THE BLACK NARCISSIS 4/9 Video

Archers pairing Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger once again deliberately courted controversy and censorship with their 1947 adaptation of Rumer Godden's novel Black Narcissus. Set in the fantastic Palace of Mopu, which faces a five-mile-high mountain in the Himalayas, comes a band of nuns to open a Anglican school and hospital in a one-time bordello. The unceasing wind saps their vitality, their faith is also sorely tested by the culture clash and and carnal desires. Sister Clodagh (Deborah Kerr) has to seek help from cynical British government agent Mr. Dean (David Farrar), the owner's agent. From that moment orderly conversion goes forward. A chapel, is built, a lovely garden springs from the wilderness; school rooms and a dispensary are added. Mr. Dean persuades Sister Clodagh to look after a beautiful native Indian girl, Kanchi (Jean Simmons), who is well aware of her own charms; next, the young General Dilip Rai (Sabu) begs for lessons.