The film is about the struggle against political and cultural backwardness in the remote corners of Ukraine in the mid-1920s. Hysyar, a witch doctor, is the most popular person in the small village of Haniivka. Gysyar fills his wallet at the expense of gullible and backward villagers, but his "healing" only cripples them with impunity. This brings him into irreconcilable conflict with Marina, a paramedic who has come to the village from the city. To get rid of his unwanted competitor, Hysyar, with the help of the nurse's sister, steals the keys to the cooperative from Marina's fiancé, and plants the stolen goods in Marina's apartment. In despair, Marina commits suicide. An investigative commission that arrives from the city uncovers Hysyar's criminal activities. The witch doctor is put on trial.
Where to watch
Not streaming anywhere
Not on any streaming service in United States, and not available to rent.
Your rating
Your review
Cast
3 people
Pavlo Dolyna Director · Yosip Gudyma Cinematographer Vasyl Krychevskyi Production designer
First release January 1, 1928 · Produced in Russia · Original title Чортополох
Production
VUFKU
Production
Russia
Produced in
Languages
Original title
Чортополох
Original language
Ukrainian
Release dates
Russia · January 1, 1928
Premiere
No release date listed for United States.
More from Pavlo Dolyna
Other films they directed, best known first.
If you liked The Thistle
Picks that share its genres, themes, cast and crew.
