Cyrano de Bergerac

Plot

In 17th century France, the brilliant poet and swordsman Cyrano de Bergerac, cursed with an enormous nose that makes him believe he's unworthy of love, adores his beautiful cousin Roxane from afar. When Roxane confesses to Cyrano that she has fallen for the handsome but inarticulate Christian de Neuvillette, Cyrano selflessly agrees to help Christian woo her by writing passionate letters and speaking for him in the dark. The deception succeeds beautifully as Roxane falls deeply in love with Christian's 'words,' never knowing they come from Cyrano's heart. As war separates the lovers, Cyrano continues his ghostwriting for years, maintaining the charade even as Christian dies in battle. The tragic culmination comes years later when Roxane finally discovers the truth as Cyrano, mortally wounded, reads Christian's final letter—actually written by Cyrano himself—and realizes she has loved the poet all along.

Historical Background

The film was produced during a significant period in American cinema history, as Hollywood was transitioning from the studio system era to more independent production models. Released in 1950, it came at a time when television was beginning to challenge film's dominance as the primary entertainment medium. The post-war period saw audiences gravitating toward escapist fare, and swashbuckling adventures like 'Cyrano' offered both romance and spectacle. The film also emerged during the early Cold War era, when themes of honor, sacrifice, and individual courage resonated strongly with American audiences. The success of this theatrical adaptation reflected Hollywood's continued reliance on proven stage properties as source material, a practice that would dominate the early 1950s.

Making Of

The production of 'Cyrano de Bergerac' was marked by Ferrer's intense dedication to the role. He had been performing the part on stage for years and was determined to translate his theatrical success to film. The casting process was extensive, with over 200 actresses considered for Roxane before Mala Powers was chosen. The sword-fighting sequences were choreographed by fencing master Fred Cavens, who had worked on many swashbuckling films of the era. The production design team spent months researching 17th century France, creating detailed sketches and models before construction began. The film's score, composed by Dimitri Tiomkin, incorporated elements of French Baroque music while maintaining a Hollywood orchestral sound. During filming, Ferrer often stayed in character between takes, practicing his lines and movements in full costume.

Visual Style

Franz Planer's cinematography masterfully blended the theatrical origins of the material with cinematic techniques. The use of Technicolor was particularly notable, with rich, saturated colors that evoked 17th-century paintings. Planer employed deep focus photography to capture both the actors' performances and the elaborate period sets in detail. The camera work during sword-fighting sequences was innovative for its time, using fluid movements that enhanced the action without becoming distracting. The balcony scene was shot using special crane techniques to create dramatic angles that emphasized the emotional tension. Planer also used lighting to create dramatic contrasts, particularly in scenes featuring Cyrano alone, where shadows emphasized his isolation and inner turmoil.

Innovations

The film was notable for its innovative use of Technicolor at a time when many studios were cutting back on color productions due to cost. The makeup effects for Cyrano's nose were groundbreaking, using newly developed latex materials that allowed for more realistic and comfortable prosthetics. The sword-fighting sequences featured enhanced safety equipment and choreography that allowed for more realistic combat without endangering the actors. The sound recording techniques used during the dialogue scenes were particularly advanced, capturing the nuances of Ferrer's theatrical delivery while maintaining clarity. The film's editing, especially in the transition between scenes, was innovative for its use of match cuts that maintained narrative flow across different time periods.

Music

Dimitri Tiomkin's score for 'Cyrano de Bergerac' was a masterful blend of Hollywood orchestral grandeur and French Baroque influences. The main theme, based on a modified version of a traditional French melody, became instantly recognizable and was used throughout the film to represent Cyrano's romantic nature. Tiomkin incorporated period-appropriate instruments like lutes and harpsichords into his orchestral arrangements to maintain historical authenticity while appealing to contemporary audiences. The music during sword-fighting sequences was particularly dynamic, using brass and percussion to enhance the action. The score received an Academy Award nomination and was released as a soundtrack album, which was unusual for the time and demonstrated the music's popularity.

Memorable Scenes

• The balcony scene where Cyrano speaks for Christian to Roxane in the dark, pouring out his own heart while pretending to be another
• Cyrano's duel with Valvert while composing a ballade about his own nose
• The final scene where Roxane discovers the truth as the dying Cyrano reads his own letter
• The battle scene where Cyrano risks his life to deliver letters to Roxane
• Cyrano's poetic declaration of his love for Roxane in the convent garden

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised 'Cyrano de Bergerac' as a triumph of adaptation, with particular acclaim for Ferrer's performance. The New York Times' Bosley Crowther wrote that 'Ferrer's Cyrano is a performance for the ages,' while Variety called it 'one of the finest literary adaptations ever filmed.' Critics noted how successfully the film translated the theatricality of the original play while taking advantage of cinematic techniques. The cinematography and production design received special mention for creating an authentic 17th-century atmosphere. Modern critics continue to regard the film highly, with many considering it the definitive screen version of Rostand's play. The American Film Institute ranked it among the most romantic films of all time, and Ferrer's performance is frequently cited as one of the greatest in cinema history.

What Audiences Thought

The film was a commercial success upon its release, particularly with audiences who appreciated literary adaptations and romantic dramas. Moviegoers were especially drawn to Ferrer's charismatic performance and the film's blend of action, romance, and poetry. The word-of-mouth was strong, with many viewers returning to see the film multiple times. The balcony scene and the sword fights were particular audience favorites. Over the decades, the film has maintained a loyal following, with classic film enthusiasts regularly citing it as a favorite adaptation. The movie's themes of love, honor, and sacrifice have resonated across generations, and it continues to find new audiences through television broadcasts and home video releases.

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