Don Quixote (Russian: Дон Кихот, translit. Don Kikhot) is a 1957 Soviet drama film directed by Grigori Kozintsev. It is based on Evgeny Schwartz's stage adaptation of Miguel de Cervantes's novel of the same name. It was entered into the 1957 Cannes Film Festival.
The film was exhibited in the mid-1960s by Australian University film clubs receiving the productions of Sovexportfilm. It was the first film version of Don Quixote to be filmed in both widescreen and color.
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Plot
Hidalgo Alonso Quixano, deeply enamored with chivalric romances, decides to become a knight himself and embarks on a journey of adventure. Taking the name Don Quixote, he sets out with his loyal squire, Sancho Panza, to perform heroic deeds in defense of the downtrodden and in honor of his imagined lady love.
However, his noble quests often turn into absurd and futile endeavors. Though mocked and frequently beaten by those he encounters, Don Quixote remains steadfast in his belief in justice and the inherent goodness of humanity.
Cast
Nikolay Cherkasov as Don Quixote de la Mancha / Alonso Quixano
Yuri Tolubeyev as Sancho Panza
Serafima Birman as The Housekeeper
Lyudmila Kasyanova as Aldonsa
Svetlana Grigoryeva as The Niece
Vasily Maksimov as The Priest
Viktor Kolpakov as The Barber
Tamilla Agamirova as Lady Altisidora
Georgy Vitsin as Sanson Carrasco
Bruno Freindlich as The Duke
Lidiya Vertinskaya as The Duchess
Galina Volchek as Maritornes