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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
Michael Powell
Director
Emeric Pressburger
Director
Michael Powell
Producer
Emeric Pressburger
Producer
Michael Powell
Writer (Screenplay)
Emeric Pressburger
Writer (Screenplay)
Rumer Godden
Writer (Novel)
Brian Easdale
Original Music
Jack Cardiff
Cinematographer
Reginald Mills
Film Editor
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News & Interviews for Black Narcissus

Aubrey Plaza’s Five Favorite (Nun) Films
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Critic Reviews for Black Narcissus

All Critics (33) | Top Critics (12) | Fresh (33)

  • This is a landmark of Hollywood-on-Thames trompe-l'oeil.

    August 3, 2015 | Full Review…

    Michael Sragow

    New Yorker

  • There's something truly unearthly about this place of howling winds, yawning chasms and atmosphere thick with temptation. Sanctity, it will be proven, is no match for sin.

    January 1, 2013 | Rating: 5/5 | Full Review…

    Keith Uhlich

    Time Out

  • Michael Powell was right when he called Black Narcissus an "erotic film," but the attraction is pure Pygmalionism.

    December 30, 2012 | Rating: 4/4 | Full Review…

    Joseph Jon Lanthier

    Slant Magazine

  • Run, don't walk to see this 1947 classic from Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger.

    March 23, 2010 | Rating: 5/5 | Full Review…

    Peter Bradshaw

    Guardian

  • Powell's equally extravagant visual style transforms it into a landscape of the mind -- grand and terrible in its thorough abstraction.

    March 23, 2010 | Full Review…

    Dave Kehr

    Chicago Reader

  • Production has gained much through being in color. The production and camerawork atone for minor lapses in the story, Jack Cardiff's photography being outstanding.

    March 26, 2009 | Full Review…

    Variety Staff

    Variety
View All Critic Reviews (33)

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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