This Sunday, April 22 at 12:30 PM, Enzian Theater and the Bach Festival Society present a rare 35mm showing of a true masterpiece of Russian cinema--Sergei Eisenstein's ALEXANDER NEVSKY (1938). The POTEMKIN director's first sound film, NEVSKY is a grand epic that tells the story of a peasant army under the guidance of Prince Nevsky that defended Russia against the invading Teutonic Knights (Germany) in the year 1242. The final battle sequence on the frozen surface of Lake Peipus is now legendary, as is the use of an evocative and stirring Prokofiev score instead of natural sound.

Reportedly a major inspiration for George Lucas in creating certain elements of the Star Wars saga (check out the evil guy in the black robe for instance!), ALEXANDER NEVSKY also has disturbing parallels to the Soviets' situation on the cusp of World War II at the time of production.

The screening is free for Enzian Film Society and Bach Festival Society members, and normal matinee price ($6) for general public. The Bach Festival will also be presenting a concert of Prokofiev's works--including highlights from NEVSKY's musical score--next weekend in its Russian Choral Masterworks program. A perfect one-two punch for Prokofiev fans and classic film lovers.

--Matthew