Moscow Nights (1934)
A British wartime romance from Anthony Asquith, featuring a young Laurence Olivier in a tale of love, jealousy, and peril set in World War I Russia.
Moscow Nights - Movie Information
- Original Title: Moscow Nights
- Release Year: 1934
- Directed by: Anthony Asquith
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Romance, War, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 11m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 16, 1936 (United Kingdom), July 1, 1936 (United States)
- Alternative Titles: I Stand Condemned (US)
- Production Companies: London Films Productions, Denham Films
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Moscow Nights - Plot
During the First World War, Russian officer Ignatoff, wounded, falls in love with his nurse, Natasha. But she is subject to an upcoming marriage of family convenience to Brioukow, a wealthy industrialist of peasant stock. Brioukow is unjustifiably jealous, since Natasha has not betrayed him. He forces Ignatoff into his debt as a means of humiliating him. When Ignatoff's new friend, Madame Sabline, offers to pay his debt, preventing his ruin, Ignatoff comes quickly to realize that Madame Sabline has an ulterior motive, one that could prove dangerous to more lives than just Ignatoff's.
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Moscow Nights - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Anthony Asquith
Main Cast
- Harry Baur
- Penelope Dudley-Ward
- Laurence Olivier
- Athene Seyler
- Lilian Braithwaite
- Morton Selten
- Sam Livesey
- Robert Cochran
- Hay Petrie
- Walter Hudd
Moscow Nights - FAQs
What is Moscow Nights about?
Moscow Nights is set during World War I and follows Captain Ivan Ignatoff, a Russian officer who falls in love with his nurse, Natasha, while recovering from wounds. Complications arise through a jealous wealthy suitor, mounting debts, and a mysterious woman whose help conceals a deadly ulterior motive.
Who are the main actors in Moscow Nights?
The film stars Harry Baur as the brooding industrialist Peter Brioukow, Penelope Dudley-Ward as Natasha, and a young Laurence Olivier as Captain Ivan Ignatoff. Athene Seyler, Lilian Braithwaite, Morton Selten, and Sam Livesey round out the strong supporting ensemble.
Is Moscow Nights based on a true story?
Moscow Nights is not based on a true story. It is adapted from the 1925 French novel 'Les Nuits de Moscou' by Pierre Benoît, a work of fiction set against the backdrop of World War I Russia. The film brings that romantic and espionage-tinged narrative to the screen.
Who directed Moscow Nights?
Moscow Nights was directed by Anthony Asquith, one of Britain's most respected filmmakers of the era. Asquith was known for his polished visual style and his ability to draw nuanced performances from his cast, qualities very much on display in this wartime romantic drama.
When was Moscow Nights released?
Moscow Nights had its United Kingdom release on March 16, 1936, followed by its United States release on July 1, 1936, where it was retitled I Stand Condemned. The film was produced in 1934, making it one of the earlier British sound productions of that decade.
Is Moscow Nights notable for Laurence Olivier's career?
Absolutely. Moscow Nights is a fascinating early showcase for Laurence Olivier, who was still building his screen reputation at the time. His portrayal of the idealistic Captain Ignatoff offers a glimpse of the magnetic intensity that would later make him one of cinema's most celebrated actors.
What genre is Moscow Nights?
Moscow Nights blends Romance, War, and Drama into a compelling mix. At its heart it is a love story, but the wartime setting and the web of jealousy, debt, and espionage give it a tense, dramatic edge that elevates it well beyond a straightforward romantic picture.
How long is Moscow Nights?
Moscow Nights runs for 71 minutes, making it a lean and efficiently told story. Despite its relatively short runtime, the film manages to develop its characters and romantic tensions with considerable depth, a testament to Anthony Asquith's confident direction and the strength of the cast.
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