Mariya Mironova Movies

Though the headliners in Variety Stars were virtual unknowns in America, each and every one was a favorite in the Soviet Union. Essentially, this is a filmed record of a musical revue, staged at the Russo Variety Hall. The big-money acts range from a ballet troupe to a professional whistler (!) To add a bit of continuity, a fragmentary plot involving a pair of comedians who strive mightily to win a spot in the revue weaves in and out of the proceedings. Variety Stars was directed by Vera Stroyeva (Grand Concert), the actress-wife of filmmaker Grigori Roshal. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

First released in 1938, Volga Volga is typical of the escapist musical comedies churned out by Russian filmmaker Gregori Alexandrov. As usual, the film's star is Alexandrov's talented wife Lubov Orlova, here playing a blonde physical culturalist named Strelka. The hero is Byvalov (Igor Hinsky), an intinerant musical-instrument manufacturer who dreams of forming his own orchestra. The storyline leads hapharzardly to a climactic boat race on the Volga, during which Stelka and Byvalov pledge eternal love to one another. Most critics noted that director Alexandrov's principal inspiration seemed to be Mack Sennett's Keystone comedies. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi