Morozko (1965)

English Title: Frosty; Jack Frost; Grandfather Frost

Directed by: Aleksandr Rou

Cat Out of the Bag Alert! This review contains some spoilers for this film!

Synopsis: A Russian fairy tale about a conceited young named Ivan (Eduard Izotov), a sweet young girl named Nastenka (Natalya Sedykh), the kindly winter spirit Morozko (Aleksandr Khvylya) and the mischievous old witch Baba Yaga (Georgiy Millyar).

Featured Felines: While looking for Nastenka, Ivan stumbles upon the abode of Baba Yaga (which happens to be upon legs.) Inside the witch has at least three black cats sitting up high in the background. One of them seems very surprised when Baba Yaga tries to throw Ivan into her oven.

Morozko - longhaired black cat above oven watches Baba Yaga Georgiy Millyar trying to push Ivan Eduard Izotov into oven

Ivan manages to trick Baba Yaga into helping him find Nastenka. After he leaves, Baba Yaga is beside herself, unable to eat or sleep from having been misused so. Her cats listen as she complains.

Morozko - longhaired black cats above oven with Baba Yaga Georgiy Millyar and Ivan Eduard Izotov
Morozko - longhaired black cat in front of spider web
Morozko - close up of longhaired black cat
Morozko - longhaired black cat Blackey in front of spider web and meowing animated gif
Morozko - longhaired black cats above oven listening to Baba Yaga Georgiy Millyar complain

One of the cats named Blackey meows at her and Baba Yaga moves over to let the animal step down onto her shoulder.

Morozko - longhaired black cat Blackie behind spider web
Morozko - longhaired black cat Blackie above Baba Yaga Georgiy Millyar
Morozko - longhaired black cat Blackie climbing on Baba Yaga Georgiy Millyar shoulder

Baba Yaga takes Blackey to the window and says to run over the snow and put an end to Ivan’s love. The cat hurries away through the snow.

Morozko - longhaired black cat Blackie running through snow
Morozko - longhaired black cat Blackey running through the snow animated gif

Blackey arrives at Morozko’s home where Nastenka is staying. Looking inside, Blackey backs out when realizing Morozko is still there.

Morozko - longhaired black cat Blackey running up to house and looking in door animated gif
Morozko - longhaired black cat Blackie looking around door

As soon as Morozko leaves, Blackey goes back inside. Nastenka is thrilled to see the cat and pets the animal.

Morozko - longhaired black cat Blackie with Nastenka Natalya Sedykh

But Blackey means the girl harm and runs away, causing her to follow. Blackey runs by Morozko’s magic staff which freezes things solid.

Morozko - longhaired black cat Blackey leading Nastenka Natalya Sedykh to touch staff and freeze animated gif

Nastenka is frozen and Blackey meows.

Morozko - longhaired black cat Blackie
Morozko - longhaired black cat Blackie walking out door

The cat rides the little magical sled Baba Yaga sent out previously back home. Both Blackey and sled leap off the snow up into Baba Yaga’s arms.

Morozko - longhaired black cat Blackie on pig sled in snow
Morozko - longhaired black cat Blackey climbing on pig sled and riding through snow animated gif
Morozko - longhaired black cat Blackey and pig sled flying up into Baba Yaga's Georgiy Millyar arms animated gif
Morozko - longhaired black cat Blackie held by Baba Yaga Georgiy Millyar on pig sled

Baba Yaga rewards Blackey with a bowl of cream.

Morozko - longhaired black cat Blackie given a bowl of cream by Baba Yaga Georgiy Millyar

The cats are only seen one more time in the background. It is notable how well all of the animal actors performed in this film.

Morozko - longhaired black cats above Baba Yaga Georgiy Millyar
Morozko - close up of longhaired black cat

Final Mewsings: When cats are bad they are very very bad!

Many thanks to Folklore Film Fans for letting us know about the cats in this film!

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