The River

The River (1951) is a drama, romance film directed by Jean Renoir rated 7.3/10.

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.

Cast

Nora Swinburne

The Mother

Esmond Knight

The Father

Arthur Shields

Mr. John

Suprova Mukerjee

Nan

Thomas E. Breen

Capt. John

Patricia Walters

Harriet

Radha Burnier

Melanie

Adrienne Corri

Valerie

June Tripp

Narrator (voice)

Nimai Barik

Kanu (uncredited)

Richard R. Foster

Bogey (uncredited)

Jane Harris

Muffie (uncredited)