SYNOPSIS: "Cyrano de Bergerac" (1950) is a historical romantic drama based on Edmond Rostand's play, featuring José Ferrer in the iconic role of Cyrano, a nobleman renowned for his wit, bravery, and notably large nose. Despite harboring deep love for his beautiful cousin Roxane, played by Mala Powers, Cyrano is haunted by his insecurity about his physical appearance. When Roxane confesses her attraction to the handsome but inarticulate Christian, portrayed by William Prince, Cyrano selflessly decides to help his friend win her heart.

Using his exceptional talent with words, Cyrano ghostwrites passionate love letters for Christian, enabling him to express his feelings eloquently. This deception deepens the bond between Cyrano and Roxane, who remains unaware of Cyrano's true feelings. As Christian and Roxane's relationship blossoms, Cyrano's own unrequited love becomes increasingly painful yet he remains steadfast in supporting their happiness.

Set against the backdrop of 17th-century France, the film explores themes of love, honor, and self-sacrifice amidst political intrigue and dueling traditions. José Ferrer's portrayal of Cyrano earned him critical acclaim, including the Academy Award for Best Actor, making this adaptation a celebrated rendition of Rostand's timeless tale. "Cyrano de Bergerac" (1950) stands as a poignant exploration of identity and the enduring power of words, capturing the essence of one of literature's most beloved characters.

PLOT Spoiler Alert: Cyrano de Bergerac (1950) is set in 17th-century France and follows the story of Cyrano de Bergerac, a soldier, poet, and swordsman renowned for his wit and large nose, which he believes makes him unworthy of love. Cyrano is secretly in love with his beautiful and intelligent cousin, Roxane, but fears she could never love him because of his appearance.

The film begins with a scene in a theater where Cyrano disrupts a play being performed by an actor he despises. Displaying his remarkable skill with words and the sword, Cyrano engages in a duel with an opponent who insults his nose, defeating him while reciting a poem. This scene establishes Cyrano's quick wit and prowess.

Roxane, unaware of Cyrano's feelings, confides in him that she loves the handsome Christian de Neuvillette, a new recruit in Cyrano's regiment. Despite his heartbreak, Cyrano promises to protect Christian and help him win Roxane's love. Christian, though physically attractive, lacks the eloquence to woo Roxane, so Cyrano proposes a plan: he will provide Christian with poetic letters and speeches to court Roxane.

Cyrano's beautifully crafted letters, signed by Christian, captivate Roxane, deepening her love for Christian. Unbeknownst to her, it is Cyrano's soul and intellect she falls for, not realizing Christian is merely the face behind the words.

As the story progresses, Christian becomes increasingly frustrated with the deception. He wishes to speak to Roxane in his own words, but his attempts fail. In a poignant balcony scene, Cyrano, hidden in the shadows, speaks to Roxane on Christian's behalf, pouring out his heart while Christian stands by, mute. Roxane is deeply moved, believing it is Christian who speaks so passionately.

War breaks out, and Cyrano, Christian, and their regiment are sent to the front lines. Roxane, fearing for Christian's life, braves the battlefield to find him. She confesses that she would love him even if he were ugly, valuing his soul over his appearance. Christian, realizing Roxane loves the words and soul of Cyrano, asks Cyrano to tell her the truth. However, before Cyrano can do so, Christian is fatally wounded.

After Christian's death, Roxane enters a convent to mourn her loss. Cyrano visits her regularly, never revealing his authorship of the letters. Years pass, and Cyrano remains loyal to Roxane, visiting her every week.

In the film's climax, Cyrano is ambushed and mortally wounded by his enemies. Despite his injuries, he makes one final visit to Roxane. As he grows weaker, he asks Roxane to read one of the letters he wrote as Christian. When Roxane hears Cyrano reciting the words along with her, she realizes the truth—that it was Cyrano she loved all along. Cyrano, content that Roxane knows the truth, dies in her arms, finding solace in the fact that she loved him for his soul.

PRODUCTION: The production of "Cyrano de Bergerac" (1950) was a significant endeavor marked by meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to capturing the essence of Edmond Rostand's classic play. Directed by Michael Gordon and produced by Stanley Kramer, the film adaptation starred José Ferrer in the titular role, marking a notable achievement in Ferrer's career as both actor and cultural figure. The production sought to faithfully translate Rostand's poetic dialogue and themes of love, honor, and courage to the screen, requiring careful adaptation of the play's intricate language and dramatic structure.

Filming took place primarily on sound stages at the RKO-Pathé Studios in Hollywood, where elaborate sets were constructed to recreate the streets and interiors of 17th-century France. The production design, overseen by art director Rudolph Sternad, aimed for historical accuracy while also emphasizing the romantic and theatrical elements central to the story. Costume designer Dorothy Jeakins contributed to the film's visual authenticity, crafting elaborate period costumes that enhanced the film's sense of place and time.

The casting of José Ferrer as Cyrano was pivotal to the film's success, as Ferrer not only embodied the physical and emotional complexities of the character but also brought a depth of understanding to Cyrano's internal conflicts and external bravado. Ferrer's performance, which earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor, showcased his versatility and command of both dramatic and comedic elements, essential for portraying Cyrano's larger-than-life persona.

