Synopsis / Reviews

Along with the romantic confusion and slapstick comedy is a snapshot of the urban bustle and modern life of contemporary Moscow, circa 1924. Director Yuri Zhelyabuzhsky takes the camera to the streets, just as the company within the film does. And he has fun with the moviemaking story that runs through the film, from simple scenes of his characters shooting a film on the streets of Moscow, keeping crowds back and the curious from wandering into their shots while Latugin's infatuation distracts him from the work at hand, to watching the raw footage of the American-backed travelogue "Everyday Life in Moscow" which the lovesick cameraman has transformed into a moving photo album of Zina, whose presence obscures the landmarks he's supposed to be shooting. [Sean Axmaker @ tcm.com]

Zina is the beautiful cigarette girl, who is discovered by the cameraman, Latugin, and becomes an actress. Latugin loves Zina. Mac-Bride loves Zina. Mityushin loves Zina. The land lady loves Mityushin. Zina loves Latugin. Zina, Latugin, and Mityushin loose their jobs. What will happen? This is essentially a comedy. There is a mixtures of restrained slapstick and humorous love mix ups. Some of it has been done before (well you will have seen it before), but the movie is original enough and very well done. The characters are endearing and believable, and the plot ties up nicely. I highly recommend watching this, even if you are not into silent film. [gagewyn @ imdb.com]