watched it years ago and didn't think she would be able to get it.
Published 5 months ago by Julie McCluskey
5.0 out of 5 stars
Do you think it's a good thing to let her feel important?
Black Narcissus is directed by Micheal Powell and Emeric Pressburger, who both adapt the screenplay form Rumer Godden's novel of the same name. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Spike Owen
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great classic story
Great actors, great acting. Passion and tension all the way through the story. Classic film at its best and one you'll enjoy watching over and over.
Published 6 months ago by Christine M
3.0 out of 5 stars
Bought for Uni.
And old but entertaining film. The set and acting is rather hilarious and the bonus making of feature is quite interesting if your into classical film making.
Published 6 months ago by Emily Bell
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Archers
I have been an Archers fan since I was a kid and first saw "The Thief of Baghdad" which Michael Powell had a large hand in, and despite the aged effects still remains a most... Read more
Published on 19 Feb 2010 by George F. Fry
5.0 out of 5 stars
Powell & Pressburger, The Sublime & The Ridiculous. Not For The...
I have seen this superb melodrama broadcast in the afternoon on British TV, a fact which always strikes me as potentially unsound because, as anyone who has seen it all the way... Read more
Published on 24 Oct 2009 by Philoctetes
5.0 out of 5 stars
Black Narcissus
I remember this movie from when I was a child and I have had a video for several years which has now lost a lot of quality. Since buying this DVD I am enjoying it once again. Read more
Published on 13 July 2009 by June R from Oz
3.0 out of 5 stars
a pleasant enough film
i'd heard many good things about this film so I decided to give it a go. Deborah Kerr's performance was amazing and the plot was moving but I felt there was something lacking to... Read more
Published on 26 Nov 2008 by Ms. F. I. Macdonald
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