Black Narcissus

1947, Drama, 1h 40m

34 Reviews 5,000+ Ratings

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Black Narcissus Photos

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Movie Info

A group of Anglican nuns, led by Sister Clodagh (Deborah Kerr), are sent to a mountain in the Himalayas. The climate in the region is hostile and the nuns are housed in an odd old palace. They work to establish a school and a hospital, but slowly their focus shifts. Sister Ruth (Kathleen Byron) falls for a government worker, Mr. Dean (David Farrar), and begins to question her vow of celibacy. As Sister Ruth obsesses over Mr. Dean, Sister Clodagh becomes immersed in her own memories of love.

Cast & Crew

Deborah Kerr
Sister Clodagh
Sabu
The Young General
David Farrar
Mr. Dean
Flora Robson
Sister Philippa
Jean Simmons
Kanchi
Esmond Knight
The Old General
Kathleen Byron
Sister Ruth
Jenny Laird
Sister Honey
Judith Furse
Sister Briony
May Hallatt
Angu Ayah
Shaun Noble
Con
Eddie Whaley Jr.
Joseph Anthony
Michael Powell
Director
Emeric Pressburger
Director
Michael Powell
Producer
Emeric Pressburger
Producer
Michael Powell
Screenwriter
Emeric Pressburger
Screenwriter
Rumer Godden
Writer
Brian Easdale
Original Music
Jack Cardiff
Cinematographer
Reginald Mills
Film Editing
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Critic Reviews for Black Narcissus

All Critics (34) | Top Critics (12) | Fresh (34)
Full Review… Michael Sragow New Yorker Full Review… Keith Uhlich Time Out Full Review… Joseph Jon Lanthier Slant Magazine Full Review… Peter Bradshaw Guardian Full Review… Dave Kehr Chicago Reader Full Review… Variety Staff Variety Full Review… Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review Full Review… Allen Almachar The MacGuffin Full Review… Tom Meek Cambridge Day Full Review… Tim Dirks Filmsite Full Review… Michael J. Casey Boulder Weekly Full Review… Basil Wright The Spectator
View All Critic Reviews (34)

Audience Reviews for Black Narcissus

  • Oct 02, 2016
    Gloriously colourful (almost lurid, and at times almost gothic), this 1947 classic is teeming with sexual and racial subtext and has stunning set design.
    Daniel P Super Reviewer
  • Feb 12, 2016
    The sumptuous visuals blend seamlessly with the plot's themes of sexual repression and desire. How Kathleen Byron didn't become an instant star after her wild and unpredictable performance in this film is something of a mystery to me.
    Alec B Super Reviewer
  • Feb 27, 2013
    It's pretty to look at and builds to an admittedly tense climax, the way to get to that point is chock full of unengaging, meandering melodrama, and Black Narcissus ultimately collapses under the weight of such monotony.
    Isaac H Super Reviewer
  • Jan 30, 2013
    Ahead of its time in depicting the descent of nuns into the carnal within a strange and isolated environment. It probably was treated as a forbidden film at the time. The strong imagery still makes an impact today.
    John B Super Reviewer
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