There are a number of film adaptations of Jules Verne's most dramatic novel, but this could actually still be the best one, although it is dated and replenished with all the cinematic cliches of the 30s. Unlike the other film versions, there are few deviations from the original here, and those innovations that have been introduced are well made and intriguing. The chief one is the character of Zangarra (Margot Grahame), Ivan Ogareff's seductive partner, who looks through Ogres, recognises his bad character and transforms her sympathies to Strogoff and accepts the consequences. Akim Tamiroff is splendid as the villainous traitor, he might be the best of all Ogareffs, and Anton Walbrook is perhaps a little too noble for the Strogoff character but acts admirably the whole way, especially during his ordeals. Elizabeth Allan is lovely as Nadia, while she is actually outshadowed by Fay Bainter as the tender mother with a bleeding heart. She is in many ways the most important character of the story, as she brings on the crisis and leads to the fantastic final settlement. The music is also splendid, using Borodin's Polovtsian dances for the most suggestive ballet scene, but the costumes and the crowd scenes in rustic environments really crowns the show. This is great adventure entertainment doing its best in living up to Jules Verne's great novel, and succeeding at large.
Review of The Soldier and the Lady
