This much neglected film from Lev Kuleshov uses slapstick comedy to expose and make fun of the wests (and specifically America’s) fear of the new Communist regime.
An enthusiastic supporter of the Bolshevik revolution, Kuleshov was also enamoured with America and its cinema – especially slapstick comedy. Indeed, in the early years of the revolution many looked for a future that incorporated the American way of life but with a communist conscience. This film in particular addresses this dream, taking a Max Sennet-like look at the fears and prejudices of the West towards a new world in the East.
Introduced by Director Barry Bliss with live piano accompaniment by John Sweeney.
Lev Kuleshov, USSR, 1924, 73 mins