AllMovie

Previously filmed twice as a straight drama, Madame Butterfly was offered in its operatic form in this Japanese-Italian production. Karuo Yachigusa plays the central role of the tragic Chocho-San, while her singing has been dubbed by an anonymous soprano. Chocho-San's American lover/bertrayer Lt. Pinkerton is portrayed by Italy's Nicola Filacurdi, who like his leading lady relinquishes the singing responsibilities to someone else. The only member of the cast who actually sings Puccini's words and music is Ferdinando Lidonni as Sharpless. The stars are backed up by the chorus of the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma and by the dancers of Japan's Takarazuka Girls Opera Company.