CYRANO DE BERGERAC by Edmond Rostand was first performed in France in 1897. The play was published the next year in 1898. The real Cyrano was supposed to have lived from 1619-1655. This play, this experience, has always been immensily popular with international audiences. The work swarms with sword-fighting, poetry, purple prose, unrequited love, beauty that can be empty as a husk, and ugliness that can shine like a star. Cyrano, this incredible tragic figure, France's greatest swordsman in the 17th century, at times a skilled and savage warrior, cursed with the physiognomy of a commedia clown, yet blessed with a poet's sensitivities.
In films, and on television, CYRANO has flashed his sword, and spouted his lovely poetic prose.
In 1922, the French film CYRANO DE BERGERAC, starring Pierre Magnier as Cyrano, and Linda Moglin as the unattainable Roxanne. This remarkable film is in B&W, but much of it was also hand-colored.
And there is a 1925 French film, CYRANO, with Pierre Magnier. This appears to be the VHS release of the 1922 film.
In 1938, there was an English film, with Leslie Banks playing Cyrano, Constance Cummings playing Roxanne, and a very young James Mason as Christian.
In 1945, there was another French film, with Claude Dauphin as Cyrano, and Ellen Bernsen as Roxanne.
By 1949 CYRANO was a big hit on Broadway, and the star of that New York production, Jose Ferrer, appeared in the 1950 American film. There are several versions of it available. Mala Powers appeared as Roxanne, supported by William Prince, and Morris Carnovsky.
By 1960, CYRANO was produced for French television, with Daniel Sorano as Cyrano, and Francoise Christophe as Roxanne.
In 1968, CYRANO was produced for British television, with Eric Porter as Cyrano. For fun, one might check out Jim Backus as Mr. Magoo in his version of CYRANO. It will give you a few yuks and laughs.
In 1972, CYRANO was produced for American television, with Peter Donat as Cyrano, and the young marvelous Marsha Mason as Roxanne, with a very young Marc Singer as Christian.
In 1985, the Royal Shakespeare Company filmed their version of CYRANO. This is a fabulous hard-to-find two-tape wonder, CYRANO DE BERGERAC, with Derek Jacobi as Cyrano.
Out of left field, in 1987, director Fred Schepsi presented us Steve Martin as fire chief C.S. Bales/Cyrano,in ROXANNE with Daryl Hannah as Roxanne, and Rick Rossovich as "Chris" McConnell. Shelly Duvall, Michael J.Pollard, Fred Willard, and Daman Wayans give their spirited support. At some point, Sting, using several classical themes, released his album, and we listened to the pounding strains of ROXANNE, found on cuts 14 and 15.
CYRANO DE BERGERAC is performed somewhere in the world almost constantly. I was in a Seattle Repertory Theatre production of it in 1974. Some of the American actors who have had success with the part include Frank Langella, Christopher Plummer, and Richard Chamberlain. With all this rich history, one almost would assume that there is no fresh way to approach the material. Not so.
In 1990, CYRANO appeared, in French, with the incredible Gerard Depardieu towering, raging, slashing, strutting, and soaring as Cyrano. For my money, this is the definitive version of the story; in its original language, in brilliant color. Anne Brochet was Roxanne, and Vincent Perez was Christian.
Who will be next to wear the cape, the big nose, and the plumed hat ? Perhaps Russell Crowe, Mel Gibson, or Kevin Kline ? The way things work in Hollywood, it will probably be Nicolas Cage, Keenu Reeves, or Kevin Costner.
Glenn Buttkus 2004
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