Youssoupoff v. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture

50 T.L.R. 581 (1934)

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Nature of the Case

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Facts

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (D) made a film about Rasputin. A woman portrayed in the film as having relations with the person represented as the murderer was also depicted as having illicit relations with Rasputin, a man of the worst possible character. P claimed that reasonable people would understand that she was the woman depicted. P was a member of the Russian Royal House, Princess Irina Alexandrovna of Russia. She was married after the incidents in question to a man, who was undoubtedly one of the persons concerned in the killing of Rasputin. P issue a writ for libel against D. D then declined to stop presenting the film. P got the verdict with damages of 25,000 pounds. D appealed. D contend that there was no evidence from which a jury could find that Princess Natasha in the film to be Princess Irina, P. Even if one could make the connection there was still no evidence of defamation. D also claimed that if there was a defamation, the damages were excessive.