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The River

The River

Directed by Jean Renoir • 1951 • France, United Kingdom, India, United States
Starring Nora Swinburne, Esmond Knight, Arthur Shields

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.

Restored by the Academy Film Archive in association with the BFI and Janus Films, with restoration funding provided by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and The Film Foundation.

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The River
  • The River
    1:39:23
    The River

    The River

    Directed by Jean Renoir • 1951 • France, United Kingdom, India, United States
    Starring Nora Swinburne, Esmond Knight, Arthur Shields

    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 fi...

Extras

  • Jean Renoir on THE RIVER
    07:59
    Jean Renoir on THE RIVER

    Jean Renoir on THE RIVER

  • Martin Scorsese on THE RIVER
    12:58
    Martin Scorsese on THE RIVER

    Martin Scorsese on THE RIVER

    This interview with filmmaker Martin Scorsese was conducted in the fall of 2004. Scorsese, a fan of THE RIVER since childhood, was instrumental in the 2004 restoration of the film through his work with The Film Foundation.

  • Around the River
    59:50
    Around the River

    Around the River

    French filmmaker Arnaud Mandagaran traveled to India to make this 2008 documentary about the production of THE RIVER. It features interviews with actor Radha Burnier, director Jean Renoir’s son Alain, and Indian director Satyajit Ray, as well as archival home movies shot by the filmmakers in India.

  • Kenneth McEldowney on THE RIVER
    47:16
    Kenneth McEldowney on THE RIVER

    Kenneth McEldowney on THE RIVER

    These audio excerpts were taken from an interview with producer Kenneth McEldowney that was conducted in Los Angeles in 2000.

  • Jean Renoir: A Passage Through India
    15:04
    Jean Renoir: A Passage Through India

    Jean Renoir: A Passage Through India

    This video essay by film writer Paul Ryan on Jean Renoir’s approach to filming Rumer Godden’s novel “The River” features rare behind-the-scenes stills and location-scouting footage.

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