The title of this Russian documentary refers to the railroad linking Turkestan and Siberia. Produced on a grand scale, the film recounts the construction of this important transportation link, using actual newsreel footage and tons of stock shots from previous Soviet propaganda films. The "plot" is dictated by the progress of the construction, and as such has its dull patches from time to time. Of the many memorable scenes, several are standouts, including a harrowing sandstorm, obviously filmed at great personal risk to the camera crew. Filmed silent, Turksib was released in the U.S. with live musical accompaniment.  

In Child of the Big City, seamstress Mary dreams of a better life in luxury instead of her badly paid job in a sweatshop. Her dreams come true, when she draws the attention of Victor, a burgeoise, who invites her for dinner and makes her a lady. But, about a year later, she has become tired of him, and thanks to her, his money is almost gone. When he asks for settling down outside the big city, where his money should be enough for a modest living, she breaks with him and picks up a new lover. A year later, Victor is living in a shabby, cold room under the roof, still trying to meet her again --- something she definitely refuses to entertain. 

DVD-R HAS ENGLISH INTERTITLES AND SUBTITLES  (where appropriate and necessary). LENGTH OF FEATURE FILM:  75 mins. +  37 mins. See film samples for audio and video quality. 

PLEASE NOTE THAT SWITCHABLE (SOFT) SUBTITLES WILL NOT SHOW UP WHEN VIEWING THE SAMPLE BELOW.  IF YOU SEE SUBTITLES, THEN THEY ARE HARD-ENCODED (meaning, they cannot be turned off when viewing the film):