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.
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.
One of the cats named Blackey meows at her and Baba Yaga moves over to let the animal step down onto her 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.
Blackey arrives at Morozko’s home where Nastenka is staying. Looking inside, Blackey backs out when realizing Morozko is still there.
As soon as Morozko leaves, Blackey goes back inside. Nastenka is thrilled to see the cat and pets the animal.
But Blackey means the girl harm and runs away, causing her to follow. Blackey runs by Morozko’s magic staff which freezes things solid.
Nastenka is frozen and Blackey meows.
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.
Baba Yaga rewards Blackey with a bowl of cream.
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.
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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