The River poster
7.3/10 1951 1h 39m Released

Beauty... Mystery... Delightful Humor...

Director Jean Renoir’s entrancing first color feature—shot entirely on location in India—is a visual tour de force. Based on the novel by Rumer Godden, the film eloquently contrasts the growing pains of three young women with the immutability of the Bengal river around which their daily lives unfold. Enriched by Renoir’s subtle understanding and appreciation for India and its people, The River gracefully explores the fragile connections between transitory emotions and everlasting creation.

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Top Cast

Nora Swinburne
Nora Swinburne
The Mother
Esmond Knight
Esmond Knight
The Father
Arthur Shields
Arthur Shields
Mr. John
Suprova Mukerjee
Suprova Mukerjee
Nan
Thomas E. Breen
Thomas E. Breen
Capt. John
Patricia Walters
Patricia Walters
Harriet
Radha Burnier
Radha Burnier
Melanie
Adrienne Corri
Adrienne Corri
Valerie
June Tripp
June Tripp
Narrator (voice)
Nimai Barik
Nimai Barik
Kanu (uncredited)
Richard R. Foster
Richard R. Foster
Bogey (uncredited)
Jane Harris
Jane Harris
Muffie (uncredited)
Jennifer Harris
Jennifer Harris
Mouse (uncredited)
Trilak Jetley
Trilak Jetley
Anil (uncredited)
Bhogwan Singh
Bhogwan Singh
Sajjan (uncredited)
Penelope Wilkinson
Penelope Wilkinson
Elizabeth (uncredited)

Reviews

CinemaSerf 7/10

I found there to be something of the beauty of one of novelist Rumor Godden's other novels - "Black Narcussus" (1947) in this gorgeously photographed tale of three young women growing up with the Ganges river providing a constant in their lives. Our story is narrated, in part, by "Harriet" (Patricia Walters) who lives an affluent life beside the river with her much younger sisters, brother and with her mother (Nora…

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FAQ about The River

What is The River about?
Director Jean Renoir’s entrancing first color feature—shot entirely on location in India—is a visual tour de force. Based on the novel by Rumer Godden, the film eloquently contrasts the growing pains of three young women with the immutability of the Bengal river around which…
When was The River released?
The River was released in 1951.
What genres does The River belong to?
The River is categorised as Drama, Romance.
Who stars in The River?
The cast of The River includes Nora Swinburne, Esmond Knight, Arthur Shields, Suprova Mukerjee, Thomas E. Breen.