Miss Mend is a silent film made in Soviet Union in 1926, directed by Boris Barnet and Fyodor Otsep. The movie spans over three episodes and its total duration is about 4 hours. The film features a thrilling adventure interspersed with political satire, romantic comedy, and social commentary. The story revolves around the search for a secret document that could potentially save Soviet Russia from foreign espionage. The protagonist of the film is Miss Mend, a secretary working in a newspaper office who accidentally gets involved in the investigation to retrieve the document. She teams up with three male colleagues, the journalist Vasily, the engineer Ivan, and the scientist Sergei, to track down the conspirators who are hiding in plain sight.
The first episode of the film sets the scene in the bustling metropolis of Moscow, where the quartet of heroes is introduced. Vasily is depicted as a flirtatious writer who is more interested in wooing Miss Mend than in his job. Ivan, on the other hand, is a serious-minded engineer who is always ready with a tool kit to fix any problem. Sergei is portrayed as a brilliant scientist who creates a variety of wacky inventions, including a flying machine.
As the plot unfolds, the four protagonists find themselves in the midst of a plot to overthrow the Soviet government. They soon discover that the mastermind behind the plot is the wealthy and influential businessman Gordon, who has a network of loyalists among politicians, police, and military officials. Gordon's ultimate objective is to retrieve a confidential document that contains vital information about the Soviet Union's security arrangements.
The second episode takes the viewers on a journey to the countryside as Miss Mend and her colleagues try to locate the hiding place of the conspirators. They are joined by a young peasant named Fyodor, who is fiercely loyal to the Soviet government and is willing to risk his life to help the team. The team faces numerous obstacles, including gun-toting thugs, treacherous rivers, and forest fires. But with their determination and ingenuity, they manage to overcome all the hurdles and reach their destination.
The third and final episode of the film is set in a posh hotel in Leningrad, where Gordon has organized a grand ball to celebrate his impending victory. The climax of the film is a thrilling chase sequence where Miss Mend and her colleagues race to retrieve the confidential document from Gordon's clutches. The chase leads them through a maze of hotel corridors, elevators, and staircases, and ends with a suspenseful standoff between the heroes and the villains.
Miss Mend is a unique blend of different genres with a strong emphasis on satire and social commentary. The film mocks the decadence and corruption of the bourgeoisie and highlights the heroism and patriotism of ordinary Soviet citizens. The film also showcases the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Soviet people, who are able to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles through their collective efforts.
Overall, Miss Mend is an entertaining and thought-provoking film that offers a glimpse into the political and social landscape of Soviet Russia in the 1920s. Despite being a silent film, its innovative camera work, witty dialogues, and thrilling action sequences make it engaging for modern audiences as well.
