Try as I may, I can't imagine seeing anyone play the role as well as the unforgettable Jose Ferrer. He had all of the elements that make for such a faithful and total performance— voice, diction, carriage, all of the dramatic elements that such a larger-than-life character demand. And of course, that climatic barroom sword fighting scene, done with such aplomb by the brilliant stage actor. I have no doubt that the idea for the sword fighting scene in "The Princess Bride" was a direct takeoff of that memorable fight scene. Many, many years after I'd first seen the classic B&W film on television, I had the honor of working with the then much older Ferrer on the set of the TV series, "The Love Boat," the veritable graveyard of old and forgotten actors. When I approached him to shake his hand, I said: "You were the greatest Cyrano who ever lived." Since few people on that set even knew who he was, I think he was doubly appreciative of my high praise, as evidenced by his broad smile. He was a true gentlemen, both as gracious and warm as you can possibly imagine. R.I.P.

Jose Ferrer became probably the most UN-deserved recipient of an Oscar in film history when he was presented with an Academy Award for 'best actor' in this drab filming of Edmond Rostand's wonderful play, 'Cyrano de Bergerac'.Ferrer's bombastically loud voice and tediously self-conscious acting destroys this little undertaking as soon as it gets started. Ferrer aggressively spits all of his dialogue while he poses and postures in defeatism to the lavish costumes and extravagance of Rostand's piece. Mala Powers plays Roxanne with a bit more subtlety, but she fails to impress in any way.There are some rather clueless people out there who feel that Ferrer's performance was "brilliant". Anyone who thinks that knows absolutely nothing about acting.

It would be a facile and ultimately hollow enterprise, my dear dear readers, to vainly deploy the serviceable adjectives and epithets, o, too vain labels, on this classic adaptation's Cyrano.Cyrano, a fantasy role, a role of swordsman—like D'Artagnan, Pardaillan, Fracasse, etc.-- belongs to a special class—the roles of fancy and verve, of brio and superior nonchalance coupled with agility-–to which Ferrer brings a certain exquisiteness and deftness and even precision of touch. It was already understood, I hope, that the Frenchmen patented this rank of characters. And also not only does the role of Cyrano belong to the named class; it is also interestingly written, well devised. (Pardaillan is crap; D'Artagnan is almost crap; Fracasse is better, yet quite gloomy; Cyrano is indeed a literary achievement.) Such roles ask for craft and verve, and a sharp sense of fun; Ferrer had those.

Almost never shown these days, "Cyrano de Bergerac", one of the best films of 1950, turned up the other night unexpectedly on a cable channel. It was a pleasure to see it again after so many years since we first saw it. Michael Gordon directed the screen version that became a favorite of people who were delighted to make concessions to a man that was far from being endowed with any physical attributes.The enjoyment of the picture is due to the amazing tour de force by that wonderful actor, Jose Ferrer, a man whose friendship we cherished because he enriched our life with his honesty, frankness and charisma. Mr. Ferrer's contribution to the stage and screen can be best sampled as we watch him become Cyrano, a man in love with his cousin Roxanne, whose great fear is the possible rejection of the beautiful young woman in favor of the handsome, and younger, Christian.This beloved theater play by Edmond Rostand had been translated by Brian Hooker, in what became the most familiar way American audiences met the illustrious French author. The screen play by Carl Foreman clarifies the text in ways that the movie going public of that era could relate to this man whose wit and charm outweighed his appearance, which was dominated by a big nose that rendered him an unattractive man. The poetry of the play is preserved even though it is not done in verse like the original manuscript. Dimitri Tiomkin's score lent itself to the action.Mala Powers was a disappointment though. Yes, she was a beauty, but her Roxanne doesn't quite come across; she is at a disadvantage playing opposite an icon of the theater like Mr. Ferrer, who certainly had more experience. William Prince does a fair job as Christian. Morris Carnovsky, another great stage actor, appears as Le Bret and Ralph Clanton makes his contribution with his take of Guiche."Cyrano de Bergerac" is recommended to movie fans of all ages to watch the magnificent Jose Ferrer at his best.