A Simple Case

A Simple Case (Russian: Простой случай; Prostoy sloochay) is a 1932 Soviet film directed by Vsevolod Pudovkin and Mikhail Doller. Pudovkin was publicly charged with formalism for this experimental sound film and was forced to release without its sound track.^[1]

A Simple Case
Film title
Directed by	Vsevolod Pudovkin Mikhail Doller
Written by	Aleksandr Rzheshevsky Mikhail Koltsov
Starring	Aleksandr Baturin
Cinematography	Georgi Bobrov Grigori Kabalov
Production company	Mezhrabpom
Release date	3 December 1932 (1932-12-03)
Running time	96 minutes (2,633 meters)
Country	Soviet Union
Language	Russian

Plot

Set after the end of the Russian Civil War, the story follows three close friends and former Red Army commanders—Langovoy, Zhyoltikov, and their elder comrade Uncle Sasha—who return to their hometown to serve in the military headquarters. While Uncle Sasha and Zhyoltikov remain bachelors and share a room, Langovoy lives with his wife, Mashenka, whom he married during the war. Mashenka was a loyal comrade on the battlefield and remains a loving, supportive partner in peacetime.

When Langovoy falls seriously ill, Mashenka's devotion shines as she spends sleepless nights nursing him back to health. After his recovery, she departs to visit her family for a brief respite. During her absence, Langovoy rescues a woman from an accident and becomes infatuated with her, leading to quiet disapproval from his friends. Upon Mashenka's return, she is heartbroken by the betrayal, while Langovoy is consumed with guilt. Ultimately, he decides to reconcile with Mashenka, seeking and earning her forgiveness.

Cast

• Aleksandr Baturin - Langovoy
• Yevgeniya Rogulina - Mashenka
• Aleksandr Chistyakov - Uncle Sasha
• V. Kuzmich - Zheltikov
• Mariya Belousova
• Anatoli Gorchilin - worker
• A. Chekulayeva
• Ivan Novoseltsev - Vasya
• Afanasi Belov - Grisha
• Vladimir Uralsky - Wounded soldier