The film was shot in several picturesque locations, which added to its historical atmosphere. The main filming took place in Saint Petersburg, where its architectural landmarks and parks were used. Pavlovsk became an important site for creating scenes with beautiful natural landscapes and estate architecture. Peterhof, known for its magnificent palaces and fountains, also participated in the filming, enhancing the visual appeal of the picture.
In addition, some key scenes were filmed at the Bratsevo estate, located near Moscow. These places not only served as backdrops but also emphasized the historical context of the events in the film. The summer filming in 1980 ended in August of that year, and each location brought its uniqueness to the overall atmosphere of the film. Thanks to these picturesque backgrounds, the film became not only a comedy but also a true visual work of art.

Filming Locations:

Madame Josephine's Salon

In the Film

The scene where The hussars, including Cornet Pletnev, enter Madame Josephine's establishment with obvious interest and excitement. They admire the outfits and atmosphere, creating a light and playful environment. Pletnev, charmed by the beauty of the girls, tries to attract the attention of one of the milliners, leading to comical misunderstandings. Other hussars also start flirting with the young ladies, making jokes and compliments. Meanwhile, Madame Josephine, energetic and charismatic, tries to please her clients by showing off new dress models and accessories. She actively engages the hussars in conversations about fashion, causing them embarrassment and laughter.

In Reality

The scene was filmed At the facade of a house in Tuchkov Lane, Saint Petersburg. This house, built in the classicist style, was ideal for creating the atmosphere of a high-society establishment of the Nicholas era. Its elegant facade with characteristic architectural elements and historical appearance perfectly conveyed the spirit of the time needed for the scene. Tuchkov Lane, located in the Vasileostrovsky District, is known for its cinematic quality and is often used for film shoots. The narrow streets and old buildings create a cozy and intimate atmosphere, enhancing the viewer's immersion in the 19th-century era. The house looked like a typical establishment of that time, where milliners and society ladies might gather. This location was a successful choice for the scene due to its authentic appearance and historical context. It highlighted the contrast between the military life of the hussars and the frivolous high-society environment, adding humor and dynamics to the episode. Thus, Tuchkov Lane not only became an important part of the film's visual style but also helped create a memorable scene.

The Parrot Seller on the Street

In the Film

The scene where The parrot seller Pertsovsky addresses Nastenka. He notices her hurrying and, with a smile, asks her to slow down. Nastya, slightly embarrassed, stops and looks at him with interest, creating a comedic dynamic between them. Pertsovsky, with his characteristic good-natured persistence, continues the conversation, trying to attract her attention to his parrots. He shows off his feathered pets, telling her how they can talk and perform funny tricks. Nastya, laughing, responds to his jokes and shows genuine interest in the parrots. At this moment, their interaction becomes light and relaxed, creating an atmosphere of friendliness. Pertsovsky tries to impress Nastya, emphasizing his role in local life and showing his goods. She, in turn, perceives his words with naivety and kindness.

In Reality

The scene was filmed In the alley between houses Borovaya, building 1 and Borovaya, building 3 in Saint Petersburg. This location was chosen for filming due to its authentic atmosphere and characteristic architecture, which reflects the spirit of the 19th-century city. The alley with its narrow streets and historical buildings creates a sense of intimacy and coziness, which is ideal for a light and comedic scene. The architectural elements of the buildings emphasize the everyday life of the townspeople of that time, adding depth to the interaction of the characters. In addition, the proximity to other famous locations in Saint Petersburg makes this place convenient for the film crew. In this alley, it is easy to convey an atmosphere of simplicity and spontaneity, which is important for scenes where relationships between characters develop. Thus, the choice of this location became an important element in creating the visual style and mood of the film.

The Estate

In the Film

The scene where Nastya sings a romance before the gentlemen. The guests, including Cornet Pletnev and Count Merzlyaev, listen attentively, admiring her talent and beauty. Nastya sings with sincere emotion, making her performance especially touching. Cornet Pletnev, among the guests, looks at her with admiration and pride, his heart filled with tenderness for Nastya. Count Merzlyaev also shows interest in the performance, emphasizing the importance of the moment for everyone present. The scene concludes the portrayal of the heroine's inner world and her desire for recognition and love.

In Reality

The scene was filmed At the Bratsevo estate, located in Moscow. This location was chosen for filming due to its historical and architectural significance, as well as its picturesque atmosphere, which is ideal for a high-society evening. The Bratsevo estate is an example of Russian architecture of the classicism era with elements of Palladian style, which creates the necessary context for the events in the film. The architectural ensemble of the estate includes the main house with exquisite facades and terraces, adding aesthetic value to the scene. The spacious halls and beautiful interiors of the estate create an atmosphere of comfort and romance, emphasizing the emotional richness of Nastya's performance. In addition, the estate has a rich history associated with famous personalities such as Ekaterina Trubetskaya and Ivan Rimsky-Korsakov, which adds an extra layer of cultural context to what is happening on screen. The landscaped park and well-maintained grounds around the estate also contribute to creating a beautiful backdrop for the scene. Thus, the choice of the Bratsevo estate became a key element in creating the visual style and mood of the film, enhancing its historical authenticity and artistic value.