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Crime Cult Classic

A wealthy wife’s dangerous desires spiral into murder, lust, and courtroom intrigue.

SCREAM OF THE BUTTERFLY

1965 · 1h 18m · NR · Crime / Drama / Mystery / Thriller · IMDB TMDB

A beautiful woman marries a rich man for his money, then embarks on an affair and plans to use her boyfriend to help murder her husband.

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Quick Answer

What is Scream of the Butterfly about?

Scream of the Butterfly is a 1965 American crime drama directed by Eber Lobato and Howard Veit about a woman who marries a millionaire for his money, engages in an affair, and becomes the target of a murder investigation after her lover is accused of killing her.

Programmer's Pick

Sultry, salacious, and never subtle, Scream of the Butterfly is a psychotronic cocktail of murder, courtroom drama, and steamy flashbacks. With its parade of handsome men and a heroine who’s never shy about nudity or duplicity, this is pure mid-60s exploitation with a soapy side of intrigue.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

In Scream of the Butterfly, the sordid world of desire and betrayal is laid bare when David is arrested for the brutal murder of his lover, Marla Williams. The case takes an unexpected turn as the district attorney hesitates to prosecute, raising more questions than answers. Through the eyes of a diligent public defender and the probing court psychiatrist, the tangled relationships and motivations gradually come to light. Marla, a beautiful woman who marries the wealthy Paul Williams, finds her husband unable to satisfy her insatiable appetite, leading her into a clandestine affair with David. Her scheme to rid herself of her husband is just the beginning of a story packed with seduction, secrets, and shifting loyalties.

Details & Specs

Directors
Eber Lobato, Howard Veit
Writers
Alan J. Smith, Mary Demos, Jane Keller
Release
1965
Runtime
1h 18m
Language
English
Genres
Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Cast & Crew

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Directors: Eber Lobato +1 more Writers: Alan J. Smith +2 more
Nélida Lobato Nélida Lobato Marla Williams NN Nick Novarro David RB Richard Beebe Ron Vesario (Public Defender) RM Robert Miller District Attorney Michael Farmer JR John Richards Phil (Assistant District Attorney) LG Leona Gage Kathy JF John Fife Adair AJ Alan J. Smith Christian WT William Turner Paul Williams BN Britt Nelson Ron Haydock Ron Haydock Party guest

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Why Cult

Courtroom Psychodrama

The film unravels its mystery through legal maneuvering, public defenders, and a court psychiatrist, giving the drama a twisty, procedural edge.

Mid-Century Exploitation

Packed with sex, nudity, adultery, and flashbacks, the film leans into its exploitation roots with gusto.

Wealth and Double Crosses

A millionaire, a scheming lover, and a woman whose desires can’t be contained—every relationship is up for grabs and nobody’s hands are clean.

Psychotronic Style

From bulging swimsuits to bubble baths, the film’s visuals and situations delight in the lurid and the unusual.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Marla's affair and plot against her husband

Threat

Violent jealousy and betrayal

Effect

Leads to murder and legal turmoil

Setting

Courtroom and lavish domestic settings

Questions from the Vault

When was Scream of the Butterfly released? +

Scream of the Butterfly was released in 1965.

Who directed Scream of the Butterfly? +

Eber Lobato and Howard Veit directed Scream of the Butterfly.

How long is Scream of the Butterfly? +

Scream of the Butterfly has a runtime of 78 minutes.

What genre is Scream of the Butterfly? +

Scream of the Butterfly is a crime, drama, mystery, and thriller film.

Trailers & Clips

Scream of the Butterfly trailer
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