A Good Lad (1942)
A Soviet wartime gem blending partisan courage, cross-cultural romance, and musical warmth in the forests of occupied Russia.
A Good Lad - Movie Information
- Original Title: Славный малый
- Release Year: 1942
- Directed by: Boris Barnet
- Type: Movie
- Genres: War, Comedy, Music
- Runtime: 1h 7m
- Original Language: Russian
- Spoken Languages: Russian
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 1, 1942 (SU)
- Alternative Titles: A Good Lad (US), Novgorodtsy (RU)
- Production Companies: Mosfilm, TsOKS
- Production Countries: Soviet Union
A Good Lad - Plot
A group of Russian partisans hiding within a remote forest attempt to destroy a nearby German airfield, all the while assisting a downed French pilot who happens to fall madly in love with a local girl.
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A Good Lad - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Boris Barnet
Main Cast
- Olga Yakunina
- Ekaterina Sipavina
- Viktor Dobrovolsky
- Yevgeni Grigoryev
- Nikolai Bogolyubov
- Nikolai Stepanov
Writers
- Aleksei Kapler
- Pyotr Pavlenko
A Good Lad - FAQs
What is A Good Lad about?
A Good Lad follows a band of Soviet partisans sheltering deep in a Russian forest as they plan to sabotage a nearby German airfield. Their mission is complicated by the arrival of a downed French pilot who quickly falls head over heels for a local young woman, blending wartime tension with lighthearted romance and music.
Where can I watch A Good Lad online?
Streaming availability for A Good Lad varies by region and platform. As a 1942 Soviet film, it may be accessible through specialty archives or classic cinema services. Check JustWatch for the most current and comprehensive list of viewing options available in your area.
Who directed A Good Lad?
A Good Lad was directed by Boris Barnet, one of the most versatile and celebrated filmmakers of Soviet cinema. Known for blending lyrical warmth with social observation, Barnet brought his characteristic lightness of touch to this wartime comedy-musical produced by Mosfilm in 1942.
Who are the main actors in A Good Lad?
The principal cast of A Good Lad includes Olga Yakunina as Evdokia, Ekaterina Sipavina as Katia, Viktor Dobrovolsky as the French pilot Claude, Yevgeni Grigoryev as Pyotr Semyonovich Nevskiy, Nikolai Bogolyubov as Doronin, and Nikolai Stepanov as Vassia.
When was A Good Lad released?
A Good Lad was released on January 1, 1942, in the Soviet Union. The film was produced by Mosfilm and TsOKS during the height of World War II, making it one of the notable Soviet wartime productions that combined entertainment with patriotic themes.
What genre is A Good Lad?
A Good Lad blends three distinct genres: War, Comedy, and Music. This unusual combination was characteristic of Soviet wartime cinema, which often used humor and song to sustain morale on the home front while still acknowledging the gravity of the conflict against Nazi Germany.
How long is A Good Lad?
A Good Lad has a runtime of 67 minutes, making it a compact and briskly paced wartime feature. Its relatively short length reflects the production realities of Soviet cinema during World War II, when resources were scarce and efficiency in storytelling was essential.
What are films similar to A Good Lad?
Viewers who enjoy A Good Lad may also appreciate Life Is Beautiful (1997), The Cuckoo (2002), Suite Française (2015), Soldier of Orange (1977), and Downfall (2004). These films similarly explore World War II through a range of tones, from tender romance and dark comedy to gripping historical drama.
More About A Good Lad
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