Black Narcissis 1947

     This film is based on a novel by Rumer Godden published in 1939.  There is an Anglican convent of sisters in the city of Calcutta, India.  Sister Clodagh has been appointed to take the position of Sister Superior of the new St. Faith convent.  She will be the youngest sister superior in the Order.  The Reverend Mother believes Sister Clodagh is not ready for this assignment.  The Convent will be in a very isolated area located in a mountainside palace.  It is the remote Palace of Mopu near Darjeeling in the Himalayas.  General Todo Rai of Mopu was known as the Old General and he formerly kept his concubines at the Palace.  His son, the Young General is donating the Palace to the Order.  There will be a medical dispensary and schooling will be provided for children and young women.  Medical care will be offered to all the native residents living below the Palace in the valley.

     Sisters moving to the new location have been chosen because of their character assets.  Possession of strength, gardening abilities, able to project happiness and an increase of faith needed.  The one item not taken into consideration by the Reverend Mother is the atmosphere of the Palace.  The very high location, constant wind, the mountain air and isolation cause unusual mental distress in the Sisters.  They must also be very careful with how they interact with the natives.  They are prone to superstitions and emotional behavior.  This is a very different movie with beautiful scenery but also with conflict and tension.  It was surprising how beautiful Deborah Kerr is in her habit with very subdued makeup   3 ½* (I liked this movie)

100 min, Drama directed by Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger with Deborah Kerr, David Farrar, Flora Robson, Jenny Laird, Judith Furse, Kathleen Byron, Esmond Knight, Sabu, Jean Simmons, May Hallatt.

Note:  Imdb 8.0 out of 10, 100% critic 89% audience on Rotten Tomatoes, Amazon 4.4* out of 5* with 162 reviews, Slant Magazine 4* out of 4*.

Special Note:  Filmed in County Galway, Ireland, West Sussex and Pinewood Studios, Buckinghamshire, England, UK.  Surprisingly, backdrops were blown-up black and white photographs.  The breathtaking colors were from pastel chalks applied as a layer on top.  The works of 17th-century Dutch painter Vermeer inspired the color palette.  The Himalayan scenery was all created in the studio with glass shots and hanging miniatures?  The cast thought they would have a location shoot in Asia?  The title of comes from a British perfume used by the character the Young General.  A flower also has the same name after a youth in Greek mythology that died of because of his vanity.  The intricate embroidery being done by Sister Clodagh depicts St. Francis of Assisi.  Oscars were won for Best Cinematography and Best Art-Set Decoration.