The film follows a group of nuns attempting to create a nunnery near Darjeeling, northeast India, at an old palace that once served as a harem. Deborah Kerr portrays the head sister, and David Farrar plays the agent for the local prince. Adapted from the 1939 novel, “Black Narcissus” (1947) is a psychological story set against the striking backdrop of northern India. Though filmed in Britain, the scenery is an impressive imitation achieved through studio techniques involving glass shots and miniature models. The backgrounds are enlarged black-and-white photographs that the art department enhanced with vibrant colors using pastel chalks. While Kerr’s looks are highlighted during flashbacks, Kathleen Byron truly shines in the final act; she's remarkable to look at. Jean Simmons is also lovely as a local girl who attracts the attention of the “general” (Sabu); she was just seventeen years old when filming took place. David Farrar does a good job portraying an assertive man. The scenery, backgrounds and actors provide a visual feast, but the underlying themes regarding human nature in a flawed world are equally compelling. Everyone must navigate between what is base and what is sacred, deciding where to stand at any given time. It's not accidental that Clodagh (Kerr) and Ruth (Byron) share similar red hair beneath their religious garments and seem to be engaged in an unspoken rivalry with their physical desires, provoked by a certain individual. “Black Narcissus” deliberately avoids being overt; the audience is aware of what’s happening beneath the surface, but it isn't explicitly explained. Other movies might rely on explicit scenes to impress viewers, but this one chooses a more subtle approach—a simple yet powerful clasping of hands. The film has a running time of 1 hour and 41 minutes and was filmed at Pinewood Studios, west of London, with some forest footage shot south of London in Lower Beeding, Horsham, West Sussex. Sequences intended to represent Ireland were captured in County Galway. GRADE: B+/A-

Source on TMDB