Madame Butterfly

Fiercely determined not to be forever typecast as "America's Sweetheart," Mary Pickford would from time to time tackle such meatier assignments as this 5-reel adaptation of John Luther Long's tragic novel Madame Butterfly. Anyone familiar with the Giacomo Puccini operatic version of the same material will be familiar with the tearful tale of Japanese geisha girl Cio-Cio San (Pickford), who falls hopelessly in love with American naval lieutenant Pinkerton (played by future director Marshall Neilan). Bearing Pinkerton's child, Cio-Cio San is certain that he will legitimize the baby by marrying her, but instead Pinkerton weds his hometown sweetheart. Her heart cleft in twain, Cio-Cio San bids Pinkerton goodbye then commits suicide. Pickford was inarguably excellent in the leading role, but her fans demanded that she avoid such morbid fare and return to the "little girl with the curls" roles she did best.