Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
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Jeanne Watts | ... | Olga |
Joan Plowright | ... | Masha | |
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Louise Purnell | ... | Irina |
Derek Jacobi | ... | Andrei | |
Sheila Reid | ... | Natasha | |
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Kenneth MacKintosh | ... | Kulighin |
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Daphne Heard | ... | Anfissa the nana |
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Harry Lomax | ... | Ferrapont the watchman |
Judy Wilson | ... | Serving maid | |
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Mary Griffiths | ... | Housemaid |
Ronald Pickup | ... | Baron Tusenbach | |
Laurence Olivier | ... | Dr. Ivan Chebutikin | |
Frank Wylie | ... | Maj. Vassili Vassilich Solloni | |
Alan Bates | ... | Col. Vershinin | |
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Richard Kay | ... | Lt. Fedotik |
Olga, Masha, and Irina Prozoroff lead lonely and purposeless lives following the death of their father who had commanded the local army post. Olga attempts to find satisfaction in teaching, but secretly longs for a home and family. Masha, unhappy with her marriage to a timid schoolmaster, falls hopelessly in love with a married Colonel. Irina works in the local telegraph office, but longs for gaiety. Their sense of futility is increased by their brother's marriage to Natasha, a coarse peasant girl. She gradually encroaches on the family home until even the private refuge of the sisters is destroyed. They dream of starting a new life in Moscow, but are saddled with the practicalities of their quiet existence. Despite their past failures, they resolve to seek some purpose and hope when the army post is withdrawn from the town. Written by alfiehitchie
It is remarkable how deeply interesting and moving is Chekhov's play about a small-town Russian family, longing to move to Moscow. Yet the playwright crafts with such affection and love for his characters that the viewer is hypnotized by the unfoldment.
With a production obviously based on a beautiful stage production, Laurence Olivier co-directs with John Sickel a most engrossing presentation.
Among the outstanding cast, Joan Plowright's Masha, Alan Bates' Col. Vershinin, and Olivier's Dr. Chebutikin are outstanding. The beautiful cinematography by Geoffrey Unsworth apparently utilize much of the stage sets, yet they merely add to the overall effectiveness.
Few cuts are made, as the production offers a comprehensive view of this work. Part of the American Film Theatre's series of 1970, "The Three Sisters" is a memorable experience. One longs for a re-release of this fine achievement.