Red Devils

Plot

Red Devils follows the thrilling adventures of three young Red Army soldiers during the Russian Civil War. The trio consists of Misha, Duniasha, and Tom Jackson, an African American boy who has joined the Soviet cause. Together, they undertake dangerous reconnaissance missions behind enemy lines, battling against White Army forces led by the ruthless Ataman Burnash. The young heroes use their wit, courage, and revolutionary spirit to outmaneuver their enemies, rescue captured comrades, and gather crucial intelligence for the Red Army. Their journey takes them through the rugged landscapes of the Caucasus region as they face numerous perilous situations and demonstrate their unwavering commitment to the revolutionary cause.

Historical Background

Red Devils was produced during the early years of Soviet cinema, a period when the new Bolshevik government was recognizing film as a powerful tool for education and propaganda. The Russian Civil War had recently ended (1917-1922), and the film tapped into the collective memory and heroic narratives of this conflict. 1923 was also the year Lenin established Goskino, the state film organization, which would centralize control over film production. The film reflects the Soviet Union's efforts to create a new cinematic language that would serve revolutionary ideals while also entertaining audiences. It emerged during the transition from the pre-revolutionary film industry to the new Soviet film system, incorporating both popular genre elements and emerging Soviet ideological concerns.

Making Of

The production of 'Red Devils' was ambitious for its time, requiring extensive location shooting in the remote Caucasus region. Director Ivane Perestiani, who had previously worked as an actor, brought a dynamic visual style to the film. The young cast underwent military training to authentically portray Red Army soldiers. The film's battle sequences involved hundreds of extras, many of whom were actual Red Army soldiers on leave. The production faced numerous challenges including harsh weather conditions, difficult terrain, and limited technical resources. Despite these obstacles, Perestiani managed to create spectacular action sequences that rivaled contemporary Hollywood productions. The film's success led to Perestiani becoming one of the most sought-after directors in the Soviet film industry.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Aleksandr Digmelovi was considered innovative for its time, featuring dynamic camera movements and extensive location shooting in the Caucasus mountains. Digmelovi employed tracking shots during horseback chase sequences, creating a sense of movement and excitement that was unusual in early Soviet cinema. The film made effective use of the dramatic landscapes, with wide shots emphasizing the scale of the conflict and close-ups capturing the emotional intensity of the young protagonists. The battle sequences utilized multiple camera angles and rapid editing to create kinetic action scenes. The black and white photography showed strong contrast and composition, particularly in the night scenes which used creative lighting techniques to enhance the mood of danger and adventure.

Innovations

Red Devils featured several technical innovations for Soviet cinema of the early 1920s. The film's extensive location shooting in difficult terrain required portable cameras and power sources, demonstrating advances in mobile film equipment. The action sequences, particularly the horseback riding scenes, utilized innovative camera mounting techniques that allowed for smoother tracking shots. The film also employed sophisticated editing techniques, including parallel editing during chase sequences to build tension. The production team developed special effects for the battle scenes using practical methods such as controlled explosions and smoke effects. These technical achievements helped establish new standards for action filmmaking in the Soviet Union and influenced subsequent Soviet adventure productions.

Music

As a silent film, 'Red Devils' originally featured live musical accompaniment in theaters, typically performed by a pianist or small orchestra using compiled classical pieces and popular songs of the era. The 1970s restoration version featured a new original score composed by Alfred Schnittke, one of the most important Soviet composers of the 20th century. Schnittke's score incorporated elements of Russian folk music, revolutionary songs, and modernist techniques to create a soundtrack that both honored the film's historical context and appealed to contemporary audiences. The musical themes for the three protagonists were distinctively different, reflecting their individual characters while maintaining unity as a group.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening sequence where the three young heroes swear their oath to the Red Army against a dramatic mountain backdrop
• The thrilling horseback chase through the Caucasus mountains with the Red Devils escaping from White Army forces
• The night raid on the enemy camp where the trio uses their wits to outsmart the superior enemy forces
• The emotional farewell scene where Tom Jackson explains why he left America to fight for the Soviet cause

What Critics Said

Contemporary Soviet critics praised 'Red Devils' for its exciting narrative and effective blend of adventure with revolutionary themes. Pravda, the official newspaper of the Communist Party, commended the film for its 'vivid portrayal of young revolutionary heroes' and its ability to 'captivate audiences while conveying important ideological messages.' International critics, particularly in Germany, noted the film's technical sophistication and dynamic action sequences. Modern film historians recognize it as a pioneering work in Soviet adventure cinema, with particular appreciation for its innovative editing techniques and location photography. Some contemporary scholars have analyzed the film's racial politics, particularly the inclusion of the African American character, as reflecting early Soviet internationalism.

What Audiences Thought

Red Devils was enormously popular with Soviet audiences upon its release, particularly among young viewers. The film ran for months in Moscow cinemas and was subsequently distributed throughout the Soviet Union, drawing large crowds in major cities and rural areas alike. Children and teenagers especially identified with the young protagonists, leading to the creation of 'Red Devils' youth clubs in some Soviet cities. The film's success was so significant that it became one of the highest-grossing Soviet films of 1923-1924. Audience demand led to the production of two sequels, making it one of the first film trilogies in Soviet cinema. The film's characters became cultural icons, with their images appearing on posters, postcards, and children's books throughout the 1920s.

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