The Beloved

Plot

In this Soviet romantic drama, Varvara, a young woman from a collective farm, falls in love with a pilot named Viktor. Their romance blossoms quickly and they decide to marry, but immediately after their wedding ceremony, Viktor is called away for military duty. The newlyweds are separated before they can even begin their life together, leaving Varvara heartbroken and determined to wait for his return. Meanwhile, their friends and family members devise various schemes and interventions to try to bring the couple back together, creating comedic and touching situations. The film explores themes of love, duty, and the importance of community support in overcoming personal obstacles, all set against the backdrop of Soviet society in the pre-war era.

Historical Background

The film was produced during a pivotal moment in Soviet history, just before the Great Patriotic War (World War II). The Soviet Union was undergoing massive industrialization and collectivization efforts, and cinema was used as a tool to promote socialist ideals. The film's emphasis on collective farm life and the importance of community reflected the government's priorities. The theme of separation due to military duty resonated deeply with Soviet audiences, as many families were experiencing similar separations during this period of military buildup. The film's optimistic tone and celebration of Soviet values served as both entertainment and subtle propaganda, reinforcing the cultural narrative of the era.

Making Of

The making of 'The Beloved' was a testament to Ivan Pyryev's meticulous directing style. He spent weeks researching collective farm life to ensure authenticity in the film's setting. Marina Ladynina underwent extensive preparation for her role, spending time with actual collective farm workers to understand their daily lives and challenges. The production team faced difficulties in securing authentic filming locations, as many collective farms were wary of film crews disrupting their work. The romantic scenes between Ladynina and her co-star were reportedly so convincing that rumors of an off-screen romance circulated, though Ladynina was actually involved with Pyryev at the time. The film's score was composed by a young Soviet composer who would later become famous for his wartime patriotic songs.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Yevgeni Andrikanis showcased the beauty of the Soviet countryside, with sweeping shots of collective farms and golden wheat fields. The visual style emphasized the abundance and success of Soviet agriculture, using warm lighting and vibrant colors to create an idealized vision of rural life. Camera techniques included innovative tracking shots that followed characters through the collective farm, creating a sense of movement and progress. The romantic scenes were shot with soft focus and gentle lighting to enhance the emotional impact, while scenes of separation used stark contrasts and shadows to convey the characters' loneliness.

Innovations

The film featured innovative sound recording techniques for its time, particularly in capturing outdoor dialogue scenes on the collective farm. The production team developed new methods for microphone placement that minimized wind noise while maintaining natural sound quality. The film's editing by Tatyana Likhachyova was noted for its smooth transitions between comedic and dramatic moments, helping to maintain the film's emotional balance. The use of location shooting rather than studio sets was relatively advanced for Soviet cinema of this period, giving the film a greater sense of authenticity and realism.

Music

The musical score was composed by Vano Muradeli, one of the prominent Soviet composers of the era. The soundtrack blended traditional Russian folk melodies with contemporary orchestral arrangements, creating a sound that was both familiar and modern. Several songs from the film became popular hits across the Soviet Union, particularly the love theme 'Wait for Me,' which expressed the central emotional conflict of the story. The music was performed by the Moscow Symphony Orchestra, with folk instruments incorporated to enhance the rural setting. The soundtrack was released on vinyl records and sold millions of copies, making it one of the most successful film soundtracks of 1940.

Memorable Scenes

• The wedding scene where Varvara and Viktor exchange vows, filled with hope and community celebration, immediately followed by Viktor's sudden military departure
• The montage sequence showing Varvara's lonely vigil by the window, intercut with Viktor's training as a pilot, emphasizing their separation while maintaining emotional connection
• The comedic scene where well-meaning neighbors attempt various schemes to reunite the couple, including a failed message delivery by a young farm boy
• The emotional reunion scene at the airfield, where Varvara waits among other military families, culminating in their dramatic embrace as Viktor returns

What Critics Said

Contemporary Soviet critics praised the film for its perfect balance of entertainment and educational value. Pravda, the official newspaper of the Communist Party, hailed it as 'a triumph of socialist realism in romantic cinema.' International critics at the Venice Film Festival noted its technical excellence and emotional depth, though some Western reviewers found the ideological elements heavy-handed. Modern film historians recognize 'The Beloved' as a masterpiece of its genre, particularly praising Pyryev's direction and Ladynina's performance. The film is now studied as an example of how Soviet cinema successfully merged popular entertainment with political messaging.

What Audiences Thought

The film was enormously popular with Soviet audiences upon its release in 1940. It played to packed theaters across the USSR and became one of the highest-grossing Soviet films of the year. Audience members particularly connected with the relatable story of love and separation, and Marina Ladynina became a beloved star overnight. The film's songs became popular hits that were sung throughout the Soviet Union. Even during the difficult war years that followed, the film remained popular and was frequently shown to boost morale. In post-war years, it continued to be a favorite, with many Soviet families making it a tradition to watch it during holidays.

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