The Green Serpent 1962
In this 1962 animated short, director Vladimir Polkovnikov crafts a darkly whimsical tale blending Slavic folklore with social commentary.
Director: Vladimir Polkovnikov
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Green Serpent (1962) about?
This animated short weaves a tale of greed and consequence, where Baba Yaga and the Devil team up with a shape-shifting serpent to brew and sell illegal moonshine. Their downfall comes when authorities crack down, leaving the serpent to continue its predatory ways on new victims.
Who directed The Green Serpent?
Vladimir Polkovnikov helmed this 1962 animated gem, known for his work in Soviet-era children's and fantasy films.
Who stars in The Green Serpent?
The film features voice talents from Anatoliy Papanov, Grigoriy Shpigel, and Tatyana Strukova as the mischievous trio of Baba Yaga, the Devil, and the titular serpent.
Is The Green Serpent (1962) worth watching?
While its brevity limits depth, *The Green Serpent* offers a unique, atmospheric slice of Soviet animation with sharp satirical edges. Animation enthusiasts and folklore lovers will appreciate its bold visuals and allegorical punch.
How long is The Green Serpent?
The film runs approximately 15 minutes, a compact yet impactful runtime for its era.
About The Green Serpent (1962) — A Darkly Playful Soviet Animation Classic Revisited
In this 1962 animated short, director Vladimir Polkovnikov crafts a darkly whimsical tale blending Slavic folklore with social commentary. *The Green Serpent* follows the mischievous trio of Baba Yaga, the Devil, and a shapeshifting serpent who distills and peddles illicit moonshine to unsuspecting villagers. The eerie, rhythmic atmosphere of their moonlit brewing sessions drips with chaotic energy, mirroring the moral decay around them. When their operation crumbles under police scrutiny, the serpent escapes—only to slither toward fresh prey, embodying the idea that as long as human vices thrive, so too will its existence.
Academy Award-nominated for Best Animated Short, this 15-minute Soviet-era gem contrasts bold visuals with sharp satire, exploring themes of corruption, temptation, and the cyclical nature of folly. With its surreal characters and hauntingly playful tone, *The Green Serpent (1962)* remains a cult favorite for fans of pre-modern animation and Eastern European storytelling.