Gerbert Rappaport Movies

The Russian musical Cherry Town follows the exploits of three young couples who each go through relationship issues while attempting to secure a place to live in a new residential area that provides the film its title. Internationally respected composer Dmitry Shostakovich created all of the original music utilized in the film. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi

The music of Tschaikovsky and B. S. Asafiev dominates the soundtrack of the Soviet dance documentary Stars of the Russian Ballet. Those stars include such luminaries as Galina Ulanova, N. M. Sergeyev, M. M. Plisteskaya and N. M. Dudinskaya. Three concert pieces are offered, beginning with the proven favorite "Swan Lake." The second piece, "Fountain of Bakhchisari," is the best of the program, while the third, "Flames of Paris," is the least effective. Director G. Rappaport films Stars of the Russian Ballet with a minimum of camera trickery, which is as it should be in this instance. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

After so many Russian war documentaries and propaganda films, it must have been refreshing for Soviet audiences to relax with the musical-comedy frivolities of Taxi to Heaven. The storyline is the standard "two guys in love with one girl" saw, the "guys" in this case being opera singer Svetlovidov (Georgi Spiegel) and civilian transport pilot Baranov (Mikhail Zharov). Both are vying for the affections of pretty Natasha (Ludmilla Tselikovakaya), who evinces a preference for the opera star. But when Baranov performs an act of conspicious courage on behalf of his country, Natasha changes her mind. A bit ragged production-wise, Taxi to Heaven scores on its exuberance and lively musical content. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Though the Soviet Union's own hands were hardly clean in the matter of religious persecution, Russian filmmakers of the late 1930s wasted little time condemning the vicious anti-Semitism of Hitler's Germany. Professor Mamlock tells the story of a brilliant Berlin surgeon who is literally "intolerated" to death. While performing a delicate operation, Mamlock (S. Mezhinski) is driven out of the hospital by Gestapo goons because he is a Jew. Having failed in his efforts to secure another job, Mamlock attempts suicide. While recovering in a hospital room, he hears the sounds of a Storm Trooper rally outside his window. Unable to stand any more, he delivers an impassioned speech against his Nazi tormentors and is promptly murdered for his troubles. Soon, however, there arises a strong and very vocal anti-Nazi resistance movement, spearheaded by Professor Mamlock's courageous son Rolf (O. Zhakov). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi