THE PROMISE

 

RARE Visit From a Russian

Why Arbuzov came to Shepperton

 

Russian novelist Aleksei Arbuzov visited Shepperton to see filming of “The Promise,” Howard and Wyndham’s first film venture, which is based on one of his books.  This is the first time that Arbuzov has ever allowed a film to be made of any of his works.  At the end of his visit he was clearly impressed by all he had seen.

 

“The Promise,” budgeted at less than 200,000, is being filmed almost entirely at Shepperton, with part of the “Oliver!” lot suitably sprinkled with “snow” to make it look like Leningrad, where the story is set.  It follows 18 years in the lives of Lika (Susan Macready, in her first film), Marat (John Castle) and Leonidik (Ian McKellan).  They become involved in an “eternal triangle”: Lika loves Marat, but marries Le3onidik who loves her.  In the end, however, Leonidik realizes that Lika still loves Marat, sends for him and leaves.

 

By Julian Davis, Today’s Cinema magazine

Friday, 14 March 1969

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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