Cyrano de Bergerac (1950) is an American romantic adventure drama directed by Michael Gordon, adapted from Edmond Rostand’s 1897 play using Brian Hooker’s celebrated 1923 blank‑verse translation. The film stars José Ferrer in his defining, Academy Award–winning performance as Cyrano — a brilliant poet, swordsman, and soldier whose enormous nose fuels deep insecurity.
Set in 17th‑century France, the story follows Cyrano’s unspoken love for his cousin Roxane. When she confesses her affection for the handsome but tongue‑tied Christian, Cyrano lends Christian his eloquence, writing letters and speaking words of love on his behalf. Their deception leads to passion, heartbreak, war, and ultimately tragedy, as Cyrano’s true feelings are revealed only at the end of his life.
The film is widely regarded as the definitive early screen adaptation and was selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry in 2022.
Film Details
Year: 1950
Genre: Romance / Drama / Adventure
Director: Michael Gordon
Screenplay: Carl Foreman; based on Edmond Rostand’s play; translation by Brian Hooker
Produced by: Stanley Kramer
Starring: José Ferrer, Mala Powers, William Prince, Morris Carnovsky, Ralph Clanton
Cinematography: Franz Planer
Edited by: Harry W. Gerstad
Music: Dimitri Tiomkin
Studio: Stanley Kramer Productions
Distributed by: United Artists
Release Dates:
November 16, 1950 (New York)
November 20, 1950 (Beverly Hills)
Runtime: 113 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English
Budget: $1.1 million
Box Office: $1.9 million (U.S. rentals)
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