Under the Cherry Moon

Lore & Background

The film underperformed both critically and commercially at the time of its release, winning five Golden Raspberry Awards and tying with Howard the Duck for Worst Picture. Its associated soundtrack album Parade sold over a million copies and achieved platinum status. Since Prince's death in 2016, several contemporary critics have revisited the film and now consider it a cult classic.

In Their Own Story

The grey waves crash against the Monte Carlo cliffs as Christopher Tracy steps onto his yacht, the silk of his white suit fluttering in the salt air. Below, Virginia watches from the dock, her silhouette sharp against the monochrome backdrop. The distance between them feels vast, measured not just in feet but in worlds, yet a single note played on a distant piano bridges the gap, signaling that their fates are already intertwined.

Reader's Guide

Gigolos Christopher Tracy and his friend Tricky, originally from Miami, reside on the French Riviera. They target heiress Mary Sharon to gain her $50 million trust fund. Despite complications involving Mary's father Isaac and his arranged engagement for her, Christopher and Mary fall in love. Christopher is fatally shot by a marksman at the harbor. Later, Mary invests in Tricky's luxury apartment complex in Miami.

Did You Know?

• The film was shot on color stock, then processed into black and white in post-production.
• Prince originally envisioned the setting to be Palm Beach, Miami or Capri, but settled on the French Riviera.
• Kristin Scott Thomas made her feature film debut in this movie.
• The soundtrack album Parade marked the first of many collaborations between Prince and jazz keyboardist Clare Fischer.