For what appears to me, at first to be yet another mass-produced, made for television romantic schmuck-fest, this film is quite entertaining and educational. Not too sure about Melissa Gilbert's accent but her acting certainly makes up for it. Packed full of tragedy, I can imagine this would appeal to the midday watchers who like a good early afternoon weep. It does however beg the question - how much death and disorder can one woman cope with in her life and still remain sane? The filming locations are superb especially Leningrad and it's one of those stories that make you want to learn more about this period in history - the Russian Revolution. Although it cannot compare with the superior "Nicholas and Alexandra", it nonetheless compliments the era and provides a very entertaining few hours. The shot of the Aeroflot IL-86 in the old Soviet Airlines livery is well worth the wait for aviation nerds too! I think it's a good rainy afternoon film and worth having in your collection.
