02-27-2021, 12:09 AM
An embittered Russian soldier played by Anton Walbrook (resembling Harvey Keitel in so many ways) seeks the secret of the cards so he can play, and win, against his wealthier comrades. Intrigued by tales that one Countess Ranevskaya sold her soul to the devil for the secret, he seeks her out to learn it from her.
There is a love triangle underlying all of this, and it composes the bulk of the movie. So there's a long fuse to the secret of the cards, which comes only in the final minutes with a notable payoff.
Edith Evans plays the ancient countess and steals a good many scenes with her crotchety fussiness.
Based on a short story by Alexander Pushkin. All in all, an excellent film, though perhaps not DOOM fare.
Seen on Kanopy.
P.S. Only 50 cards to go.
There is a love triangle underlying all of this, and it composes the bulk of the movie. So there's a long fuse to the secret of the cards, which comes only in the final minutes with a notable payoff.
Edith Evans plays the ancient countess and steals a good many scenes with her crotchety fussiness.
Based on a short story by Alexander Pushkin. All in all, an excellent film, though perhaps not DOOM fare.
Seen on Kanopy.
P.S. Only 50 cards to go.
