Cyrano de Bergerac is a 1950 American adventure comedy film. Dir. by Michael Gordon
Cyrano de Bergerac: A Classic Tale on Screen (1950)
Adaptation and Accolades:
- This 1950 American adventure comedy breathes life into Edmond Rostand’s timeless 1897 play.
- It holds the distinction of being the first English-language film adaptation, drawing inspiration from Brian Hooker’s 1923 translation.
- Stanley Kramer produced the film, with Michael Gordon directing.
- José Ferrer’s portrayal of Cyrano de Bergerac earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor. Mala Powers and William Prince complete the leading cast as Roxane and Christian de Neuvillette.
- Though released in the public domain in the mid-1980s, Cyrano de Bergerac’s significance endures. In 2022, the Library of Congress deemed it a national treasure, preserving it in the National Film Registry.
A Story of Unrequited Love and Sacrifice:
- Set in 17th century Paris, the film follows Cyrano de Bergerac, a brilliant swordsman with an insecurity about his prominent nose.
- Despite his wit and charm, Cyrano harbors a secret, unrequited love for his beautiful cousin, Roxane.
A Deception Fueled by Love:
- When Roxane falls for the handsome but tongue-tied soldier, Christian, Cyrano takes a selfless step.
- He secretly pens eloquent love letters to Roxane in Christian’s name, hoping to win her heart.
- They marry, but war tears them apart. Cyrano continues writing to Roxane as Christian, deepening her love.
Unveiling the Truth and Facing Loss:
- On the battlefield, Christian confronts the reality – Roxane loves him for the words, unknowingly written by Cyrano.
- He pleads with Cyrano to reveal the truth, but a fatal mission silences him forever.
- Devastated, Roxane seeks solace in a convent, mourning Christian.
A Final Act of Love and Understanding:
- Years later, Cyrano visits Roxane, finally confessing his hidden love through a heartfelt poem.
- Mortally wounded in an ambush, he hides his pain to share one last precious moment with Roxane.
- As he dies, Roxane finally understands the depth of his love, left heartbroken by yet another loss.pen_spark
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