Russian Souvenir
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| Russian Souvenir | |
|---|---|
| Russian: Русский сувенир | |
| Directed by | Grigori Aleksandrov |
| Written by | Grigori Aleksandrov |
| Produced by | Valentin Maslov |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Grigory Eisenberg |
| Edited by | Zoya Veryovkina |
| Music by | Kirill Molchanov |
Production company | |
Release date |
|
Running time | 107 min. |
| Country | Soviet Union |
| Language | Russian |
Russian Souvenir (Russian: Русский сувенир, romanized: Russkiy suvenir) is a 1960 Soviet comedy film directed by Grigori Aleksandrov.[1][2] Despite the stellar cast, the film received devastating reviews from critics and was shelved.[3][4] The worst film of 1960 according to the Soviet Screen magazine.[5]
The film tells the story of when a plane makes an emergency landing in Siberia, an eclectic group of international passengers—including an American millionaire, a theology scholar, and a Soviet engineer—embarks on a transformative journey through the achievements of the Soviet Union, challenging their perceptions and culminating in a call for global peace.[6]
A plane flying from Vladivostok to Moscow makes an emergency landing on the shores of Lake Baikal. Among the passengers are John Peebles (played by Erast Garin), a theology scholar curious about what the Soviet people have replaced God with; American millionaire Adlai Scott (played by Andrei Popov), preoccupied with whether Russia could return to capitalism; his secretary, Homer Jones (played by Pavel Kadochnikov); the Italian "countess" Pandora Montesi (played by Elina Bystritskaya); and the enigmatic Dr. Adams. The only Soviet passenger, engineer Varvara Komarova (played by Lyubov Orlova), is forced to assume multiple roles: tour guide, diplomat, resource manager, and entertainer.
The characters journey to a newly developed city in Siberia, witnessing the construction of the Bratsk Hydroelectric Power Station and the launch of a rocket to the Moon. Through these experiences, their perceptions of the Soviet Union undergo a dramatic transformation.
By the film’s conclusion, the reformed American millionaire gives a sensational interview, while the main heroine, Varvara, delivers a heartfelt call for world peace. This moment is set against frescoes depicting Saint George slaying the dragon, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
Cast
- Lyubov Orlova as Varvara Komarova[7]
- Andrei Popov as Adlai Hunter Scott, American millionaire and writer
- Pavel Kadochnikov as Homer Jones, Mr. Scott's secretary and American writer of Canadian descent
- Erast Garin as Jones Peebles, Master of Theology, misogynist and bachelor
- Elina Bystritskaya as Maria Pandora (Barbara) Montesi, Italian Countess[8]
- Aleksandr Barushnoy as Doctor Adams
- Valentin Gaft as Claude Gerard, French composer
- Liu Zhi Chang as Chinese pilot Wang
- Anastasia Zuyeva as Yegorkina
- Georgiy Budarov as Yegorkin
- Alla Budnitskaya as interpreter Larisa Kurlychkina
- Boris Novikov as worker Safonov [9]
- Kola Beldy as student[10]
