Accessibility Links
Skip to Main Content
Skip to Main Navigation
Skip to Footer
Magazine subscription offer
Holidays
Money
Newsletters
RT shop
RT Puzzles
Sign In
Register
Sign In
Register
Settings
Sign out
My account
On TV
On TV
Now
On TV
Tonight
Search
On TV
On TV
Now
On TV
Tonight
TV Guide
News
News
View all News
Drama
Entertainment
Sci-Fi
Fantasy
Sport
Documentary
Film
On Demand
On Demand
View all On Demand
Netflix
Amazon Prime Video
Soaps
Soaps
View all Soaps
Coronation Street
EastEnders
Emmerdale
Hollyoaks
Streaming
Streaming
View all Streaming
Disney+
Apple TV+
UKTV Play
Britbox
Netflix
Amazon
NOW TV
Sky Box Sets
Film
Film
View all Film
Film news
Film picks
Sport
Radio
Mag Offer
Magazine subscription offer
Holidays
Money
Newsletters
RT shop
RT Puzzles
Black Narcissus
Michael Powell
(1947)
96min
U Certificate
ADVERTISEMENT
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Pinterest
Share on Reddit
Email to a friend
Review
Our Score
by
David Parkinson
Winner of Oscars for art direction and cinematography, this adaptation of Rumer Godden's simmering novel by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger is one of the most striking examples of studio-controlled artifice in film history. Jack Cardiff's incredibly lush colour images not only enhance the beauty of the stylised Himalayan scenery, but also bring a certain grandeur to the melodramatic events at a remote mountain mission where the visit of English agent David Farrar causes passions to run dangerously out of control among the nuns. Kathleen Byron's eye-rolling jealousy awakens the occasionally sleepy plot and her scene with Deborah Kerr on the bell tower is a true classic. Sabu as a wealthy local general and Jean Simmons as the nubile native girl who attracts his attention provide a little eastern spice.
Summary
British nuns establish a school and hospital on a remote mountainside in the Himalayas, where the nursing sisters face isolation as well as native mistrust. However, it is the presence of a male land agent that takes a final toll on their peace of mind. Oscar-winning drama from directorial team Powell and Pressburger. With Deborah Kerr, David Farrar, Kathleen Byron, Flora Robson and Jean Simmons.
Cast & Crew
Sister Clodagh
Deborah Kerr
Dilip Rai, the Young General
Sabu
Mr Dean
David Farrar
Sister Philippa
Flora Robson
The Old General
Esmond Knight
Kanchi
Jean Simmons
Sister Ruth
Kathleen Byron
Blanche, Sister Honey
Jenny Laird
Sister Briony
Judith Furse
Angu Ayah
May Hallatt
Con
Shaun Noble
Mother Dorothea
Nancy Roberts
Director
Michael Powell
Director
Emeric Pressburger
see more
Other Information
Language:
English
Colour
Theatrical distributor:
BFI
Available on:
video, DVD and Blu-ray
Released on:
5 Aug 2005
Drama
Full Episode Guide
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest News
Exclusive – Watch the first trailer for Temple season 2 starring Mark Strong
0h ago
What channel is Everton v Sheffield Wednesday FA Cup match on? Kick off time, live stream and latest team news
24 Jan
How to vote on Dancing on Ice 2021
24 Jan
Meet Sonny Jay, Dancing on Ice 2021 contestant and Capital Radio DJ
24 Jan