Madame Butterfly (1932)
A haunting pre-Code tragedy of love, betrayal, and sacrifice starring Sylvia Sidney and an early Cary Grant.
Madame Butterfly - Movie Information
- Original Title: Madame Butterfly
- Release Year: 1932
- Directed by: Marion Gering
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 26m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 30, 1932 (United States)
- Production Companies: Paramount Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Madame Butterfly - Plot
Pinkerton marries Cho-Cho San in Japan, whilst on shore leave. When he leaves, she keeps his Japanese home as he left it. He returns three years later, having married again in America, and tells Cho-Cho that their affair is over. She has had a child in his absence, who is sent to her family, before she kills herself.
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Madame Butterfly - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Marion Gering
Main Cast
- Sylvia Sidney
- Cary Grant
- Charles Ruggles
- Irving Pichel
- Helen Jerome Eddy
- Edmund Breese
- Louise Carter
- Judith Vosselli
- Sándor Kállay
- Sheila Terry
Writers
- Joseph Moncure March
- Josephine Lovett
- John Luther Long
Producers
- B.P. Schulberg
Madame Butterfly - FAQs
Where can you watch Madame Butterfly (1932)?
Madame Butterfly (1932) is available to stream on select classic film platforms. You can check JustWatch for a full, up-to-date list of streaming services, rental options, and purchase links available in your region, as availability may vary by country and platform.
Is Madame Butterfly (1932) based on a true story?
No, it is not based on a true story. The film adapts John Luther Long's 1898 short story, which itself inspired David Belasco's stage play and Giacomo Puccini's famous 1904 opera. The tale of Cho-Cho San is a fictional narrative, though it reflects real cultural tensions of its era.
Who are the main actors in Madame Butterfly?
The film stars Sylvia Sidney as Cho-Cho San and Cary Grant as Lieutenant B.F. Pinkerton. The supporting cast includes Charles Ruggles as Lieutenant Barton, Irving Pichel as Yamadori, Louise Carter as Suzuki, and Sheila Terry as Adelaide Pinkerton, among others.
What is Madame Butterfly (1932) about?
The film follows Cho-Cho San, a young Japanese woman who marries American naval officer Pinkerton while he is on shore leave. After he departs, she waits faithfully for years, raising their child alone. When Pinkerton returns with an American wife, the devastating truth destroys her.
Who directed Madame Butterfly (1932)?
Madame Butterfly (1932) was directed by Marion Gering, a Russian-born Hollywood filmmaker who worked extensively at Paramount Pictures during the early 1930s. Gering also directed Sylvia Sidney in several other productions during this period of her career.
What is the runtime of Madame Butterfly (1932)?
Madame Butterfly (1932) has a runtime of approximately 86 minutes, or 1 hour and 26 minutes. It is a compact, emotionally concentrated drama that moves efficiently through its tragic story of cross-cultural romance and abandonment.
Is Madame Butterfly (1932) a pre-Code Hollywood film?
Yes, Madame Butterfly (1932) is a pre-Code Hollywood production, released before the strict enforcement of the Hays Code in 1934. This allows the film to address themes of interracial marriage, illegitimacy, and suicide with a directness that later Hollywood productions would have been forced to avoid.
How was Madame Butterfly (1932) received by critics?
The film received generally positive notices upon release, with Sylvia Sidney's emotionally raw performance earning particular praise. Critics recognized her ability to convey Cho-Cho San's heartbreak with genuine pathos. Cary Grant's early career appearance is also frequently noted by film historians studying his pre-stardom work.
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