Yelena Shevchenko Movies

A young girl searching for her prince charming instead falls for a stern skipper in screenwriter/director Yuri Kuzin's screen adaptation of Gennadiy Shpalikov's story (The Wharf). Life in Katya's small provincial town is slow, and though she may be hoping in the dark, the idealistic young girl can't help but anticipate the arrival of a fantasy man to sweep her up and take her to places she's never imagined. When a salty seaman arrives in town and Katya falls deeply in love, reality offers a stark contrast to her lifelong dreams of romance. Yet despite some initial doubts, Katya soon feels the true bond of love forming after spending an unforgettable night in Moscow with her newfound prince. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

This entertaining satire by director Luigi Zampa, known for his comedic touch, is set in the years before World War II when fascism was on the rise in Italy. Taking up the theme found in Nikolai Gogol's well-known comedy of mistaken identity The Inspector General, this tale has a simple insurance salesman being mistaken for a bigshot fascist arriving in a small town to check out its political leanings. Naturally, the townsfolk react according to who they think he is. That reaction varies depending on whether they happen to be connected to the opposition, or just want to keep their jobs and stay on top of things, as in the case of the mayor. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide