AllMovie

Though not widely-known in the United States, Fyodor Chaliapin checks in as one of the most gifted operatic vocalists in Russian history (arguably the most gifted), with a remarkable, imposing physicality and more exhaustive preparation for his roles than almost anyone - qualities that gave his roles incredible depth. As directed by Elisabeth Kapnist, this documentary tells Chaliapin's amazing but little-known story. It combines footage shot on location in Paris and Moscow, along with extraordinarily rare archival and newsreel footage of Chaliapin playing Don Quichotte and Ivan the Terrible. Interviews turn up with those intimately acquainted with Chaliapin, including Alexei Mochalov and Sergei Leiferkus.