Watch The Queen of Spades

The Queen of Spades is a 1960 Russian drama film directed by Thorold Dickinson and based on the novella of the same name by Alexander Pushkin. The film stars Oleg Strizhenov as Hermann, Zurab Anjaparidze as Count Saint-Germain, and Olga Krasina as the titular queen. The film centers around the character of Hermann, who is a poor German officer stationed in St. Petersburg during the 18th century. Hermann is obsessed with gambling and becomes fixated on the story of the queen of spades, an old woman who possesses a secret to winning at cards. Hermann becomes determined to learn the secret, believing it will make him rich.

When Hermann meets Count Saint-Germain, a wealthy and influential member of society, he becomes convinced that the Count knows the secret to winning at cards. Hermann begins to obsess over the Count and his rumored knowledge of the queen of spades, believing that the Count is withholding the secret from him.

As Hermann's obsession grows, he becomes increasingly unstable, fixated on winning at any cost. He begins to see hallucinations of the queen of spades and becomes convinced that the only way to obtain the secret is to marry the Count's ward, Lizaveta Ivanova (played by Yelena Kuzmina).

The film takes a dark turn as Hermann's obsession spirals out of control, leading him down a path of intense despair and ultimately to a shocking finale. The Queen of Spades is a haunting tale of obsession and the destructive power of greed.

The film is notable for its striking visuals and moody atmosphere. Director Thorold Dickinson makes use of shadow and light to heighten the sense of tension and unease, and the film's claustrophobic sets add to the feeling of suffocating obsession.

The performances are also standout, particularly that of Oleg Strizhenov as Hermann. Strizhenov brings an intensity and pathos to the character, making Hermann both sympathetic and unsettling. Zurab Anjaparidze is also excellent as the enigmatic Count Saint-Germain, adding a layer of ambiguity to the character that keeps the audience guessing.

Overall, The Queen of Spades is a compelling and hypnotic film that captures the essence of Pushkin's classic story while adding its own unique visual and emotional touches. It is a must-see for fans of Russian literature and classic cinema alike.