Aleksandra Goncharova

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. Sirotin of the Voice of Russia said that, “The film is interesting to spectators even today and is frequently shown both in Russia and abroad.”

Documentary film about early years of Russian cinema: its first directors, cameramen, producers and actors. Includes rare fragments of pre-revolutionary feature films, newsreels and Starewicz's animation.

A silent feature short film by Vasily Goncharov based on a folk song of the same name. It was filmed with actors from the Vvedensky Folk House troupe. The movie is preserved without inscriptions.

This tragedy depicts a father and son in love with the same woman, who is an enchantress. She keeps them both in subjection with her charms, butthe mother and wife of the victims kills the seducer. However, both the father and the son are severely affected by her actions, which they cannot forgive.

Mazepa, the Ukrainian governor is in love with his goddaughter Maria. He quickly wins her heart. But her old father treats the wooer harshly… Maria runs away. The furious father won’t submit. This intrigue makes the most of the ingredients of historical drama. Maria is confronted to the arbitrary; the young woman is in a dilemma between her love and her family. The tragic outcome is equal to her destiny.

Based on Pushkin's short story: When his friends play faro, Hermann 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. Hermann is determined to learn this secret from her, and he initiates a romance with her granddaughter Liza, in order to improve his chances.

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. Returned and did not learn of Vadim goes to the Lord in slaves. Soon he reveals to Olga the truth about the real family. The girl agrees to help Vadim. Meanwhile, the younger Palitsyn — son Yuri returns to the estate. Olga falls in love with the young landowner and refuses to help her brother. Finally angry Vadim decides to finish with the whole hated family. He goes to the camp of Pugachev to later return to the estate of Palitsyn and take revenge.

Based on the 1865 play of the same name by Alexander Ostrovsky.

Two peasants in feudal Russia wish to marry but tragedy strikes. A grim if familiar depiction of the precarious condition of the rural life.

Film adaptation of excerpts from Nikolai Gogol's novel of the same name. Only two episodes are recreated faithfully: Chichikov's visit to Sobakevich and Chichikov's visit to Plyushkin. These episodes are followed by a series of scenes in which other characters appear without any connection with the plot. In the finale, everyone is photographed next to the bust of Gogol.

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

"Rusalka" or "Mermaid" based on Pushkin, 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.

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. The 100 minute-long film was premiered in 1911 at the Livadia, Yalta, palace for the Tsar Nicholas II.

Lusha is suffering from her drunken husband. One day her father-in-law rapes her. Of course, she doesn’t dare admit it to her husband. So, unable to move this incident, Lusha commits suicide...