The production faced challenges typical of ambitious period dramas, including coordinating large-scale battle scenes and duels that were integral to the narrative. Stunt coordinators and choreographers worked closely with the cast, ensuring that the action sequences maintained both authenticity and safety. Additionally, the film's score, composed by Dimitri Tiomkin, complemented the dramatic intensity and emotional depth of the story, underscoring key moments with evocative musical themes.

Despite these challenges, the production of "Cyrano de Bergerac" (1950) benefited from the creative vision of its director and the collaborative efforts of its cast and crew. The film's commitment to capturing the spirit of Rostand's play, combined with José Ferrer's commanding performance, contributed to its critical acclaim and enduring popularity as a classic adaptation of one of literature's most beloved works.

RELEASE: The release of "Cyrano de Bergerac" (1950) marked a significant moment in cinematic history, bringing Edmond Rostand's beloved play to audiences worldwide in a highly anticipated adaptation. Distributed by United Artists, the film premiered in New York City on November 16, 1950, before its wider release across the United States. 

The release was strategically timed to coincide with the height of the awards season, capitalizing on Ferrer's acclaimed performance and the film's critical acclaim. Ferrer's interpretation of Cyrano, with his charismatic blend of wit, vulnerability, and bravery, resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, propelling the film to commercial success.

United Artists' marketing campaign emphasized the film's romantic allure and historical grandeur, showcasing the lush production design that recreated 17th-century France. Posters and promotional materials highlighted the film's dramatic themes of love, honor, and sacrifice, enticing audiences with the promise of a timeless story brought to life on the silver screen.

Upon its release, "Cyrano de Bergerac" (1950) received widespread praise for its fidelity to Rostand's original play and its cinematic achievements. The film's success was further solidified by its Academy Award wins, including José Ferrer's historic win for Best Actor, which cemented its place as a classic adaptation of literary and theatrical excellence.

Beyond its critical acclaim, the release of "Cyrano de Bergerac" (1950) contributed to the broader cultural landscape, sparking renewed interest in Rostand's work and reaffirming the enduring appeal of stories that explore the complexities of love, identity, and heroism. The film's legacy endures as a testament to the power of storytelling and the transformative impact of a singular performance, making it a cherished entry in the annals of cinema history.

CAST:

• José Ferrer as Cyrano de Bergerac

• Mala Powers as Roxane

• William Prince as Christian de Neuvillette

• Morris Carnovsky as Le Bret

• Ralph Clanton as Comte de Guiche

• Lloyd Corrigan as Ragueneau

• Virginia Farmer as Roxane's Duenna

• Edgar Barrier as Cardinal Richelieu

• Elena Verdugo as Orange Girl

• Albert Cavens as Viscount de Valvert

• Arthur Blake as Montfleury

• Don Beddoe as The Meddler

• Percy Helton as Bellerose

• Francis Pierlot as Monk

CREW:

• Director: Michael Gordon

• Producer: Stanley Kramer

• Writers: Carl Foreman (screenplay), Brian Hookers (translation), Edmond Rostand (play)

• Cinematographer: Franz Planer

• Editor: Harry W. Gerstad

• Music: Dimitri Tiomkin

• Art Director: Rudolph Sternad

Production Company: Stanley Kramer Productions
Distributor: United Artists

Release Date: November 16, 1950
Country of Origin: United States
Running Time: 113 minutes
Budget: $400,000
Box Office Return: $1.9 million

IMDB Rating =  7.4 / 10

TRIVIA:

• José Ferrer won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Cyrano de Bergerac, becoming the first Hispanic actor to win an Oscar in a lead role.

• The film was praised for its faithful adaptation of Rostand's play, retaining much of the original dialogue.

• Producer Stanley Kramer faced budget challenges but ensured the film's completion and release.

• José Ferrer's performance is considered one of the definitive portrayals of Cyrano de Bergerac in film history.

• The false nose that José Ferrer wore as Cyrano reportedly cost United Artists $1,500.

• José Ferrer is the only person to receive an Oscar, Tony, and Emmy nomination for the same role.

• José Ferrer won the 1947 Tony Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Cyrano, a role he frequently reprised on stage.

• The 1946 Broadway revival of "Cyrano de Bergerac," starring José Ferrer, became one of his most famous roles.

• Producer Stanley Kramer initially pursued "Cyrano de Bergerac" as a substitute project due to copyright issues with another script.

• José Ferrer mentioned that the film was made on a modest budget of $400,000, filmed over six-day weeks for four weeks.

• Edmond Rostand drew inspiration from Alexandre Dumas's Musketeer novels for his play, which is set in the same historical period.

• In 2022, the film was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.

• Director Michael Gordon, screenwriter Carl Foreman, and actor Morris Carnovsky were implicated in the McCarthy-era HUAC hearings, with José Ferrer narrowly escaping scrutiny.

• The film was included among the American Film Institute's 2002 list of 400 movies nominated for America's Greatest Love Stories.

Cyrano de Bergerac (1950) remains a classic example of a literary adaptation that successfully brings the timeless themes of love, honor, and sacrifice to the silver screen.