COSSACKS IN EXILE aka Запорожець за Дунаєм (1939) Maria Sokil & F. Braznick | Drama, Musical | B&W

The film is based on the comic opera Zaporožech' za Dunajem (Запорожець за Дунаєм, "A Zaporogo beyond the Danube") by the Ukrainian composer Semen Stepanovyč Hulak-Artemovs'kyj (1813-1873), who also wrote the related libretto . The producer and screenwriter Vasile Avramenko, director of a Ukrainian dance company had in the past also produced Ulmer's Natalka Poltavka.

SYNOPSIS
This musical comedy tells the tale of the resilient Cossack refugees, exiled to the Ottoman Empire after their fortress was razed to the ground by Tsarist Russia. Led by the indomitable Ivan Karas, the Cossacks defiantly refuse to submit to the Tsar's demands, clinging to their cherished autonomy.

As they seek refuge in the Danube Delta under Ottoman rule, they encounter unexpected twists and turns. Ivan, determined to protect his people, disguises himself and ventures into the heart of the Ottoman court. There, he crosses paths with the Turkish sultan and finds an unlikely ally in him.

Meanwhile, amidst the chaos of displacement, romance blossoms between Oxana, the sultan's adopted daughter, and Andrey, a brave Cossack. But their love faces peril as they are accused of espionage, facing the threat of execution.

Through a lively blend of music, humor, and heart, "Cossack Chronicles: Refugees of the Danube" celebrates the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. With spirited performances and toe-tapping tunes, this musical extravaganza delivers a tale of love, courage, and the triumph of the human will against all odds.

CAST & CREW
Maria Sokil as Odarka
L. Biberowich as Catherine II
F. BraznickOld as Cossack
Dimitri Creona as Kobzar
Jean Harasymyk as Hassan
Nicholas Harlash as Sultan
V. Kikevitch as Kalnyshewsky (as General V. Kikevitch)
N. Mandryka as Gen. Tekely
S. Mostowy as Prokip
Anna Mushinsky as Neboha
Helen Orlenco as Pxana
Stepan Shagaida as Stepan's grandfather
Michael Shvetz as Ivan Karas
Alexis Tcherkasshy as Andrey
William Yacyna as Solo dancer
Vladimir Zelitsky as Selih-Agha
Screenplay: Vasile Avramenko

Director: Edgar G. Ulmer
Producers: MJ Gann, Vasile Avramenko
Cinematography: W. Miller, Leo Lipp
Editor: Jack Kemp
Music: Semen Stepanovič Hulak-Artemovs'kyj, Anthony Riudnicky
Production Company: Avramenko Film Company
Country of Production: United States of America
Year: 1939
Language: English, Ukrainian

NOTES
Cossacks in Exile was filmed in New Jersey on the grounds of a Catholic monastery , with an estimated budget of $75,000