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.
Two gypsy lovers sneak away from camp at night. The man proposes, the woman refuses. He then murders her with a knife. The body is immediately discovered. more
Two gypsy lovers sneak away from camp at night. The man proposes, the woman refuses. He then murders her with a knife. The body is immediately discovered. The distraught man then leaps off a cliff to the rocks below. close
During the reign of Russia's Empress Ekaterina II (Catherine the Great), Count Orlov writes a letter to the Empress, denouncing Princess Tarakanova as more
During the reign of Russia's Empress Ekaterina II (Catherine the Great), Count Orlov writes a letter to the Empress, denouncing Princess Tarakanova as a traitor and a would-be usurper. On the Empress's orders, Tarakanova is led into a trap and arrested. Because the Princess continues to insist that she is the only true heir to the throne, she quickly finds herself in great danger. close
The Count sets out to make a private room for him and his Countess, built in such a way no one can see, hear, and most importantly, disturb them. But more
The Count sets out to make a private room for him and his Countess, built in such a way no one can see, hear, and most importantly, disturb them. But unbeknownst to the Count, his wife has set her eyes on the court minstrel. Based on Edgar Allan Poe's “The Cask of Amontillado” and Honoré de Balzac's “La Grande Breteche”. close
Based on Pushkin's short story: When his friends play faro, Germann always enjoys watching, but he never gambles himself. One day, as he is watching their more
Based on Pushkin's short story: When his friends play faro, Germann 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. Germann is determined to learn this secret from her, and he initiates a romance with her grand-daughter Liza, in order to improve his chances. close