One of the things I like most about this movie, is that it plays like a mix of documentary and drama. The cast is a blend of actors and non-professionals, which gives it a wonderful "real" quality. It's also obvious that Jean inherited his father's artistic eye. The film is flush with the sensual colors of India and many scenes look as if they might have been lifted from one of his father's paintings.
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| Rumor Godden |
She published 70 books, among them 21 novels. A number were big sellers, several were made into films, including my personal favorite, Black Narcissus. Four have remained continuously in print since they were first published.
Godden's is a world of nuns and sinners, ballet dancers and one-legged soldiers, the British, the Indian and the Eurasian in the middle. Her novels are both intensely funny and deeply moving. Next time you're at the library, pick up one of her books. You will thank me.
The information here is appreciated. I do want to investigate and learn more. Thank you
ReplyDeleteI am a new follower and The River is now in my queue.
ReplyDeleteHi Goneferalin, welcome! Thanks for following and hope to see you again soon.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love Rumer Godden--"The Sparrows", In This House of Brede--but I never knew she was the pen behind Black Narcissus. So yes, I thank you. Will look for The River.
ReplyDeleteTess,
ReplyDeleteI've seen them both -- The River was watchable. Black Narcissus was and is magnificent. Stunning visuals, 'taste' of the late Raj, Freudianly-rich story.
Jean Renoir is a major guy, and I'm to see one of his soon!
Trulyfool
Yes, Black Narcissus was terrific; very dark and menacing, and great casting. We need more films like that. Rumor Godden was a legend.
ReplyDeleteI'm sold. This sounds like a wonderful author to explore. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHave you read any of her children's books? Her autobiography is a fascinating read too. A Time to Dance No Time to Weep and A House with Four Rooms. Also Two under the Indian Sun.
ReplyDeletePS Two chapters about Renoir and The River in A House with Four Rooms.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful writer, Rumer Godden. thanks for reminding me, Tess.
ReplyDeletegreat recommendation Tess... I have added it to my must watch list, thanks x
ReplyDeleteI saw this not long ago and admired it muchly. I liked seeing the photos in the bio too as it showed the actual places she lived plus what a dear she was traipsing about india in her elder years.
ReplyDeleteI will put Narcissus on my list. I wonder if I've seen it.
tess i had read and heard about "the river" for many years and finally saw it two years ago. it is conematically stunning and then beneath the surface of its appearance, wends the story or stories whose colour will hover inside you for some time to come. steven
ReplyDeleteSuki, "Black Narcissus" is marvelous. Lots of sexual tension without actually showing any. And interesting to note, the exotic scenes were shot almost exclusively on sets. I think it won an Academy Award for its art direction.
ReplyDeleteLucille, her autobiography is on my "must read" list.
ReplyDeleteOne look at her picture and I wanted to hear her. Thanks for this - you're such a wonderful source of goodness!
ReplyDeleteall queued up and ready...thanx for info
ReplyDeleteRenoir fled France in 1941, and then lived out the rest of his life in America; died in Hollywood, but is buried in France. He directed SWAMP WATER (1941), with Walters Brennan and Huston; kind of a John Ford knock-off. In THE RIVER, I remembered liking Arthur Shields, and Thomas E. Breen as Capt. John, the love interest for all three young girls. Bit of trivia, Satyajit Ray was an A.D. on THE RIVER, and later Sabrata Mitra became his favorite cinematographer. Orson Welles always called Jean Renoir "the greatest film director of all time."
ReplyDeleteI like Godden as well--what a great photo of her, incidentally! Sounds like a movie we'd love--thanks for describing it. Ooooh--her autobiography would be a great read--I'd enjoy that! Glad I read some of those cmments!
ReplyDeleteI always love your movie recommendations, Tess -- look forward to checking this one out!
ReplyDeleteAs always - enlightening. I have "The River" on my list. Always love and appreciate your recommendations.
ReplyDeleteWill do. Thanks for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard of this movie, but really liked "Black Narcissus". It is so surreal and the images are striking. Thanks for the wooly socks review : )
ReplyDeleteThe Greengage Summer was on my bookshelf for many years. Unfortunately, it got lost sometime in a house-move.
