Black Narcissus

This sensuous psychological drama from Powell and Pressburger centers on a community of Anglican nuns, who are sent as missionaries to a remote mountaintop in the Himalayas. Housed in a strange, majestic former harem, the sisters — led by the young Sister Clodagh (Deborah Kerr)— work to establish a school and hospital to serve local villagers. However, their spiritual aims are hampered by the arrival of a beautiful native girl and a young general, who unexpectedly elope together. The nuns are left attributing blame to each other and, when a young child dies in their care, tensions begin to increase.

As unfamiliar customs, isolation, and the hostile environment begin to take a toll, the feisty Sister Ruth (Kathleen Byron) falls for a handsome, government worker, Mr. Dean (David Farrar) and begins to question her vow of celibacy, and the other sisters begin to question their commitment to their mission. As she tries to keep order amongst the sisters and mitigate Sister Ruth's obsession, Sister Clodagh becomes immersed in her own memories of past love. Featuring stunning cinematography by Jack Cardiff and art direction by Alfred Junge, Black Narcissus is celebrated as one of the most mesmerizing Technicolor films of all time.

Part of our "Power and Pressburger: Titans of Technicolor" series. Courtesy of Park Circus.