Black Narcissus (1947)

A group of English nuns are sent to a remote deteriorating palace, which was formerly the home of the Rajah's concubines high in the Himalayan mountains in an attempt to educate the local populace especially its children. But the exotic and sensual atmosphere with its winds and native drums causes the nuns to breakdown emotionally, psychologically and sexually until its violent climax. Based on the novel by Rumer Godden and adapted for the screen and directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. This remarkable film is Powell and Pressburger's masterpiece. Stunningly photographed in rich, velvety, three strip Technicolor by ace cinematographer Jack Cardiff whose visuals won the 1947 Oscar and superb art direction (it was filmed entirely in England though you'd never know it) by Alfred Junge who also won the 1947 Oscar in his category. Its lushness and sensuality never overpowers its intense psychical eye. In one of her best performances Deborah Kerr is the sister superior who desperately strains to keep her wits about her as everything is falling apart. In an unforgettable performance that knocks it out of the ballpark, Kathleen Byron is the fragile Sister Ruth pushed beyond all endurance to insanity. With David Farrar as the studly British agent who unintentionally contributes to the hysteria that develops in the nunnery. With Jean Simmons, Sabu, Flora Robson, Esmond Knight, Judith Furse and a scene stealing May Hallatt.