Name: Molchi, grust... molchi
Genre: Drama
Released: 1918-05-14
Duration: 1 h 21 min
Rating: 6.2
Cast: Pyotr Chardynin, Konstantin Khokhlov, Vera Kholodnaya

Great Russian Pre-revolutionary silent film

The Russian pre-revolutionary silent films were quite different in aesthetics and technical aspects in comparison with the Bolshevik ones. Films in the pre-Marxist period were mostly melodramas, carefully made and stylized with the classes being much idealized and romanticized. They also tended to be static and theatrical and usually without the intense and skillful narrative of the later films.

Herr Pyotr Chardynin was one of these well regarded pre-revolutionary silent directors who worked, besides in old Russia, in many European countries and his star is Frau Vera Kholodnaia, the most important and famous actress during Russian silent times. Their film "Molchi, Grust, Molchi ( Be Silent, My Sorrow, Be Silent ) (1918), is one of the last pre-revolutionary films and is typical of that period. It has a larger-than-life story wherein Frau Kholodnaia shines thanks to her restrained, modern performance and great beauty.

The film tells the story of two humble circus actors, Frau Paula und Herr Lorio. Herr Lorio's fondness for booze causes him to have an accident while performing as a clown acrobat. He is crippled for life and the couple is obliged to become street musicians in order to make a living. Paula's beauty always attracted many men even during her circus times; now as street musicians, the couple performs sometimes at parties given by rich gentleman where Paula enchants many with her singing and good looks. One of the aristocrats seduces her and she leaves her husband to become his mistress. This leads to emotional turmoil and deception.

The film includes a kind of moral lesson in its story, namely the risks in store for those fascinated by money and the easy life ( the delights of bourgeois style, as is mentioned in the film's opening credits). Our heroine discovers this when she exchanges her modest but happy former life for one of riches which is full of false appearances and selfishness, ultimately dragging her into the abyss.

The film's sets achieve the perfect mood implicit in the story, depicting accordingly the circus atmosphere and contrasting FrauPaula's and Herr Lorio's modest home with luxurious bourgeois apartments. It combines realism and romanticism to create an intense drama full of mixed emotions.

It can be appreciated also in the film the careful use of medium shots and close-ups as well as some slight camera movement. The stylized movie works very well thanks to Herr Chardynin's remarkable direction. Alas, only the first half of the film has survived so we don't know how Frau Paula dealt with her trying circumstances, made even more difficult by an accidental murder! And now, if you'll allow me, I must temporarily take my leave because this German Count must silence one of his Teutonic rich heiress' shrieking voice.

Herr Graf Ferdinand Von Galitzien http://ferdinandvongalitzien.blogspot.com

The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)

Actress Paula who left circus on disability of the husband acrobat, leaves a family to the wealthy man. A remarkable research of diseases of pre-revolutionary society where "owners of life" manipulating the equities and human destinies.

Get a closer look at some of Hollywood's perfect pairs.

Hollywood Power Couples

Get a closer look at some of Hollywood&#39;s perfect pairs.

"The Gentlemen" and "Slow Horses" return this fall, while the "Reacher" spin-off series "Neagley" makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

2026 Fall TV and Streaming Watch Guide

&quot;The Gentlemen&quot; and &quot;Slow Horses&quot; return this fall, while the &quot;Reacher&quot; spin-off series &quot;Neagley&quot; makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

Get a closer look at these actors from their many TV and streaming series roles.

Molchi, grust... molchi

Photos1

Top Cast11

User reviews2

Related interests

Storyline

Did you know

Top picks

Details

Tech specs

Contribute to this page

More to explore

Recently viewed