Boris Godunov 1954

Russian filmmaker Vera Stroyeva specialized in cinematic adaptations of famous operas. One of the most successful of these was her 1955 film version of Mussorgsky and Pushkin's Boris Godunov. Stroyeva's adaptation deftly streamlines the story of a Russian czar whose life is placed in jeopardy by a pretender to his throne. A. Pirogov sings the title role, while G. Nellep provides vocal and visual menace as the "False Dmitri". The use of a color process known as Magicolor adds just the right touch of theatrical artificiality to the pomp-and-splendor proceedings.

Cast:

Aleksandr Pirogov
Boris Godunov 

Nikandr Khanayev
Vasili Shuysky 

Georgi Nelepp
Grigori 

Maxim Mikhaylov
Pimen 

Ivan Kozlovsky
The Fool 

Larisa Avdeyeva
Marina