“THREE SONGS OF LENIN”: Russian Sound-Film Shown in Glasgow, at the Coliseum Theatre, on Sunday the 22nd of March, 1936

An article on page eleven of The Glasgow Herald, on Monday the 23rd of March, 1936, reads:

 

” ‘THREE SONGS OF LENIN’

 

RUSSIAN SOUND-FILM SHOWN IN GLASGOW

 

A modern essay in Russian film propaganda was presented at the Coliseum Theatre, Glasgow,

last night under the auspices of the Glasgow Clarion Scouts. Entitled ‘Three Songs of Lenin,’ it

was divided into three movements – largo, maestoso, and allegro.

 

The first dealt with the emancipation of women under the Soviet regime; the second with the

sense of loss felt by the people on the death of their leader; and the third with a future bright

with hope.

 

The film was made for illiterate or semi-illiterate audiences, and the repetition of slogans of

encouragement was apt to become tiresome. But whether the film failed in its object or not,

it cannot be denied that sections of the picture reached a high artistic standard. The direction

and photography were smooth and almost flawless.

 

Perhaps the most effective compnent was the music. During the funeral scenes in the Red

Square the orchestra rendered the Death March in ‘Saul’ in a manner that is not likely to

be forgotten by those who heard it. The folk songs were refreshingly simple.

 

This is one of the first sound films to be produced in Russia, and it is apparent that they

have already acquired considerable skill in this department of film production.”

 

 

The Clarion Scouts were an offshoot of the Clarion Cycling Club, whose members combined

enthusiasm for Socialism along with a love for the outdoors. For more information, please see

TheGlasgowStory website.