Mother, Don't Tarnish Your Name (1930): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1930, Mother, Don't Tarnish Your Name is a drama film directed by Heinosuke Gosho.

What it’s about. Because of her husband’s suicide, a young widow finds herself suddenly cast into a life of solitude, with only her beloved child in her arms. At first, her pure devotion is directed toward the memory of her late husband, but before long it transforms into a fierce, consuming love for her child. That very love, however, drives her onto a perilous path, leading inexorably toward the tragic fate of a doomed flower. Ah, Mother! For what sin must you endure the scourge of the world? This work is offered in silence and reverence—above all to mothers everywhere. [Adapted from the promotional poster.]

Who’s in it. Mother, Don't Tarnish Your Name stars Chitose Hayashi, Emiko Yagumo, Kinuyo Tanaka and Jun Arai, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 10.0/10, Mother, Don't Tarnish Your Name sits among the best-reviewed titles in the catalogue.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Mother, Don't Tarnish Your Name page.

If you liked it. Fans of Mother, Don't Tarnish Your Name tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.