In a small Japanese town, Ko-Ko is appointed to the unenviable position of executioner. Knowing he must successfully perform before the appearance of the Mikado in a month's time, Ko-Ko finds a suitable victim in Nanki-Poo, who is distraught over his unrequited love for the maiden Yum-Yum. Nanki-Poo agrees to sacrifice his life if he is allowed to spend his remaining days with Yum-Yum, who is betrothed to Ko-Ko.
Production
Ludicrously gorgeous fantasy Japan that never existed, shot in eye-searing Technicolor.
Acting
Martyn Green's Ko-Ko: a twitchy, desperate delight who knows he's in over his head.
Director
Victor Schertzinger
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Gilbert wrote this 1885 satire mocking British bureaucracy, not Japan — the 'Japanese' setting was exotic wallpaper for Victorian audiences.
The D'Oyly Carte Opera Company performers in this film had played these roles hundreds of times; Martyn Green's Ko-Ko was considered definitive for decades.
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