Under the Cherry Moon
A romantic musical comedy-drama from Prince, set on the French Riviera.
Under the Cherry Moon is a 1986 American romantic musical comedy-drama film directed by Prince in his directorial debut. The follow-up to his 1984 film debut Purple Rain, it stars himself along with former The Time member Jerome Benton, Steven Berkoff, Kristin Scott Thomas (in her feature film debut) and Francesca Annis. Although the film underperformed both critically and commercially at the time of its release, winning five Golden Raspberry Awards, its associated soundtrack album Parade sold over a million copies and achieved platinum status. Since Prince's death in 2016, several contemporary critics have also revisited the film and now consider it a cult classic.
Quick Facts
- Format
- Feature Film & Soundtrack Album
- Setting
- French Riviera (Monte Carlo)
- Main character
- Christopher Tracy
- Musical style
- Pop
- Soft Rock
- Orchestral Pop
- Visual aesthetic
- Black and White Cinematography
Lore & Background
Under the Cherry Moon was filmed at the Victorine Studios in Nice, France, starting on September 14, 1985. After disagreements about the film's direction, director Mary Lambert left the production on November 4, and Prince took over directing himself. The film was shot on color stock, then processed into black and white in post-production. None of the color footage has yet emerged with the exception of the music video for 'Mountains'. The film's black and white poster was designed by art director John Kosh.
Reader's Guide
The plot follows gigolos Christopher Tracy and his friend Tricky, originally from Miami, residing on the French Riviera. They target heiress Mary Sharon for her $50 million trust fund, but complications arise involving her father Isaac, his arranged engagement for her, and the duo's genuine feelings. The film ends with Christopher fatally wounded by a marksman, and Mary later investing in Tricky's apartment complex in Miami.
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