Mykhailo Hryshko

A Ukrainian comic opera with spoken dialogue in three acts with music and libretto by the composer Semen Hulak-Artemovsky (1813–1873). The orchestration has subsequently been rewritten by composers such as Reinhold Glière and Heorhiy Maiboroda. This is one of the best-known Ukrainian comic operas depicting national themes.

In the Caucasus foothills, battles rage against the German fascist invaders who have broken through. Reinforcements, including Russians, Ukrainians, and Kazakhs, are moving to defend the region. Along the way, the soldiers stop at a half-ruined ancient castle. There, a grey-haired old man recounts the legend of Dzhurga, a valiant warrior who once lived there. The legend comes to life on the screen, depicting a wedding feast in the castle where Dzhurgai celebrates his union with a shepherdess. However, the festivities are interrupted by a foreign enemy attacking Georgia. Led by Dzhurgai, Georgian warriors fight bravely and emerge victorious against the Mongol hordes.

Soviet musical film-concert directed by Boris Barnet. Filmed in 1952 at the Kyiv Film Studio.