Watch Balalaika

Balalaika is a 1939 musical romance film directed by Reinhold Schünzel and starring Nelson Eddy, Ilona Massey, and Charles Ruggles. The film is set in pre-revolutionary Russia and centers around the tumultuous love story between a Russian prince and a cafe singer. Nelson Eddy plays Prince Peter Karagin, a young Russian nobleman who falls in love with Lydia Pavlova (Massey), a talented but impoverished singer working at a popular cafe in St. Petersburg. Despite their different social statuses, the two are drawn to each other and begin a passionate romance, much to the disapproval of Peter's aristocratic family.

As political unrest mounts in Russia, Peter faces increasing pressure to marry a wealthy socialite and uphold his family's traditions. But he is torn between his duty and his heart, and must choose between a life of privilege or a life with the woman he loves.

Meanwhile, Lydia's ex-boyfriend Sergei (Charles Ruggles), a conniving and unscrupulous count, tries to break up the couple by any means necessary. He hires a group of thugs to kidnap Lydia and forces her to work for him, threatening to harm Peter if she doesn't comply.

Despite the danger, Peter persists in his pursuit of Lydia, leading to a dramatic showdown that will test their love and loyalty to each other.

Balalaika is a lavish production, featuring stunning sets and costumes that evoke the opulence and grandeur of pre-revolutionary Russia. The musical numbers are also a highlight, with Eddy's powerful baritone and Massey's melodic soprano complementing each other in beautiful duets and solos.

The film's themes of class struggle and political upheaval reflect the turbulent times in which it was made, as the world was on the brink of another global conflict. Yet at its core, Balalaika is a timeless tale of love and sacrifice, reminding us that no matter the circumstances, true love will always find a way.

Overall, Balalaika is a captivating and entertaining film that will appeal to fans of classic Hollywood musicals and romantic dramas alike. With its unforgettable music, sweeping romance, and stunning visuals, it is a true cinematic gem that deserves to be rediscovered by generations to come.

Balalaika is a 1939 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.