The Barbarian and the Geisha (1958)

Movie: The Barbarian and the Geisha (1958)

“Townsend Harris is sent by President Pierce to Japan to serve as the first U.S. Consul-General to that country. Harris discovers enormous hostility to foreigners, as well as the love of a young geisha. Written by Jim Beaver {jumblejim@prodigy.net}”

  • Director: John Huston
  • Release Date: 30 September 1958 (USA)
  • Run Time: 105 min
  • Country: USA
  • Genre: Adventure , Drama , Romance

Tagline: The geisha girl they sent to love and to destroy the barbarian from the west!

Trivia: Based on the true story of American diplomat Townsend Harris, his time in Japan in the 1850s and 60s, and his romance with a 17-year-old geisha named Kichi. Their story is one of the most well-known folk tales in Japan. The real Harris died in New York in 1878, and the real Kichi committed suicide in Shimoda in 1892.

Goofs: Incorrectly regarded as goofs: At one point, Townsend calls to his Chinese servant Sam; this was not, as some thought, a mistaken reference to an actor’s real name.

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