Novelly (1941)
A Soviet fantasy-comedy anthology adapting two beloved European literary classics into a single charming short feature.
Novelly - Movie Information
- Original Title: Цветные киноновеллы
- Release Year: 1941
- Directed by: Aleksandr Macheret
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Fantasy, Comedy
- Runtime: 47m
- Original Language: Russian
- Spoken Languages: Russian
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 22, 1941 (SU)
- Alternative Titles: Tsvetnye kinonovelly (SU)
- Production Countries: Soviet Union
Novelly - Plot
The composition includes two short stories: "The Swineherd" (based on the fairy tale by H.C. Andersen) and "Heaven and Hell" (based on the short story by P. Merime).
Where to Watch Novelly
Looking for where to watch Novelly?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Novelly - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Aleksandr Macheret
Main Cast
- Yuri Lyubimov
- Vera Altayskaya
- Olga Toropova
- Grigoriy Shpigel
- Viktor Mironov
- Nina Zorskaya
- Natalya Gitserot
- Ye. Pavlova
- Evgeniy Samoylov
- Boris Poslavsky
Writers
- Hans Christian Andersen
- Prosper Mérimée
Novelly - FAQs
What is Novelly about?
Novelly is a Soviet fantasy-comedy anthology made up of two short films. The first adapts H.C. Andersen's fairy tale "The Swineherd," while the second draws from Prosper Mérimée's story "Heaven and Hell." Together they offer a charming, whimsical double feature rooted in classic European literature.
Is Novelly based on real stories or books?
Yes, both segments are literary adaptations. "The Swineherd" comes from the beloved fairy tale by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, while "Heaven and Hell" is drawn from a short story by French writer Prosper Mérimée. The film brings these classic European tales to life in vivid color.
Who directed Novelly?
Novelly was directed by Aleksandr Macheret, a Soviet filmmaker known for his work during the early decades of Soviet cinema. The film was released in the Soviet Union in August 1941, making it a notable wartime production from the Soviet film industry.
Who are the main actors in Novelly?
The cast includes Yuri Lyubimov, Vera Altayskaya, Olga Toropova, Grigoriy Shpigel, Viktor Mironov, Nina Zorskaya, Natalya Gitserot, Ye. Pavlova, Evgeniy Samoylov, and Boris Poslavsky. Evgeniy Samoylov was a prominent Soviet actor who went on to have a celebrated career in Soviet cinema.
When was Novelly released?
Novelly was released on August 22, 1941, in the Soviet Union. Its release came just weeks after the German invasion of the USSR, making it a remarkable piece of cultural output produced under extraordinarily difficult wartime circumstances.
What genre is Novelly?
Novelly blends Fantasy and Comedy, drawing on the whimsical traditions of European fairy tales and literary short stories. Its anthology format and colorful visual style give it a playful, imaginative quality that sets it apart from the more serious Soviet productions of the same era.
How long is Novelly?
Novelly runs for 47 minutes, making it a compact anthology feature. Its short runtime is split between two distinct stories — "The Swineherd" and "Heaven and Hell" — each offering its own self-contained narrative drawn from classic literary sources.
What are some movies similar to Novelly?
If you enjoy Novelly's anthology format and whimsical tone, you might also like The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three More (2024), Undergods (2021), About Endlessness (2019), and Good Fortune (2025). These films share a similar spirit of literary adaptation, fantasy, or episodic storytelling.
More About Novelly
Explore further details about Novelly on these trusted databases.