A forgotten Soviet gem where Chekhov's melancholy meets slapstick chaos.
The film is based on the stories Anton Chekhov. It is a tribute to the actor Boris Andreyev. He plays a major role that keeps up for the duration of the film. Lively and intelligent Valery Spout largely mitigates underline the drama of the protagonist, while Michael Sveta's role, though small, is bright and memorable.
Acting
Boris Andreyev's swan song performance—exhausted, defiant, unforgettable.
Writing
Chekhov adaptation that actually preserves his cruel compassion.
Director
Mikhail Ilyenko
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was Boris Andreyev's final film; he was already ill during production and died the following year.
Soviet cinema's 1970s Chekhov boom often smuggled social critique through period settings—this one's barely disguised.
SU