ReplyDeleteI saw "The River" years ago and was enchanted.. and Rumer Godden...yes, an original to be sure..."Black Narcissus"....loved it!
ReplyDeleteHugs to you on rainy Saturday!
♥ Robin ♥
Greetings Tess,
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding me - I bought The River a year ago, and have yet to find time to sit down and watch it. Must do.
I to am a big RG fan. Years ago I saw Episode of Sparrows as a play in a church setting - with Glynis Johns narrating. A happy childhood memory.
Marjorie
Had forgotten her books but I can see I need to get back to them. Also had always planned on watching The River, will put it in the queue right now. thanks
ReplyDeleteQMM
Glenn, thanks for those extra bits of delicious movie trivia. Always fun to have your Hollywood input, my friend.
ReplyDeleteMarjorie, I adore Glynis Johns. What a lovely memory to have seen her in person!
ReplyDeleteShe was one of my mother's favourite writers but seems to have gone rather out of fashion these days - I wonder why.
ReplyDeleteTess -- Put the Black Narcissus and The River on my Netflix queue. They both sound intriguing. Thanks -- barbara
ReplyDeleteI had forgotten about her - she was in a Reader's Digest Condensed book when I was a teenager (a book about gypsies I think - I need to look it up). I loved that book so much that I read it over & over.
ReplyDeleteIN THIS HOUSE OF BREDE is my favorite of her novels -- I must have read it twenty time. The film of it was disappointing.
ReplyDeleteI have Netflix up right now and, since I so love anything that has to do with India, I'll look for it. I just finished watching, "Howard's End" - a 1992 film with Vanessa Redgrave, Emma Thompson and Anthony Hopkins. I don't know how I missed it until now.
ReplyDeleteI will (pick one up)
ReplyDeleteAnd I will (thank you!)
What would I do without you?
ReplyDeleteand while it may take me a lifetime to catch up in the world of Willow..it is a life well spent.
Hi! Willow...
ReplyDeleteWilliow said, "Do yourself a favor and add The Criterion Collection edition of The River, 1951, to your Netflix queue." "You will thank me..."
Thank-you, for sharing!
DeeDee ;-)
[Postscript: I'am somewhat familiar with director Jean Renoir work on film(I'am more so, familiar with his father Pierre-Auguste Renoir artwork.]
I wish we could get Netflix here because I believe I'm missing out! This looks to be my type of film a long with Passage to India, Heat and Dust and the BBC television series Jewel in the Crown adapted from Paul Scott's Raj Quartet novels.
ReplyDeleteI'm shall be going to look for Rodden in my local bookstore later in the week. It's years since I read her.
Sounds great I'm off to netflix!
ReplyDeleteAnd I do thank you!
ReplyDeleteI've read Godden before, but it has been so many years I've forgotten what. I think I'll take you up on your suggestion and pick something up at the library soon.
ReplyDeleteWill do!
ReplyDeleteI am more familiarr with her children's stories, especially
ReplyDeleteone about two dolls: HOLLY & IVY.
This movie sounds like a must see! Thank you!
I will do! I am reading a book you suggested right now "Team of Rivals". Bought it at my favorite 2nd hand book store for $4.00. Gotta love Netflix!
ReplyDeleteLove your tongue in cheek title! ;-)
ReplyDeleteYour movie posts are very much appreciated here.
What I don't like about them is that there is NO Netflix HERE. *grrrr* Not even a well-supplied video store or the like.
I don't think we can get Netflix over here - but I really must do something about watching more films. I have just watched the on-line trailer for The River and when I find some means of accessing classic films - I will add it to the top of my watch list.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait...Black Narcissus is a personal favorite of mine!
ReplyDeleteGoodness, this one sounds marvelous in both book and film form.
Thank you for the recommendation, Tess!
Godden and Renoir are a magical combination. This is such a unique film in his career. The documetnary is worth the price of the disk alone. I keep discovering so many Renoir treasures, including his much under-rated American period. I love The River and hope to finally see his take on Diary of a Chambermaid.
ReplyDeleteI thought the Godden documentary was excellent. And to think I almost overlooked it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding me of Diary of a Chambermaid. I'm checking to see if Netflix has it....