Video Details
The most beloved of all love stories! Edmond Rostand's play "Cyrano de Bergerac" was a triumph from the moment of its premiere on December 28, 1897. It has become the most popular play of the modern French theater, and Cyrano, despite an ugly visage dominated by an enormous nose, has become a world-beloved symbol of generosity, magnanimity of spirit and beauty of soul. In adapting "Cyrano de Bergerac" to the silent cinema, director Augusto Genina and scenarist Mario Camerini retained the beloved poetic language of Rostand's original work. The grandeur of costume, setting and action is captured not only in impressive staging and sensitive performances but also through the filmmakers' bold decision to present almost the entire work in the highly stylized and beautiful Pathe Stencil Color process. Three years were devoted to the by-hand coloring of "Cyrano de Bergerac," so that this 1922 film was not fully released until the Fall of 1925! With this beautiful release, this rarely-seen silent classic can take its place with the all-time greats!
Synopsis
This color film remained completely faithful to the play, down to its tragic ending. Being an Italian production, it was heavy on spectacle. Cyrano de Bergerac is one of the greatest swordsmen of 17th century Paris, but his courage, poetry, and wit can't make up for his grotesque nose. Although he is in love with his cousin, Roxanne (Linda Moglia), he keeps it a secret. The handsome Christian (Angelo Ferrari), however, is eager to declare his love for the fair Roxanne, but he doesn't have the gift for words that Cyrano does. So de Bergerac offers to help him out, and Christian wins her. Both men go to war, and Christian, who discovers that Cyrano loves Roxanne, allows himself to die in battle. Cyrano, however, still does not confess the truth. Roxanne herself finds out years later, after the former hero has been reduced to poverty. Cyrano dies of wounds he has received in a fight with his enemies. ~ Janiss Garza, All Movie Guide
