Facts
A film about Rasputin suggested that a character identifiable as Princess Youssoupoff had been seduced or raped by him.
Issue
Was the film or slander, and was it defamatory?
Held
It was libel (a film with sound is permanent) and defamatory.
Principle
Defamation in a permanent form, including film, is libel; imputing unchastity is defamatory.
Why it matters
Libel in film.
Cited in these chapters
Topics
Cite this page
Youssoupoff v Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Ltd (1934) 50 TLR 581 (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/youssoupoff-v-mgm> accessed 31 October 2026
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This summary is a Lanbuk study aid based on the generally known facts and reports of the case. It is not legal advice.