Poster

Tabu: A Story of the South Seas ()

Reference View | Change View
On the South Pacific island of Bora Bora, a young couple's love is threatened when the tribal chief declares the girl a sacred virgin.
Director:
Writers:
Stars:
Awards:
Reviews:

Photos and Videos

80 photos | 1 video

Cast verified as complete

Edit
Matahi ...
The Boy
Anne Chevalier ...
The Girl (as Reri)
Bill Bambridge ...
The Policeman (as Jean)
Hitu ...
The Old Warrior
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Ah Fong ...
The Businessman (uncredited)
Jules ...
The Captain (uncredited)
Mehao ...
Boys Friend (uncredited)

Directed by

Edit
F.W. Murnau

Written by

Edit
F.W. Murnau ... (told by)
 
Robert J. Flaherty ... (told by) (as R.J. Flaherty)
 
Edgar G. Ulmer ... () (uncredited)

Produced by

Edit
David Flaherty ... associate producer (uncredited)
Robert J. Flaherty ... producer (uncredited)
F.W. Murnau ... producer (uncredited)

Music by

Edit
Violeta Dinescu ... (1995)
Hugo Riesenfeld ... (musical setting)
W. Franke Harling ... (uncredited)
Milan Roder ... (uncredited)

Cinematography by

Edit
Floyd Crosby ... (photographed by)

Editing by

Edit
Arthur A. Brooks ... (uncredited)

Editorial Department

Edit
H.H. Caldwell ... supporting editor (uncredited)
Martha Dresback ... negative cutter (uncredited)
Katherine Hilliker ... supporting editor (uncredited)
Edgar G. Ulmer ... supervising editor (uncredited)

Production Management

Edit
Edgar G. Ulmer ... production manager (uncredited)

Second Unit Director or Assistant Director

Edit
Bill Bambridge ... assistant director
David Flaherty ... assistant director (uncredited)

Camera and Electrical Department

Edit
Floyd Crosby ... camera operator (uncredited)

Music Department

Edit
Frank Strobel ... conductor (1995)

Production Companies

Edit

Distributors

Edit

Special Effects

Edit

Other Companies

Edit

Storyline

Edit
Plot Summary

In his final film, F.W. Murnau presents the tale of two young lovers on the idyllic island of Bora Bora in the South Pacific. Their life is shattered when the old warrior declares the girl to be the Chosen Maid and it is forbidden for any man to even look upon her. Refusing to accept a life apart, they run off to another island, one that is decadent and westernized. The boy works as a pearl diver but not quite understanding the concept of money, is soon in debt. When the old warrior tracks them down they again plan to run away but in a desperate attempt to pay off his debts, the boy dives for pearls in shark-infested waters. The boy is successful but fate seems determined to keep the two lovers apart. Written by garykmcd

Plot Keywords
Taglines You'll live every rapturous moment of this radiant romance. (Print Ad- Sunday Tribune, ((Manila, P.I.)) 24 April 1932) See more »
Genres
Parents Guide View content advisory »
Certification

Additional Details

Edit
Also Known As
  • Tabu (United States)
  • Tabou (France)
  • Tabu (Germany)
  • Tabú (Spain)
  • Tabu (Poland)
  • See more »
Runtime
  • 86 min
Country
Language
Color
Aspect Ratio
Sound Mix
Filming Locations

Box Office

Budget $150,000 (estimated)
Cumulative Worldwide Gross $1,028,960

Did You Know?

Edit
Trivia Producer/director/co-writer F.W. Murnau died in a car accident a few days after starting work on the music for this film. It had its New York premiere a week later. See more »
Movie Connections Edited into Treibjagd in der Südsee (1940). See more »
Soundtracks Nocturnes See more »
Quotes The Girl: [writing a goodbye letter] I must go. Hitu is here and waits for me. You will die if I do not obey. I will go so that you may live. The tabu is upon us. I have been so happy with you far more than I deserved. The love you have given me, I will keep to the last beat of my heart. Across the great waters, I will come to you in your dreams when the moon spreads its path on the sea. Farewell.
See more »
Getting Started | Contributor Zone »

Contribute to This Page


Clear your history

Recently Viewed