Comedy. The first work of Eldar Aleksandrovich Ryazanov, who, after the success of this picture, became famous throughout the great and mighty Soviet Union, and who would later shoot a whole galaxy of paintings that became classics of Soviet cinema. I confess to you that I wanted to see this picture for a long time, but only now, almost on New Year's Eve, I was able to do it. And after watching the impressions are extremely good. I didn't even find a single minus, which is extremely rare in movies. And here's my brief opinion for you - How the cultural workers furnished their director. And, since no minuses were found, I will tell you about the advantages of this New Year's comedy, without which it is impossible to imagine this holiday now (well, and without the "Irony of Fate" of course). Therefore, we will not delay.
So, the well-deserved advantages:
1. Scenario - the picture tells about the collective of a typical Soviet Palace of Culture of the mid-fifties of the last century, who are preparing to give a grandiose performance - a New Year's carnival. But a nuisance happens, they appoint a new director, Comrade Ogurtsov, who changes the program at the last moment, violating all plans and all the work of the team. But, there are witty comrades who are ready to bring down Ogurtsov's plans and still hold a carnival, as planned. The script does not shine with sharpness or originality, but its presentation pleases. Images, dialogues, the choice of actors - that's what the picture takes. I'm just not talking about quotes and phrases that have long gone to the people. You already know that. It is interesting to watch what is happening on the screen, and the timing is not very large (one hour fifteen minutes), so you do not have time to get bored or lose this very interest. Even the romantic line is written correctly and therefore it looks nice, and there is a "spark" between lovers.
2. Humor is a comedy, so there will be both jokes and a lot of funny situations. They ridicule here mainly the image of Comrade Ogurtsov, who is a typical sycophant, a hypocrite and a hanger-on of his superiors, and also in his image there is clearly a ridicule of censorship, which actually ruins art and does not allow it to develop (this does not apply to the Soviet one, in most cases). Comrade lecturer also turned out to be a kind of parody of the enlighteners of that time. Of course, now most jokes are not as funny as they were then, but they will definitely cause a smile, because the efforts of the creators and even love for this creation are visible, and this is the key to a good picture.
3. Songs - where are we without "A song about five minutes", "Tanya" and "A song about a good mood" and so on. Without them, it is impossible to imagine a New Year's feast (and not only that). The songs turned out to be sensual, soulful, uplifting, magnificent, iconic and legendary. I knew about the last two songs for a long time, but I didn't know where they came from, now I have filled this gap, for which I am grateful to this picture.
4. New Year's atmosphere - the picture is full of it from beginning to end. This very atmosphere with a touch of the fifties (you can't get away from it, so it's at least interesting within the framework of history), but even so, the picture smells of an upcoming holiday. Clowns, champagne splashes, cheerful mood, performances of artists, congratulations and so on. You can list it for a long time, but I won't bore you with it. Just know that if you want to immerse yourself in this atmosphere, then you are definitely here.
5. Rental - I am amazed how censorship allowed this picture to be rented, if we recall the image of Comrade Ogurtsov. But this image is not outdated, and even now it is reflected in real life. You know what I'm talking about. Various resources write about the frenzied popularity of this picture in the year of release. I conclude that Soviet censorship was correct, fair and adequate (in the vast majority of cases). Now oh, how lacking such an organization, oh, how lacking comrades!
A little about the main characters:
1. Lenochka Krylova performed by Lyudmila Gurchenko is the organizer of the New Year's carnival, who finds a way out of the difficult situation in which the team got into. Clever, beautiful and just a talent. The picture became the debut of the wonderful Soviet and Russian actress Lyudmila Gurchenko, and a fantastic debut. Bravo!
2. Grisha Koltsov performed by Yuri Belov is an electrician of the Palace of Culture, who is secretly in love with Lenochka Krylova, but is shy to admit it to her. A kind and resourceful guy who takes an active part in Lenochka's secret plan. Yuri Belov coped with the role perfectly. Bravo!
3. Serafim Ogurtsov, performed by Igor Ilyinsky, is the acting director of the Palace of Culture, who intends to redo the entire program of the New Year's Carnival based on his vision, and also with an eye on his superiors. Comrade Ogurtsov is a typical Soviet official, a hypocrite, a hang-on. Although in the picture he was shown more comical, and not devoid of his charm. Igor Vladimirovich was simply inimitable here. Bravo!
I also want to mention the small role of the lecturer, which was performed by the wonderful actor Sergei Filippov, Adelaide Kuzminichna Romashkina performed by Olga Vlasova and Tosya Burygin performed by Tamara Nosova.
I am sincerely glad that I was finally able to get acquainted with this classic of Soviet cinema, especially in a restored version with an improved picture and high-quality sound, which I advise you to do.
As a result, we have another masterpiece Soviet comedy, with a great script, vivid images, high-quality humor, great songs, and inimitable acting works.
My rating is 10 out of 10 and my recommendation for viewing!
P. S. I want to congratulate all movie lovers on the upcoming New Year. Wish happiness, joy, material and spiritual wealth, and most importantly - good health. May the New Year bring us all only joyful news and happy moments. Happy New Year comrades! Hurray!
