From the Scaffold Down the Aisle

Rukhele's parents make her marry rich Matteus, but she loves poor Shlomo. In two years Rukhele has a child but she can't forget Shlomo and so she leaves Matteus to be with her lover.

Russia, 1775. Count Orlov writes a letter to Empress Catherine II the Great in which he denounces Princess Tarakanova as a traitor and pretender to the throne.

Princess Bibulova decides to go fishing along the river, while not far away, a musician leaves his two companions to go for a swim. Soon afterwards, the princess also goes swimming. While neither swimmer is looking, two thieves lurking on the riverbank steal their clothes, leaving the musician and the princess in a puzzling and embarrassing situation.

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.”

The wounded Russian Orloff, treated in a Japanese hospital, is watched over with devotion by the volunteer nurse Hanako, who seems charming to him. On Hanako's father's refusal, Lieutenant Orloff kidnaps the little geisha and brings her back to Moscow. Far from her native country, little Hanako no longer seems so pretty to the fickle Orloff who now prefers the beautiful Rayskaya. Unable to overcome her pain, the little geisha prefers to die.

An adaptation of the fairy tale by Alexander Pushkin.