A Glass of Water (1979)
A sparkling Soviet comedy-romance where love, power, and political intrigue collide at the court of Queen Anne of England.
A Glass of Water - Movie Information
- Original Title: Стакан воды
- Release Year: 1979
- Directed by: Yuli Karasik
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Romance
- Runtime: 2h 16m
- Original Language: Russian
- Spoken Languages: Russian
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 25, 1979 (SU)
- Alternative Titles: Bir Stəkan Su (AZ), Стакан води (UA), Stakan vody (RU)
- Production Companies: Mosfilm
- Production Countries: Soviet Union
A Glass of Water - Plot
When a small state is threatened with capture by a much stronger one, only one thing can save it: the emergence of a competitor comparable to the invader. In a graceful and witty play by Scribe, hostilities unfold around a young officer, in whom the modest saleswoman of a jewelry store, the omnipotent Duchess of Marlborough and the Queen of England herself fell in love at the same time.
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A Glass of Water - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Yuli Karasik
Main Cast
- Kirill Lavrov
- Natalya Belokhvostikova
- Alla Demidova
- Svetlana Smirnova
- Peteris Gaudins
- Nina Veselovskaya
Writers
- Yury Saulsky
A Glass of Water - FAQs
What is A Glass of Water about?
A Glass of Water is a witty Soviet comedy-romance set in early 18th-century England. A charming young officer named Artur Masham finds himself at the center of a political and romantic whirlwind, as a modest jewellery saleswoman, the formidable Duchess of Marlborough, and Queen Anne all fall for him simultaneously.
Is A Glass of Water based on a play?
Yes! The film adapts Eugène Scribe's celebrated 19th-century comedy of the same name. Scribe's play is a classic of the well-made play tradition, full of political intrigue and romantic scheming set against the backdrop of the court of Queen Anne of England.
Who are the main actors in A Glass of Water?
The film boasts a stellar Soviet cast. Kirill Lavrov plays the politically savvy Viscount Bolingbroke, Natalya Belokhvostikova portrays Queen Anne, Alla Demidova brings the imperious Duchess of Marlborough to life, Svetlana Smirnova plays Abigail Churchill, and Peteris Gaudins appears as Artur Masham.
Who directed A Glass of Water (1979)?
The film was directed by Yuli Karasik, a respected Soviet filmmaker known for his literary adaptations. Karasik brought Scribe's witty stage comedy to the screen with elegance and theatrical flair, making it one of the more charming Soviet costume comedies of the late 1970s.
What is the role of politics in the film's plot?
Politics and romance are completely intertwined in A Glass of Water. The scheming Viscount Bolingbroke uses the romantic entanglements surrounding young Artur Masham as a tool to outmaneuver the powerful Duchess of Marlborough and shift the political balance at the English court — proving that love can be the most potent weapon of all.
What genre is A Glass of Water?
A Glass of Water blends comedy and romance into a lively period piece. It's a costume comedy with sharp wit, political intrigue, and romantic rivalry at its heart — the kind of film that keeps you smiling throughout while delivering surprisingly clever commentary on power and desire.
What are some movies similar to A Glass of Water?
If you enjoy A Glass of Water, you might also love Walking the Streets of Moscow (1964), The Most Charming and Attractive (1985), Relative Values (2000), and Let's Make Love (1960). These films share a similar spirit of witty romantic comedy, elegant period charm, or playful battle-of-the-sexes storytelling.
How long is A Glass of Water (1979)?
A Glass of Water runs for 136 minutes — just over two hours and sixteen minutes. It's a slightly longer runtime for a comedy, but the film fills every minute with theatrical wit, romantic scheming, and lavish period detail that keeps the story moving at an enjoyable pace.
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