Plot
The plot of "The Black Rose" (1950) revolves around the adventures of Walter of Gurnie and his companion Tristram as they join a caravan led by the North African Bayan to travel to China. During their journey, they encounter the enigmatic and alluring Maryam, also known as the Black Rose, who implores Walter to take her to England. As the story unfolds, the trio becomes embroiled in the political and military turmoil of the era, culminating in their efforts to return to England amidst the backdrop of Bayan's plans to conquer China. The film is a tale of romance, adventure, and political intrigue set against the historical context of the medieval period.
Trailer
Full cast
- Tyrone Power as Walter of Gurnie
- Orson Welles as Bayan
- Cécile Aubry as Maryam
- Jack Hawkins as Edmond
- Michael Rennie as King Edward
- Finlay Currie as Tristram
- Herbert Lom as Anthemus
- Mary Clare as Queen Eleanor
- Robert Blake as Mahmoud
- Alfonso Bedoya as Ali
- Gibb McLaughlin as Burchard
- Laurence Harvey as Simeon
- James Robertson Justice as Olaf
- Orson Welles as Bayan
Director - Henry Hathaway
Writer - Thomas B. Costain
Box Office Gross - $455,000
Distributor - 20th Century Fox
Genre - History and Romance
Release date - September 1, 1950
September 7, 1950
Theme
The theme of "The Black Rose" (1950) is adventure, with elements of history and romance. The film follows the journey of Walter of Gurnie and his companions as they travel to China, encountering various obstacles and challenges along the way. The story is set against the backdrop of the medieval period, with themes of political intrigue and military conflict. The film also explores the themes of love and loyalty, as Walter and his companions navigate their way through the dangers of their journey.
Reception
The reception of "The Black Rose" (1950) was generally mixed. While the film was praised for its adventurous and romantic elements, some critics found the plot to be somewhat lacking in depth. The performances of the lead actors, particularly Tyrone Power and Orson Welles, were generally well-received. However, the film's pacing and historical accuracy were points of criticism for some reviewers. Despite the mixed reception, "The Black Rose" remains a notable entry in the adventure film genre of the 1950s.
Settings
The settings of "The Black Rose" (1950) are primarily based in the medieval period, with the majority of the film taking place in Norman England and the Far East. The film follows the journey of a disinherited 13th Century Saxon nobleman, Walter of Gurnie, and his archer friend as they leave Norman England to seek their fortune in the Far East[1]. The film features a mix of studio sets and location photography, with the colorful and exotic settings of the Far East providing a striking contrast to the more familiar and rustic settings of Norman England.
Trivia & Fun Facts
- "The Black Rose" (1950) was partly conceived as a follow-up to the 1949 film "Prince of Foxes," which also starred Tyrone Power and Orson Welles.
- The film was based on a novel of the same name by Thomas B. Costain, which was published in 1945.
- The film's cast includes several notable actors, including Laurence Harvey, who would later go on to star in "The Manchurian Candidate" (1962), and Herbert Lom, who would later appear in several "Pink Panther" films.
- The film's score was composed by Richard Addinsell, who is best known for his work on the film "Dangerous Moonlight" (1941), which featured the popular "Warsaw Concerto".
- The film was shot on location in France and England, with some scenes filmed in the studio.
