---
title: "Papillon"
year: 1973
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/papillon-1973"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 5924
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 151
community_rating: 7.8
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "PG"
---

# Papillon (1973) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/papillon-1973

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Papillon is a film first released in 1973. Catalogued under Crime, Drama. Produced and broadcast by Allied Artists Pictures, Solar Productions, Corona-General. Current status: Released.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A daring escape unfolds on a brutal prison island."

### Why Watch
- Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman deliver powerful performances
- The film’s high‑budget production showcases striking locations
- A tense, character‑driven escape narrative

### Caveats & Content Note
- At 2h 31m the length can feel drawn out
- Violent prison scenes may be intense for some viewers
- Tone & Suitability: The gritty prison setting and violent moments make it appropriate for mature audiences.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: adventure, prison, drama, survival, period

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/papillon-1973#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Franklin J. Schaffner
- **Networks / Studios**: Allied Artists Pictures, Solar Productions, Corona-General

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Steve McQueen** as *Henri "Papillon" Charriere*
- **Dustin Hoffman** as *Louis Dega*
- **Victor Jory** as *Indian Chief*
- **Don Gordon** as *Julot*
- **Anthony Zerbe** as *Toussaint*
- **Robert Deman** as *Maturette*
- **Woodrow Parfrey** as *Clusiot*
- **Bill Mumy** as *Lariot*
- **George Coulouris** as *Dr. Chatal*
- **Ratna Assan** as *Zoraima*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Who are the lead actors?
The film stars Steve McQueen as Charrière ("Papillon") and Dustin Hoffman as Louis Dega.

### Q: When was the film released?
It was released in the United States on December 16, 1973.

### Q: What is the film’s runtime and rating?
The runtime is 2 hours 31 minutes and it carries a PG rating.

### Q: Is the story based on real events?
Yes, it is based on the true story of French prisoner Henri Charrière.

### Q: How did the film perform financially?
Although it cost about $12 million to make, it earned more than twice that amount in its first year.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Papillon — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/5924)
- [Papillon (1973 film) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papillon_(1973_film))
- [Métamorphoses du papillon – Wikipedie](https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%A9tamorphoses_du_papillon)
- [Motylek (1973) - Filmweb](https://www.filmweb.pl/film/Motylek-1973-8529)
- [Papillon (2017) - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5093026/)
- [Papillon (rasa psa) – Wikipedia, wolna encyklopedia](https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papillon_%28rasa_psa%29)

---
*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*