Cast
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Alexandra Khokhlova
as Dulcie
Konstantin Khokhlov
as Bill Porter
Ivan Novoseltsev
as Jim Valentine - aka Ralph D. Spenser
O. Rayevskaya
as Jim's mother
Vasili Kovrigin
as Warden
Andrey Fayt
as Detective Ben Price
Valentina Lopatina
as Sadie / Annabel's sister
Weyland Rodd Sr.
as Black convict
Andrei Gorchilin
as Convict
Galina Kravchenko
as Annabel Adams
Pyotr Galadzhev
as Banker Adams/ Reporter
Mikhail Doronin
as Innkeeper / Prosecutor / Inspector
Daniil Vvedenskiy
as Jailguard
Sergey Sletov
as Jailguard
Crew
Director
- Lev Kuleshov
Writer
- Aleksandr Kurs
- Lev Kuleshov
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Great Consoler examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Lev Kuleshov 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1933, 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 The Great Consoler took approximately 4 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 92 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 143 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1933, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: November 17, 1933
- Runtime: 1h 32m