One Russian Summer (1973) complete; Oliver Reed, Claudia Cardinale

Based on the unfinished novel Vadim (1834) by Mikhail Lermontov, One Russian Summer (1973) (also known as Days of Fury) was a British-Italian production with Bulgaria standing in for the Russian steppes. It was directed by Antonio Calenda, with a script by Edward Bond (Walkabout), and an original score by Riz Ortolani.

Oliver Reed stars as Palizyn, head of a 19th Century Russian farming estate which he runs like a miniature kingdom, cages and whippings at the ready for any unruly serfs. It's one of Reed's better performances, though it does allow him to play to his strengths - quaffing ale, laughing uproariously etc. etc.

The story begins with the entry of the subversive hunchback Vadim, a great performance by John McEnery. At first apparently happy to work like a dog for his master (literally), his cynical manipulations and provocations amongst his fellow serfs lead to revolution and tragedy.

The production has an epic scale and is a splendid evocation of another time and place. The scenes between Reed and McEnery are psychologically fascinating as the relationship develops. However, as is common with European co-productions of the era, the dramatic pace and narrative cohesion leave something to be desired. Still well recommended though.

Also featuring Claudia Cardinale (Anya), Zora Velcova (Natalya), Carole André (Irene), Ray Lovelock (Yuri).

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• Oliver Reed
• Claudia Cardinale
• John McEnery
• Riz Ortolani
• Edward Bond
• costume drama
• Mikhail Lermontov
• Russia
• revolution
• aristocracy
• serfs

[jhassett2]

Nice eclectic collection of uploads.How about Blue Blood also with Oliver Reed.?

[EddietheArsehead]

@jhassett2 I'm only doing complete uploads of chronically unavailable titles. Blue Blood is out on R2 DVD on the SlamDunk label.

[deepseadirt1]

@EddietheArsehead Eddie , you think you might try and locate the complete "SANDS OF THE KALAHARI"(1965). It's similar to FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX which came out the same year. "Phoenix" is out on video/dvd. "Kalahari" is constantly missing-n-action. Thanks again for the "Fraulein Doktor".

[EddietheArsehead]

@deepseadirt1 I was about to post Kalahari but just noticed a) my copy was cut and b) it's released uncut on R1 DVD on 2nd August.

[jdncoke2]

I can't blieve i not found this film till now, oliver is great! thanks for the post

[mat612000]

I love this movie from 1.06.55 to 1.12.53. The punishment of P. Tedesco is very hot...

[saularonne]

You made my day!

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Finally my endless quest stops!

Now, somebody knows where I might find "Take a girl like you"? :-D

[deepseadirt1]

@EddietheArsehead thanks Eddie!

[sculpturings]

Thanks so much for uploading this! I'm a huge Oliver Reed fan so this is very much appreciated. Looking forward to more great uploads... :)

[jhassett2]

@EddietheArsehead Understood.Appreciate you hunting down these lost films.Fraulein Doktor and Unman,Wittering & Zigo are also much appreciated.Saw them both once many years ago and not a trace of them since.How do these pictures just disappear?