Cyrano de Bergerac
D**R
classic of a classic
For me this is the definitive adaptation of it. Jose is perfect.
C**S
Classic movie
I don't give many things 5 stars. But this black and white movie from my childhood is exactly as good as I remembered. I would order again. Love this film.
S**N
Bring me giants!
Having never read Cyrano before (pardon me while I hang my head in shame) I wasn't familiar with the story. The character, yes -- nearly everyone knows something about the theme of this tale -- but I was terribly uninformed of the greatness of the story. Watching the movie opened up a wonderful world to me. I immediately liked the dashing yet vulnerable, heroic yet fallible, Cyrano. His heart is immense, his courage without reproach, his honor without blemish, and despite the almost superhuman-ness of him he is still a man with a man's weaknesses and fears. Ferrer played Cyrano with an almost fanatical passion, a greatness that the screen barely contains. I found him amazing! At my next trip to the library I borrowed the book and devoured it, discovering that the story and writing are treasures that I only wish I'd encountered years before.Yes, I'm smitten with Cyrano. He's become a personal hero to me, a man who writes sterling poetry, defends his friends to the death, loves with ferocity, handles a sword as though he were born with one in his hand, serves his king and country nobly, keeps his honor pure throughout his trials, spins fantastical tales with ease, and through it all has a silent and noble strength that never falters. How lucky a man would be to have such a friend, and how fortunate a man would be if he could only BE such a man. Such a man do I endeavor to be.Buy this movie and the book -- give yourself a treat and relish them both over and over. If you have romance in your soul and courage in your heart you will love Cyrano as I do.
G**E
PERFECTION - SIR DEREK JACOBI's CYRANO DE BERGERAC
My all-time favorite Derek Jacobi performance! This is a VERY hard to find VHS of the Royal Shakespeare Company's 1985 Broadway production of "Cyrano de Bergerac". My original set is almost worn out from use and so I was thrilled to find it listed on Amazon. ALERT - this is a 2-Tape Set so ALWAYS confirm that the item listed is for the 2-Tape Set with the seller before you buy. This seller responded promptly to my question. It is pricey for a used VHS but well worth the cost and the seller shipped immediately. I am now on the hunt for another backup VHS player just in case my old faithful buys the farm. I am always on the hunt for this production on a DVD - even contacted RSC - but to date no such animal exists. If you can get a copy - DO IT - it is so beautifully written and acted that it makes all other versions of the Rostand play pale in comparison. Lighting is a little dark but you get used to it. Enjoy. Michele Goff
T**
This is the highest quality transfer to DVD? OK... if you say so. I'd hate to see the others....
This review is of a brand new, Hal Roach Studios release (yellow background on cover):Jose Ferrer's performance as Cyrano is exceptional, of course, but I was surprised at the relatively poor quality of the transfer, given all the reviews I've read about how the Hal Roach release is, by far, the best! It may be the best, and if so, then I pity anyone who buys a DVD version of "lesser" quality. The film original must have been in dreadful shape by the time they got around to transferring it to a digital medium.There are all the usual speckles and splotches you see so often in older movies, but it's most irritating in the final scene with Cyrano at the movie's end. It's as though there was a "wash" of some kind that causes the sky to look like it has been filled with soapy dishwater or something. Most distracting, just as Ferrer is giving some of the most poignant, emotional lines.So, by now you've probably read many reviews about how BAD the other versions of the movie are, and they may be -- but don't expect the Hal Roach Studios version to be pristine, because it surely is not. Not by a long shot!Ferrer is superb, but the directing is a little wooden at times. Still, the movie adheres closely to the word and spirit of the book. You'll enjoy Jose Ferrer's performance, which may never be eclipsed, but some of the supporting cast, including Mala Powers as "Roxanne", are, uh, rather unremarkable.*** Update: finally broke down and bought the blu-ray version of this movie. It's much better, but by no means is it totally free of the visual defects. Buy the blu-ray version if you buy one at all.
J**G
Cyrano De Bergerac (1950)
Romance can be like novacaine, sometimes chilling, having a serene and euphoric effect while under its influence.This movie is a good depiction of the play "Cyrano De Bergerac" by Rostand. At the age of 29 Rostand premiered Cyrano in Paris on December 28, 1887.This movie has all the spark and spirit of the original play. Cyrano is played by Jose Ferrer, who started his acting career on stage. This movie is in black and white, however don't let this discourage viewing. Cyrano De Bergerac is truly one of the greatest Hollywood golden error treasures.The time line is set in 1640, with the main character being Cyrano. Cyrano is a soldier, patron of the arts, philosopher, poet, duelist, pretty witty and being all things a gentlemen.Cyrano is madly in love with Roxane, who is played by Mala Powers. Cyrano is afraid to tell Roxane how he feels because of his very large nose, or more like his enormously disfiguring nose. Roxane on the other hand sees Christian who is played by William Prince as the one for her. She sees Christian as a simple and handsome fellow.In a true but timely sense, Christian only has his looks. While Cyrano has intellect and adventure. Well I don't want to give everything away, this is a fantastic romantic movie, with lots of great dialogue. A must see for all ages and a truly timeless classic.
R**N
Look to Amazon for your favorite old movies
Good movie hard to find classic movies unless you look to Amazon where you can find those hard to find movies.
C**E
Meilleur film sur Cyrano
En 1963 j'ai vu le télé film avec Daniel Sorano qui reste le meilleur interprète de Cyrano. Dans ce film, le premier je crois puisque de 1950, les américains ont mis des narrations de la pièce sur les lieux (comme des français l'ont fait récemment) ce qui fait une différence notable. Ils ont pris la liberté de donner une origine normande à Christian car la Normandie, où leurs troupes ont débarqué, est une région française qu'ils connaissent. José Ferrer est un grand acteur ! Aussi convaincant que Sorano. Je ne saurai dire si la traduction anglaise a des rimes mais l'esprit du texte d'Edmond Rostand est respecté et de belle manière. Le noir et blanc met dans l'ambiance désuète, ce film et le télé film version théâtre sont les meilleurs qui aient été faits. Toujours émouvant Cyrano...
A**Y
A GREAT LOVE STORY
Cyranoi is a poet, a soldier, and a sad romantic. He's full of love and generosity but his perceived ugliness prevents him engaging with the girl of his dreams. As a great romance it rivals "Romeo and Juliet" and the performance of jose Ferrer is simply magnificent. Highly recommended.
P**O
Parfait
Correspond au produit attendu soit la version de Cyrano avec José Ferrer contrairement à certains commentaires de clients qui doivent parler d'un autre film.
J**K
Wonderful Classic Movie
In my estimation this is an amazing story done faithfully by a phenomenal cast. From action lovers, to true romantics, to true film buffs, I recommend anyone search this out and enjoy it.
Trustpilot
3 days ago
1 month ago