Black Narcissus; I Know Where I'm Going!

Best known for their later works The Red Shoes and Tales of Hoffmann, the British writing-directing team of Emeric Pressburger and Michael Powell collaborated on a number of other visually evocative works, perhaps none more so than the 1947 film Black Narcissus, helmed in glorious Technicolor by famed cinematographer Jack Cardiff. Set in the Himalayas (though filmed entirely at London's Pinewood studios and surrounding countryside), this bizarre--and absolutely delightful--tale stars Deborah Kerr as the head of a small band of British nuns sent to dispense medicine, schooling, and scripture from a former Hindu palace located on a mountaintop. Struggling with cultural and language barriers, the sisters must also contend with the temptations of the flesh, particularly that of the handsome Mr. Dean (David Farrar), a British overseer who makes a habit of parading around in shorts and cap...and little else. The DVD transfer is characteristically superb, and the extras include a fine 27 minute documentary short on Jack Cardiff.Three years before Black Narcissus, when Powell and Pressburger found themselves running low on Technicolor stock, they decided to make a b&w film set in the Scottish Hebrides. 1945's I Know Where I'm Going! stars Wendy Hiller as Joan Webster, a headstrong fiancée sailing to an island to marry an older, wealthy businessman. Unfortunately, high winds delay the final leg of the journey, placing Joan in close quarters with a dashing young naval officer (Roger Livesey) with rather predictable results. Charming, but slight, the film benefits from a sharp DVD transfer, and a whole slew of supplementary materials. A strong, optional purchase. (R. Pitman)[DVD/Blu-ray Review—July 20, 2010—Criterion, 101 min., not rated, DVD: $29.95, Blu-ray: $39.95—Making its second appearance on DVD and first on Blu-ray, 1947's Black Narcissus sports a great transfer and a Dolby Digital mono soundtrack. DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Michael Powell and filmmaker Martin Scorsese, a video introduction by filmmaker Bertrand Tavernier (9 min.), a “Painting with Light” segment on cinematographer Jack Cardiff (27 min.), a profile of the film featuring members of the Archers' production team (26 min.), “The Audacious Adventurer” featurette with Tavernier (18 min.), the original theatrical trailer, and a booklet featuring an essay by critic Kent Jones. Bottom line: an excellent edition—especially on Blu-ray—of a cinema classic.]