The Bear (1938)
A sharp and spirited BBC adaptation of Anton Chekhov's beloved comic one-act play about pride, debt, and unexpected love.
The Bear - Movie Information
The Bear - Plot
Anton Chekhov's one-act comic play throws Elena Ivanonva Popova, a land-owning widow with dimples, on her cheeks up against Grigory Stepanovitch Smirnov, a middle-aged landowner. He arrives at her house claiming her late husband owed him money and he wants the debt repaid immediately. They argue and almost have a duel over the debt before they realise that they have fallen in love with each other.
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The Bear - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Marius Goring
- Lucie Mannheim
- Morland Graham
Writers
- Anton Chekhov
Producers
- Eric Crozier
The Bear - FAQs
What is The Bear (1938) based on?
The Bear (1938) is based on Anton Chekhov's celebrated one-act comic play of the same name. Chekhov wrote the original stage piece in 1888, and it remains one of his most beloved short dramatic works, blending sharp wit with romantic tension between two stubborn characters.
Who are the main actors in The Bear?
The Bear (1938) stars Marius Goring as the blustering landowner Grigory Stepanovitch Smirnov, Lucie Mannheim as the widowed Elena Ivanovna Popova, and Morland Graham as Luka, the household manservant who watches the volatile encounter unfold.
What is The Bear (1938) about?
The Bear follows a widow, Elena Popova, who is confronted at home by the gruff landowner Smirnov, demanding repayment of a debt owed by her late husband. Their heated argument escalates to the brink of a duel before both characters unexpectedly realize they have fallen in love with each other.
How long is The Bear (1938)?
The Bear (1938) has a runtime of approximately 20 minutes, reflecting its origins as a short one-act stage play. Despite its brief running time, the film delivers a complete and satisfying comic narrative arc, moving swiftly from confrontation to romantic revelation.
Who wrote The Bear (1938)?
The Bear is based on the original one-act play written by Anton Chekhov, the renowned Russian playwright and short story master. The 1938 BBC film adaptation was produced by Eric Crozier, bringing Chekhov's witty comedic drama to a television audience for the first time.
What genre is The Bear (1938)?
The Bear (1938) is a Comedy-Drama. It blends sharp, farcical humour with genuine emotional undercurrents, characteristic of Chekhov's theatrical style. The film captures the absurdity of two proud individuals arguing themselves into an unlikely romance, making it both entertaining and emotionally resonant.
Does The Bear (1938) have a happy ending?
Yes, The Bear ends on a decidedly comic and romantic note. Despite beginning as a fierce financial dispute that nearly ends in a duel, the two protagonists — Elena Popova and Grigory Smirnov — realize their mutual attraction and the film concludes with the promise of a budding romance between them.
Which studio produced The Bear (1938)?
The Bear (1938) was produced by the BBC, making it one of the early British television adaptations of a Chekhov work. The production was overseen by producer Eric Crozier and was filmed in the United Kingdom, with the United States of America also listed as a production country.
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