Cast
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Lyubov Orlova
as Strelka Petrova
Igor Ilyinsky
as Byvalov
Vladimir Volodin
as The Pilot
Pavel Olenev
as The Water-Carter
Sergei Antimonov
as The street sweeper
Andrei Tutyshkin
as Alyosha Trubyshkin
Mariya Mironova
as The Secretary (as M. V. Mironova)
Vsevolod Sanayev
as The Lumberjack (as V. V. Sanayev)
Nikita Kondratyev
as The Waiter (as N. S. Kondratyev)
Anatoli Shalayev
as The Boy Musical Prodigy (as Tolya Shalayev)
Aleksey Dolinin
as The Militia Man (as A. G. Dolinin)
Ivan Chuvelyov
as The Olympiad Representative (as I. P. Chuvelyov)
Emmanuil Geller
as
Niki Otto
as The Cooc
Crew
Director
- Grigori Aleksandrov
Writer
- Mikhail Volpin
- Grigori Aleksandrov
- Nikolay Erdman
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Volga - Volga represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Music cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Grigori Aleksandrov brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1938, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Volga - Volga took approximately 26 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 104 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 129 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 56 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1938, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Volga - Volga shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike For Me and My Gal, which focuses more on action than character development, Volga - Volga offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Pickwick and The Spiders' The Noisy Parade explore similar territory, Volga - Volga stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 24, 1938
- Runtime: 1h 44m
Where to Watch
