Cast
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Olga Androvskaya
as Варвара Александровна Коваленко (Варенька)
Mikhail Zharov
as Михаил Александрович Коваленко (учитель истории и географии)
Faina Ranevskaya
as жена инспектора
Aleksei Gribov
as Афанасий (слуга Беликова)
Vladimir Gardin
as Михаил Васильевич (директор гимназии)
Aleksandr Larikov
as Невыразимов (учитель)
Aleksandra Matveeva
as продавщица цветов
Osip Abdulov
as Тарантулов, учитель
Konstantin Adashevsky
as священник
Aleksey Bondi
as учитель, француз (в титрах С. Бонди)
Nikolai Khmelyov
as Беликов (учитель греческого языка)
Crew
Director
- Isidor Annensky
Writer
- Isidor Annensky
Producer
- A. Petrov
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Man in a Shell represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Romance cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on interpersonal relationships and emotional connections. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Isidor Annensky 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 1939, 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 Man in a Shell took approximately 9 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 84 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 123 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 78 unique compositions.
- The film contains approximately 1176 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1939, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: May 25, 1939
- Runtime: 1h 24m