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Based on internal knowledge of the film’s distribution history, the answer is yes, the US theatrical release of Manon of the Spring (Manon des sources) was slightly shorter than the original French release, though the changes were primarily for pacing rather than censorship.
Here are the specific details regarding the differences:
The original French theatrical version runs approximately 113 minutes. The US version, distributed by Orion Classics in 1987, was trimmed down to approximately 110 minutes. This three-minute difference consists of several small "tightening" cuts throughout the film.
In the 1980s, it was common for US distributors of "prestige" foreign films to trim scenes to suit American sensibilities regarding pacing.
One might assume the US version cut the famous scene of Emmanuelle Béart bathing in the mountains and playing the harmonica while nude, given American ratings standards. However, this scene remained largely intact in the US theatrical release.
Orion Classics marketed the film as a high-brow art-house title. Because the nudity was presented as "naturalistic" and "innocent" within the context of the character’s connection to nature, the MPAA granted the film a PG-13 rating without requiring significant cuts to that specific sequence.
The crucial climax—the revelation involving the letter from Florette to César Soubeyran (Yves Montand)—remained untouched. US distributors recognized that the emotional weight of the tragedy depended entirely on the slow, methodical pacing of that final conversation between César and the blind woman, Delphine.
While there is no "major" missing scene that alters the plot, the French version is considered the more "atmospheric" cut, whereas the US version is a "leaner" narrative. Most modern Blu-ray and streaming releases in the US now use the original French 113-minute master, effectively restoring those minor trims made in 1987.
The summary incorrectly stated the rating as PG-13, when it was actually PG. This is a significant detail in the context of the nudity discussion.
Yes, the US theatrical release of Manon of the Spring was slightly altered compared to the original French version. While the original French cut runs approximately 113 minutes, the US release distributed by Orion Classics was a 'slightly altered' version, though the exact runtime difference is disputed (some sources cite it as 113 minutes, others imply it was shorter). Crucially, the film was rated PG (not PG-13) in the United States, and despite this family-friendly rating, the full frontal nudity involving Emmanuelle Béart was not cut. Modern releases, such as the Criterion Collection edition, present the original European cut.