Surgery

Plot

Based on Anton Chekhov's short story, this 1939 Soviet short film follows the misadventures of a provincial doctor who attempts to perform a tooth extraction on a peasant. The inexperienced doctor, despite his medical knowledge, finds himself overwhelmed when faced with a simple procedure that goes comically awry. As the situation escalates from routine to chaotic, the film explores themes of professional incompetence, social class dynamics, and the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. The narrative culminates in a farcical sequence where the doctor's attempts at medical intervention create more problems than solutions, highlighting Chekhov's signature blend of humor and social commentary.

Historical Background

This film was produced in 1939, a pivotal year in world history and a particularly tense period in the Soviet Union. The Great Purge was winding down but its effects were still felt throughout Soviet society, including in the film industry. Many filmmakers had been arrested or executed, and those remaining worked under intense ideological scrutiny. The choice to adapt Chekhov was strategically safe - he was officially recognized as a progressive Russian author whose work could be interpreted as critiquing the old Tsarist regime. The film represents a brief window before the outbreak of WWII, when Soviet cinema was still attempting to balance artistic expression with political requirements. The provincial setting and focus on social incompetence could be read both as a critique of pre-revolutionary Russia and, by careful Soviet audiences, as a subtle commentary on bureaucratic inefficiency in their own time.

Making Of

The production brought together three generations of Soviet theatrical talent. Ivan Moskvin, one of the original founders of the Moscow Art Theatre under Stanislavski, was in his late 60s when filming took place, bringing authentic 19th-century theatrical sensibility to the production. Director Yan Frid, relatively young at the time, had to navigate the complex political landscape of Soviet filmmaking while attempting to maintain Chekhov's subtle humor. The film was shot on location in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), where the production team recreated the atmosphere of 19th-century provincial Russia. The casting of Igor Ilyinsky was particularly significant, as he was known for his comedic timing and ability to convey both humor and pathos simultaneously, perfect for Chekhov's style. The film was produced quickly, as was typical for short literary adaptations of the period, with minimal takes and an emphasis on capturing theatrical performances rather than elaborate cinematic techniques.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Boris Khrennikov employs straightforward, theatrical-style framing that emphasizes the performances rather than visual spectacle. The camera work is functional rather than innovative, typical of Soviet literary adaptations of the period. The lighting creates a stark, almost stage-like quality that reinforces the theatrical origins of both the story and the performers. Close-ups are used sparingly but effectively to highlight the comic expressions of the actors during key moments of the dental procedure. The visual style maintains a documentary-like realism in depicting the provincial medical setting, using simple compositions that allow the dialogue and performances to dominate the narrative.

Music

The film features a minimal musical score typical of Soviet short films of the era, with background music used primarily to underscore comic moments and transitions. The sound design emphasizes the naturalistic sounds of the medical setting - clinking instruments, the doctor's nervous movements, and the patient's reactions. The dialogue recording captures the theatrical delivery style of the actors, with clear enunciation that reflects their stage training. The limited musical accompaniment serves to enhance rather than dominate the narrative, maintaining focus on the verbal humor and physical comedy central to Chekhov's story.

Memorable Scenes

• The climactic dental extraction scene where the doctor's increasingly desperate attempts to remove the tooth escalate into physical comedy, with instruments flying and the patient growing increasingly agitated, culminating in a moment of pure Chekhovian absurdity that highlights the gap between medical knowledge and practical skill.

What Critics Said

Contemporary Soviet reviews praised the film for its faithful adaptation of Chekhov's humor and the strong performances of its veteran cast. Critics particularly noted Igor Ilyinsky's ability to capture the doctor's mixture of incompetence and earnestness. The film was regarded as a successful example of literary adaptation, a genre that was officially encouraged in Soviet cinema. Modern film historians view the work as an important artifact of pre-war Soviet cinema, appreciating its preservation of theatrical performance styles and its subtle navigation of political constraints. The film is often cited in studies of Chekhov adaptations as an example of how his work was interpreted during the Stalin era, balancing humor with acceptable social commentary.

What Audiences Thought

The film was well-received by Soviet audiences who appreciated the opportunity to see beloved literary works brought to life by famous actors. The short format made it suitable as part of varied cinema programs of the era. Audiences familiar with Chekhov's original story appreciated the faithful adaptation and the comic timing of the performances. The film's humor, while subtle by later Soviet standards, was accessible to general audiences and provided entertainment without the heavy ideological content typical of many films of the period. The presence of established theatrical stars like Ivan Moskvin guaranteed audience interest, particularly among older viewers who remembered their stage performances.

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