In the vast landscape of cinema history, there are few films that encapsulate the bizarreness of a festivity like the 1961 film, The Night Before Christmas. Directed by the filmmaker Aleksandr Rou and inspired by Nikolai Gogol’s story “Christmas Eve”, this fantasy film is a unique blend of magic, love, and tradition.
The Night Before Christmas is a fantastical tale set in the quaint village of Dikanka. The storyline is filled with carol singing, love pursuits, and a humorous encounter with the Devil on the eve of Christmas. A testament to its time, the film manages to transport its audience to a winter wonderland filled with eccentric characters and intriguing plot twists.
The narrative unfolds with the village blacksmith, Vakula, who is hopelessly in love with the beautiful Oksana. In his quest to win Oksana’s heart, Vakula finds himself striking a deal with the Devil. The journey takes him to Sankt-Petersburg, where he aims to secure a pair of the Empress’s heels to impress Oksana. The film weaves in elements of mysticism, laughter, and romance, making it an enchanting watch.
The Night Before Christmas stars Alexander Khvylya, Lyudmila Myznikova, Yuri Tavrov, and Lyudmila Khityaeva. The film came to life under the banner of Gorky Film Studio and was released in December 1961. The film was written by Aleksandr Rou, with cinematography by Dmitri Surensky, and music composed by Arkadi Filippenko.
The Night Before Christmas is a unique film that paints a vivid picture of a traditional yet fantastical Christmas Eve as envisioned by Nikolai Gogol. Whether you’re a B-movie buff, a Soviet film enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys a fun story, The Night Before Christmas is a film that deserves a spot on your watchlist.
