Tatyana Lioznova Movies

The literal translation of this title is "Three Poplars." Anna is married to a farmer and the couple have two young children in this comedy drama. She is sent to Moscow to sell some hams, and she stays with her sister-in-law Nina. Nina warns the naive country girl of the pitfalls of the big city, and with a warning not to spend more than a certain amount on cab fare, Anna waits for a ride. The cab driver is charmed by Anna's simple, naive ways and asks her to meet him later. The two go to the movies and Anna returns to Nina who is talking about divorcing her husband. Anna has agreed to meet the cab driver later. She watches him from the apartment window as he refuses fares in hopes of seeing the beautiful Anna once again. She is torn between meeting with the driver and returning to the family in this feature where provincial innocence collides with urban cynicism. ~ Dan Pavlides, Rovi

This second feature film directed by Tatiana Lioznova tells the story of the first test pilot to fly a Russian-made jet. From the drawing board to the sky, details of the building and eventual flying of the plane are chronicled. Commentary states just how important the events leading up to the successful project were and what it meant for the air force and the country in general. Lioznova went on to produce and direct the immensely popular television mini-series 17 Moments Of Spring in 1973. The series has retained its popularity since its release, becoming once of the most fondly remembered and often-quoted events in Russian television history. ~ Dan Pavlides, Rovi