Black Narcissus

Callistemon

Continuity problem:

Is it me, or, when viewed from a distance, did the Bell Tower have a little wall around it but, when the nuns were actually on there, there was no wall?

No. I thought that, too.

Well that was a bit of a damp squib wasn’t it ?
all very predicable

Oh, I thought the scene in which she told him her name was lovely. I like to think of them spending the rest of their lives in love with each other but worlds apart. Gemma Arterton doesn’t get happy endings, does she....

MayBee, not just me!

Yes, me too MayBee. I thought it was a very moving moment, so much more intimate than if they had fallen into each other’s arms.

I found it disappointing. I was expecting a more exciting,eventful ending and was left thinking,"is that it?"

I’d love to see the 1947 film now. Did Jean Simmons play Sister Ruth? In my film annuals they used to have signed full page pictures of the stars. Jean Simmons was one that I thought was incredibly beautiful.

Did you notice that Sister Ruth was played by Jamie Dornans babysitter in The Fall? Another mad character.

One of the reasons why I loved the film of Last of the Mohicans was because the two love affairs weren’t graphic and developed slowly. The only difference being that at the end of that I had an image of them living in a cabin in the woods and having domestic quarrels about Hawkeye not providing enough food for their dinner etc.

I haven't seen the last episode yet but I am really enjoying it even though I thought Gemma Arterton miscast (can't stop seeing her as a Sty Trinian's girl) I think she has made a good job of it. Don't know who Mr Dean is but he would send me of the straight and narrow for sure!

" Don't know who Mr Dean is but he would send me of the straight and narrow for sure!"

Yes, I wouldn't mind being stuck in the Himalayas with Mr Dean (and no, that's not a euphemism! )

Callistemon

Grannynannywanny

I felt queasy during all the bell tower scenes

Me too, even when they were going up that staircase.

That staircase was terrifying. My legs turned to jelly and I had to look away.

I only know Gemma Arterton from Tess of the d’Urbevilles so I thought she was perfect for the part Yes: what with Mr Dean and the dishy priest from Fleabag being in His Dark Materials BBC drama is becoming a bit of a hunk fest.....

Sparklefizz

" Don't know who Mr Dean is but he would send me of the straight and narrow for sure!"

Yes, I wouldn't mind being stuck in the Himalayas with Mr Dean (and no, that's not a euphemism! )

That had me in tears....

MayBee70- in the old film Sister Ruth was played by Kathleen Byron. Jean Simmons played Kanchi.

I have really enjoyed this version of Black Narcissus and I do so agree with previous posters re the dishy Mr Dean. I loved the ending when she tells him her name.

Were it not for the scenery, a part of the world I always promised myself to visit but never managed I would not have watched all episode.
As were my feelings, in the Deborah Kerr version, I could not bring myself to switch off.

Thanks Niobe. I think I may rewatch it to see the relationship develop.

We saw the original film many years ago at the NFT. Walking along the row past other audience members I thought I recognised the woman sitting next to me. Lo and behold, she appeared on screen - it was Kathleen Byron - Ruth. That was an excellent film and this version is good too.

I do want to see the film now....

A favourite Christmas book of my daughters was The Story of Holly and Ivy by Rumer Godden. I’m sure I bought it for her after seeing Tottie in the tv. I always thought, with a name like that she would have been Scandinavian.

Sparklefizz there have been rumours about you and MrDean ?

I couldn’t watched the scenes walking up those narrow steps to the Bell Tower really scary.

Sssh NanKate we didn't want anyone to know

Well I really enjoyed it, going out of the room when scary height bits were shown, wonderful scenery. To be honest I felt the story was thin but I am going to read the book if I can get hold of it before I make a final judgement.

The book is better than the film or TV adaptation. Rumer Godden really knew her stuff re locations but also about nuns. After reading Black Narcissus I read another book of hers featuring nuns. 'In this house of Brede'. It was very accurate as it had all been written with nuns as informants. I waited for an actual story to emerge but it seemed to be to be more of a soap based in a monastery. Yes monastery. These nuns were a particular order. I can't say I loved the book but it was interesting and opened a door into another world.

She became a Catholic in later life, didn’t she. A fascinating woman.