Saba (Mikheil Chiaureli; USSR, 1929)

This silent melodrama, essentially a morality tale about the hazards of alcohol consumption, is not without humor. The film reworks Boris Sigal’s play The Trial of Stepan Korolev, setting the action in Tbilisi rather than Leningrad and developing the storyline about the downfall of the protagonist Saba (Aleqsandre Jaliashvili) before proceeding to the courtroom. The film benefits from dynamic shot compositions, sequences of rapid editing, and compelling performances in both the lead and supporting roles. Location shooting, such as the memorable opening sequence on a tram line in Tbilisi, offers glimpses of the city’s distinctive landmarks. 

• Written by Arsen Aravski, Shalva Alkhazishvili, based on the play The Trial of Stepan Korolev by Boris Sigal. Photographed by Anton Polikevich. With Aleqsandre Jaliashvili, Veriko Andjaparidze, L. Januashvili, Eka Chavchavadze.
(100 mins, Silent with Russian intertitles and simultaneous English translation, B&W, 35mm, BAM/PFA Collection)