๐ŸŽž MTDbBest ofBy yearBy genreBy runtimeBrowse (app)

MTDb โ€บ Best of โ€บ 1947 โ€บ Black Narcissus

Black Narcissus poster

Black Narcissus (1947)

โ€œA story of exquisite yearning in a strange and beautiful land. Towering over the screen ... as the mountains that saw it happen.โ€

7.5/10 ยท 583 votes 1h 40m nr Drama

#2 of 5 films from 1947 #840 of 3759 in drama

Directed by Emeric Pressburger, Michael Powell ยท Written by Rumer Godden, Emeric Pressburger, Michael Powell

โ–ถ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

A group of Anglican nuns, led by Sister Clodagh, are sent to a mountain in the Himalayas. The climate in the region is hostile and the nuns are housed in an odd old palace. They work to establish a school and a hospital, but slowly their focus shifts. Sister Ruth falls for a government worker, Mr. Dean, and begins to question her vow of celibacy. As Sister Ruth obsesses over Mr. Dean, Sister Clodagh becomes immersed in her own memories of love.

Cast

Deborah Kerras Sister Clodagh
David Farraras Mr. Dean
Flora Robsonas Sister Philippa
Kathleen Byronas Sister Ruth
Sabuas The Young General
Jean Simmonsas Kanchi
Jenny Lairdas Sister Honey
Judith Furseas Sister Briony
Esmond Knightas The Old General
May Hallattas Angu Ayah
Eddie Whaley Jr.as Joseph Anthony
Shaun Nobleas Con
Nancy Robertsas Mother Dorothea
Ley Onas Phuba

Facts

Release dateMay 26, 1947
Runtime100 min (1h 40m) โ€” about the same as the 1947 average of 91 min
GenresDrama
LanguageEN
Budget$1,200,000
IMDbtt0039192

More from Emeric Pressburger, Michael Powell

The Red ShoesThe Red Shoes1948 ยท โ˜… 8.0 ยท 2h 13m Peeping TomPeeping Tom1960 ยท โ˜… 7.4 ยท 1h 41m

If you liked Black Narcissus

Same genre, released within a few years, sorted by TMDB rating.

Seven SamuraiSeven Samurai1954 ยท โ˜… 8.5 ยท 3h 27m It's a Wonderful LifeIt's a Wonderful Life1946 ยท โ˜… 8.3 ยท 2h 11m Sunset BoulevardSunset Boulevard1950 ยท โ˜… 8.3 ยท 1h 50m Rear WindowRear Window1954 ยท โ˜… 8.3 ยท 1h 53m IkiruIkiru1952 ยท โ˜… 8.3 ยท 2h 23m Bicycle ThievesBicycle Thieves1948 ยท โ˜… 8.2 ยท 1h 29m CasablancaCasablanca1943 ยท โ˜… 8.1 ยท 1h 42m The Shop Around the CornerThe Shop Around the Corner1940 ยท โ˜… 8.1 ยท 1h 39m

Questions

How long is Black Narcissus?
Black Narcissus runs 100 minutes (1h 40m).
Is Black Narcissus worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.5/10 across 583 votes, which places it #2 of 5 films released in 1947 in this index (top 80%) and #840 among 3759 drama titles.
Who directed Black Narcissus?
Black Narcissus was directed by Emeric Pressburger, Michael Powell. Other well-rated titles by the same director: The Red Shoes (1948), Peeping Tom (1960).
Who stars in Black Narcissus?
Deborah Kerr as Sister Clodagh; David Farrar as Mr. Dean; Flora Robson as Sister Philippa; Kathleen Byron as Sister Ruth; Sabu as The Young General; Jean Simmons as Kanchi.
What is Black Narcissus rated?
It carries a nr certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for Black Narcissus?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/85226.

Browse

Best of 1947Best dramaDrama of the 1940sAll lists
MTDbยทBest films by year, genre and runtimeยทA century in numbersยทBrowse and watch trailers

Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.