Attack from the Sea
Attack from the Sea | |
---|---|
Directed by | Mikhail Romm |
Written by | Aleksandr Shtein |
Starring | Ivan Pereverzev Gennadi Yudin Vladimir Druzhnikov Sergei Bondarchuk |
Cinematography | Yu-Lan Chen Aleksandr Shelenkov |
Edited by | Yeva Ladyzhenskaya |
Music by | Aram Khachaturian |
Production company | |
Release date |
|
Running time | 94 minutes |
Country | Soviet Union |
Language | Russian |
Attack from the Sea (Russian: Корабли штурмуют бастионы, romanized: Korabli shturmuyut bastiony, lit. 'Ships Are Storming Bastions') is a 1953 Soviet biographical war film directed by Mikhail Romm and starring Ivan Pereverzev, Gennadi Yudin and Vladimir Druzhnikov.[1]
The film is about the career of the Russian naval officer Fyodor Ushakov and the Siege of Corfu (1798–99). It was made by the Moscow-based Ministry of Cinematography by the production unit Mosfilm, in Agfa-color, renamed Sovcolor by Moscow. It is the sequel to Admiral Ushakov, released the same year.
Plot
[edit]The film is set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean campaign (1798–1800) led by Admiral Fyodor Ushakov during the War of the Second Coalition. Ushakov’s fleet, in collaboration with Turkish forces, undertakes a mission to liberate the Ionian Islands from French control and secure strategic positions in the region. The story unfolds as political intrigue and personal rivalries emerge: Ushakov faces opposition from his detractors at court and navigates tensions with British Admiral Horatio Nelson, whose conflicting interests threaten the fragile alliance. Amidst these challenges, Ushakov demonstrates innovative naval tactics, particularly during the decisive assault on Corfu, where he overcomes insurmountable odds to secure a key victory.
As the campaign progresses, the film delves into the complexities of geopolitics, showcasing the strained relationships between allied powers. Ushakov’s moral compass clashes with the ruthless methods of his British counterparts, as seen during the aftermath of the liberation of Naples, where mass executions of French prisoners and republican sympathizers occur. Despite these setbacks, Ushakov remains steadfast in his mission, advocating for justice and unity. His leadership culminates in the liberation of Rome and the establishment of the Republic of the Seven United Islands, a strategic foothold for Russia in the Mediterranean, guided by a constitution written by Ushakov himself.
However, Ushakov’s triumphs are met with indifference upon his return to Russia. With the ascension of Emperor Alexander I, he is unjustly retired, his contributions overshadowed by court politics. Years later, in 1811, Ushakov visits a naval ship and is greeted with reverence by his former comrades, who honor his legacy as a visionary leader. The film concludes on a poignant note, reflecting on Ushakov’s enduring impact on naval history and his unwavering commitment to duty and humanity.
Cast
[edit]- Ivan Pereverzev as Adm. Fedor Fedorovich Ushakov
- Gennadi Yudin as Capt. Dmitri Nikolayevich Senyavin
- Vladimir Druzhnikov as Capt. Vasilyev
- Aleksey Alekseev as Capt. Yegor Metaksa
- Sergei Bondarchuk as Tikhon Alexeyevich Prokofiev
- Nikolai Khryashchikov as Khovrin, old sailor
- Mikhail Pugovkin as Piroshkov
- Georgiy Yumatov as Ermolaev
- Vladimir Balashov as Capt. Grigori (Henry) Baillie
- Pavel Volkov as Medical Doctor
- Pyotr Lyubeshkin
- Sergey Petrov as Gen. Aleksandr Vasilyevich Suvorov
- Pavel Pavlenko as Czar Pavel I
- Nikolai Svobodin as Mordovzev
- Mikhail Nazvanov as Czar Alexander I
- Ivan Solovyov[clarification needed] as Lord Admiral Horatio Nelson
- Iosif Tolchanov as Lord William Hamilton
- Yelena Kuzmina as Emma Hamilton
- V. Tumanov as Foot
- Nikolay Volkov as Sir William Pitt Jr.
- Sergei Martinson as King Ferdinand
- Ada Vojtsik as Queen Carolina
- Valeriy Lekarev as Napoleon Bonaparte I
- Emmanuil Geller as Ambassador Misharu
- Boris Bibikov as Spencer Smith
- G. Rozhdestvensky as Mordovtsev
- Evgeni Agurov as Englishman
- Georgiy Budarov
- Lev Fenin
- Lev Frichinsky as Turchaninov
- Nikolai Kryukov
- Gotlib Roninson
- Georgi Shapovalov as Russian Army officer
- Pavel Shpringfeld as Orfano
- Semyon Svashenko as Russian Army officer
References
[edit]- ^ Rollberg p.249
Bibliography
[edit]- Rollberg, Peter. Historical Dictionary of Russian and Soviet Cinema. Scarecrow Press, 2008.
External links
[edit]
- 1953 films
- 1950s war drama films
- Soviet war drama films
- 1950s biographical drama films
- Soviet biographical drama films
- 1950s Russian-language films
- Films directed by Mikhail Romm
- Films scored by Aram Khachaturian
- Films set in 1798
- Films set in 1799
- Films set in the 19th century
- Films set in Greece
- Seafaring films
- Depictions of Napoleon on film
- Cultural depictions of Horatio Nelson
- Cultural depictions of Alexander I of Russia
- Films about Paul I of Russia
- Cultural depictions of William Pitt the Younger
- Soviet epic films
- 1950s Soviet films
- War of the Second Coalition
- Russian-language war drama films
- 1950s Soviet film stubs
- Biographical film stubs