The Barbarian and the Geisha is a 1958 film starring John Wayne, Sam Jaffe and Japanese actress Eiko Ando set in 1850s Japan. Shot primarily on location in Japan, it was directed by John Huston. In 1856, Townsend Harris is sent by President Pierce to serve as the first U.S. Consul-General to Japan, following the treaty written by Commodore Matthew Perry. Accompanied only by his translator-secretary, Huesken , comes ashore at the town of Shimoda, as specified in the treaty as the location for an American consulate. However, Japanese governor refuses to accept his credentials, denying him any... official status, due to a conflict between interpretations of the treaty terms. While Harris believes that the Consul shall be present whenever either country requires, the Japanese believe the terms to permit a consul only when both countries require. The governor holds to his interpretation, largely because of objections over the threats under which the treaty was forced upon them. Harris is permitted to remain in Shimoda, but only as a private citizen, with no recognition of his official status.
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| Release date: | 1958 |
| Directed by: | John Huston |
| Runtime: | 104 Minutes |
| Producer: | Eugene Frenke |
| Music by: | Hugo Friedhofer |
| Cinematography: | Charles G. Clarke |
| Genre: | Adventure |