The film had its premiere on March 18 , 1931 , a week after Murnau died , at New York 's Central Park Theater . The film was not a box-office success upon release , grossing just $ 472,000 worldwide , which failed to recoup Murnau and Paramount 's investment . At the 4th Academy Awards Floyd Crosby was awarded the Oscar for Best Cinematography
4th Academy Awards
4th Academy Awards
Tabu: A Story of the South Seas