Madame X (1981)
A woman cast out and forgotten faces justice decades later — defended in court by the daughter who never knew her.
Madame X - Movie Information
- Original Title: Madame X
- Release Year: 1981
- Directed by: Robert Ellis Miller
- Type: Movie
- Genres: TV Movie, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Production Companies: Universal Television, Levenback-Riche Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Madame X - Plot
Thrown out of her home by a jealous husband, a woman sinks into degradation. Twenty years later, she is charged with killing a man bent on harming her daughter. The daughter, unaware of who the woman is, takes the assignment to defend her in court.
Where to Watch Madame X
Looking for where to watch Madame X?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Madame X - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Robert Ellis Miller
Main Cast
- Tuesday Weld
- Jeremy Brett
- Len Cariou
- Martina Deignan
- Robert Hooks
- Eleanor Parker
- Jerry Stiller
- Robin Strand
- Granville Van Dusen
- Norman Bartold
Producers
- Paula Levenback
- Wendy Riche
Madame X - FAQs
What is Madame X (1981) about?
Madame X follows Holly Richardson, a woman expelled from her home by a jealous husband who spirals into a life of hardship and degradation. Two decades later, she stands trial for killing a man who threatened her daughter — and that daughter, now a lawyer, unknowingly takes on her own mother's defense.
Does the daughter ever find out the truth in Madame X?
The emotional core of Madame X hinges on this very question. Elizabeth Reeves defends the mysterious woman in court without realizing she is her own mother, Holly Richardson. The gradual revelation — or its absence — gives the film its devastating dramatic tension and heartbreaking finale.
Where can you watch Madame X (1981)?
You can check current streaming availability and viewing options for Madame X on JustWatch, which tracks where the film is available to rent, buy, or stream in your region.
Who stars in Madame X (1981)?
Tuesday Weld leads the cast as Holly Richardson, the fallen woman at the heart of the story. She's joined by Jeremy Brett as Dr. Terrence Keith, Len Cariou as John Abbott, Martina Deignan as Elizabeth Reeves, Eleanor Parker as Katherine Richardson, and Jerry Stiller, among others.
Is Madame X (1981) based on a true story?
No, Madame X is not based on a true story. It's adapted from Alexandre Bisson's 1908 French stage play of the same name, a melodrama that has been retold on screen multiple times since the silent film era, with this 1981 version being a made-for-television adaptation.
Who directed Madame X (1981)?
Robert Ellis Miller directed this 1981 television adaptation. Miller was an experienced TV and film director known for his work on character-driven dramas, and he brings a measured, emotionally attentive approach to this classic melodramatic story.
How many times has Madame X been adapted for film?
The story of Madame X has been adapted numerous times, dating back to silent cinema. Notable versions include the 1929 MGM film with Ruth Chatterton, the 1937 version with Gladys George, and the well-known 1966 Hollywood adaptation starring Lana Turner. The 1981 TV movie is among the most recent retellings.
What is the runtime of Madame X (1981)?
Madame X runs for 100 minutes — a solid hour and forty minutes that gives the story room to breathe through its sweeping emotional arc, from Holly's initial downfall to the courtroom drama that brings mother and daughter together without either knowing it.
More About Madame X
Explore further details about Madame X on these trusted resources.