Where to start withCyrano de Bergerac
5 versions · originally a book, 1897
Themes: Unrequited Love, Inner Beauty, Deception, Sacrifice, Appearance vs. Reality.
Start with Cyrano de Bergerac (Jean-Paul Rappeneau, 1990) — the film. Cyrano de Bergerac exists in 5 versions across media, beginning as a book in 1897; each is ranked below by what it does best.
Every version centers on an insecure, eloquent lover secretly supplying words to an attractive front to win their dream romance.
✦ Most fans start here
Cyrano de Bergerac (1990)
The original novel
Cyrano De Bergerac
Edmond Rostand · Book · 2016
Edmond Rostand’s original verse play Cyrano De Bergerac (2016) delivers seventeenth-century Parisian stage drama in verse, following the brilliant swordsman and poet who ghostwrites romance for the handsome Christian.
1987 film
Roxanne
Film · 1987
The 1987 film Roxanne brings a modern romantic comedy spin to Edmond Rostand's play, starring Steve Martin as a big-nosed fire chief ghostwriting letters for handsome fireman Chris in Washington State.
1990 film
✦ Start hereCyrano de Bergerac
Jean-Paul Rappeneau · Film · 1990
Jean-Paul Rappeneau's Cyrano de Bergerac (1990) captures Edmond Rostand's 17th-century French tale with Gérard Depardieu in the title role, winning ten César Awards alongside an Academy Award for Best Costume Design.
1996 film
The Truth About Cats & Dogs
Film · 1996
The 1996 romantic comedy The Truth About Cats & Dogs modernizes the classic tale by having Janeane Garofalo’s brunette Abby enlist tall blonde neighbor Noelle to impersonate her for caller Brian.
2012 film
Let It Shine
Paul Hoen · Film · 2012
Directed by Paul Hoen, the Disney Channel musical Let It Shine (2012) moves the story to Atlanta, following Cyrus DeBarge as his rap lyrics help his best friend woo Roxie Andrews.
Common questions
Is Cyrano de Bergerac a novel or a play?
Edmond Rostand wrote Cyrano de Bergerac in 1897 as a verse drama and play. Rather than a standard prose novel, it is a classic romance and stands as one of the best-loved plays in stage literature.
Where and when is Cyrano de Bergerac set?
Cyrano de Bergerac is set in seventeenth-century Paris. The story centers on the poet and swordsman Cyrano, who helps the handsome Christian de Neuvillette win the heart of Roxane by drafting love letters for him.
What movie adaptations of Cyrano de Bergerac can I watch?
Adaptations based on the original work include the 1990 film Cyrano de Bergerac, the 1987 movie Roxanne, the 1996 film The Truth About Cats & Dogs, and the 2012 movie Let It Shine. There is also a 2016 book adaptation.
Who are the main characters in Cyrano de Bergerac?
The primary characters are Cyrano de Bergerac, Christian de Neuvillette, and Roxane. Cyrano is a brilliant swordsman and poet with an enormous nose who uses his eloquence to help Christian win Roxane's heart through written love letters.