1959 - THE LETTER NEVER SENT or THE UNSENT LETTER

Four Russian scientists dropped into Siberia search for industrial diamonds for mother Russia, but run afoul of mother nature instead which tries to kill them off.

This is a standard Soviet propaganda piece with the scientists setting aside their differences for the good of  the USSR.  What else can you expect for a late 50's film coming out of a state controlled government film industry.  What sets this film above the usual commie PR propaganda job is the incredible photography that runs throughout the film. 

 

The director Mikhail Kalatozov has put together a striking looking film from the opening shot of the camera tracking back to show the scientists isolated in Siberia to the amazing forest fire sequence where Kalatozov seems determined to burn up his cast along with the forest.  Later as what's left of the cast escapes into the mountains, Kalatozov seems equally determined to freeze them to death, no wimps allowed in this film. 

Whatever the short comings of the film in characterization and story, this is an amazing film with impressive sequences filmed outdoors in what must have been challenging outdoor locations.  

A dazzling film.

97 minutes