When an order of nuns is invited to establish a school and hospital in an isolated Himalayan region, they are warned of the hardships they will face during this undertaking. Sisters Briony (Judith Furse), Philippa (Flora Robson), and Ruth (Kathleen Byron), under the leadership of the Irish Sister Clodagh (Deborah Kerr), flashbacks to whose earlier life were filmed in Co. Galway, are indeed forced to contend with many external difficulties, but it is the psychological strain that causes the greatest suffering, particularly for the already troubled Ruth. Groundbreaking in its technical techniques and pioneering in its eroticism and portrayal of stifled female sexuality, Black Narcissus is one of the duo’s finest achievements.

Screening as part our Powell & Pressburger season, December 2nd – 20th.

Notes by Kevin Coyne