La cicala

This film tells the story of an unfaithful wife who seeks relationships with 'famous' artists, while ignoring her unglamorous doctor husband, who endures her infidelity with stoicism. Based on a novella by Chekhov, it is allegedly based on a real-life love triangle between some of Chekhov's friends. At the time of publication, it caused a minor scandal and caused a rift between Chekhov and his friends, but given the film was made more than 50 years later, the 'scandal' element was probably lost on audience (it certainly is for contemporary viewers).

This is very very much a 'studio' production (made at Mosfilm), and if it had been made in Hollywood (or even France) with a well known cast, it might have been an enduring minor classic. But, Soviet films, especially from this era, tend to be forgotten/overlooked, perhaps as people assume they'll have strong political messages. Often that's true, but not really with this one. Anyone who enjoys an old fashioned style melodrama, handsomely produced and well acted (for the era), will probably enjoy this. Nothing spectacular, but a solid outing.