Soon There Will Be Rain 1959
In *Soon There Will Be Rain (1959)*, Soviet animator Vladimir Polkovnikov crafts a hauntingly prescient tale of greed and consequence, woven into a 20-minute animated short that blends dark humor with a gripping environmental warning.
Director: Vladimir Polkovnikov
Cast
Elena Ponsova
Toad / Drought / Fox (voice)
Anatoliy Kubatskiy
Ong Zei (voice)
Mikhail Pogorzhelsky
Bear / Snake (voice)
Galina Novozhilova
Little fish (voice)
Vladimir Lepko
Tiger / Bull (voice, uncredited)
Georgi Millyar
Dragon (voice, uncredited)
Vladimir Gribkov
Narrator (voice, uncredited)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *Soon There Will Be Rain (1959)* about?
This animated short tells the story of an elderly gambler whose addiction leads him to wager away Earth's precious water supply, triggering a global water crisis. As the world withers under punishing drought, the film explores themes of recklessness, consequence, and the fight for survival. The stark visuals and sharp narrative make it a standout in Soviet-era animation.
Who directed *Soon There Will Be Rain*?
Vladimir Polkovnikov directed *Soon There Will Be Rain (1959)*, bringing a unique vision to this environmental cautionary tale through his work in Soviet animation.
Who stars in *Soon There Will Be Rain*?
The film features standout performances from Elena Ponsova, Anatoliy Kubatskiy, Mikhail Pogorzhelsky, and Galina Novozhilova, who bring depth to its characters amid the unfolding crisis.
Is *Soon There Will Be Rain (1959)* worth watching?
*Soon There Will Be Rain* may not be widely known outside Soviet animation circles, but its bold storytelling and thematic relevance make it a compelling watch. While its runtime is brief, the film's stark message and unique animation style offer a rewarding experience for fans of classic shorts and thought-provoking cinema.
How long is *Soon There Will Be Rain*?
The runtime of *Soon There Will Be Rain (1959)* is 20 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Soon There Will Be Rain (1959) — A Soviet Animation Short About Greed and Environmental Collapse
In *Soon There Will Be Rain (1959)*, Soviet animator Vladimir Polkovnikov crafts a hauntingly prescient tale of greed and consequence, woven into a 20-minute animated short that blends dark humor with a gripping environmental warning. Set against a barren, drought-stricken landscape, the film follows a desperate old man whose gambling addiction spirals into an unthinkable act: he gambles away Earth's last drops of water, plunging the world into a desperate struggle for survival. With a stark visual palette and a narrative that balances irony and dread, Polkovnikov delivers a biting commentary on human folly, wrapped in the stark simplicity of mid-century animation.
Led by the talented Elena Ponsova and Anatoliy Kubatskiy in the lead roles, the cast breathes life into this cautionary fable, their performances amplifying the film's emotional weight. The story's atmosphere is thick with tension, as the once-lush world withers under the old man's reckless choices, and the looming threat of extinction forces both characters and audience to confront uncomfortable truths. A hidden gem of Soviet cinema, *Soon There Will Be Rain* remains a powerful reminder of the fragile balance between nature and human ambition, even decades after its release.
