Black Narcissus (DVD)

Powell and Pressburger added to their run of daring, stimulating and stylistic pictures with this melodrama about a group of Anglican nuns establishing a remote mission high in the Himalayas. Their physical environment - extreme temperatures, illness and a young Indian Prince's perfume (Black Narcissus) - leads to psychological disturbance coupled with emotional weakness. Jealousy, sexual repression and hysteria all play their part in a fantastic climax which ripped through the British stiff upper lip attitude of the time. The casting is inspired, with brilliant performances from the principals, and the film deservedly won Oscars for Colour Cinematography and Art Direction.

Commentary with Michael Powell and Martin Scorsese
'Painting With Light' documentary on Jack Cardiff
Theatrical trailer
Interactive menu
Scene access