Aleksandra Goncharova

A dramatization of a wedding in 16th-century Russia, between members of two prominent boyar families (based on paintings by Konstantin Makovskii): Three matchmakers first visit the family of the prospective bride, and then do the same with the prospective bridegroom's family. Later, as the time of the wedding draws near, the bride is dressed with great formality and prepared for the ceremony, as the guests get ready to celebrate the upcoming wedding.

The life and death of Alexander Pushkin is summarised in a 5-minute sequence of half-a-dozen scenes. The film's subtitles are in Russian. (imdb)

Based on Pushkin's short story: When his friends play faro, German always enjoys watching, but he never gambles himself. One day, as he is watching their game, he learns that an elderly countess staying nearby is said to possess a secret for winning a fortune at the game. German is determined to learn this secret from her, and he initiates a romance with her grand-daughter Liza, in order to improve his chances. (imdb)

Made in 1912, this film has become known as one of the greatest pieces of pre-Soviet cinema. The silent film tells the story of the Patriotic war of 1812 when Napoleon attempted to invade Russia. This joint French and Russian film sparked major excitement in Moscow at its premier screening and continues to entertain audiences throughout the world today. The 32-minute silent film was the point of origin for some of the more advanced camera techniques used today. (imdb)

First film ever that was shot by two cameras. Set in 1854-1855, in Sevastopol and Yalta during the Crimean War. Admirals Kornilov (Mozzhukhin) and Nakhimov (Gromov) organize the defense during the siege of Sevastopol. Both admirals are killed during the battle, and the city of Sevastopol is taken by the alliance of British, French, Sardinian, and Turkish troops. The legendary feat of Sailor Koshka (Semenov) was staged at original location. (imdb)

Based on an opera by Dargomizhsky, and other sources: A prince and a miller's daughter have been involved in a romance together, but now the prince tells her that he must break it off. After the prince leaves, the distraught young woman attempts to drown herself. When the prince's wedding day arrives, he is tormented by her image, which appears wherever he goes. Eventually, he is compelled to return and to try to find out what happened to her, regardless of the consequences. (imdb)

Two brothers turn to a life of crime. Directed by Vasili Goncharov.

Based on Lermontov's poem of the same name, Boyar Orsha (Peter Chardynin) leaves the service of Ivan the Terrible.

The landowner Palitsyn (Chardynin) long and successfully sues the neighbor. The lawsuit led to the ruin. He died, leaving orphans children — humpback a young boy Vadim (Speransky) and three-year Olga. In order to avoid condemnation, the Palitsyn takes the girl to the pupils. The young man vows to take revenge on the offender and leaves this region. Several years pass. Olga (Goncharova) becomes the beauty and object of desire of the elderly Palitsyn. Comes the hour of revenge.

A grim if familiar depiction of the precarious condition of the rural scene.