Pelléas et Melisande  (1987)

Theatrical Release Information:
Pelléas et Melisande

Debussy's Pelleas et Melisande is set in a mythical country called Allemonde, ruled by old King Arkel. Golaud, a grandson of the King, finds a beautiful young maiden named Melisande, who seems to have lost her memory. He quickly marries her and takes her to meet his grandfather, his mother Genevieve, and his half-brother Pelleas. Later, as Pelleas and Melisande sit in a grotto, she loses her wedding ring in a deep well. Golaud demands that she retrieve it, but she is unable to do so. As time passes, Golaud becomes suspicious of the relationship between his half-brother and his wife, especially after she becomes pregnant. He uses his small son by a former marriage to try to spy on them, but to no avail. Pelleas announces his attention to leave the castle, but agrees to a final meeting with Melisande. Golaud denounces Melisande before his father, and follows Melisande to her assignation. There, he draws his sword and kills Pelleas and chases Melisande. Melisande gives birth prematurely and then dies herself. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide