Chess Fever is a black and white silent comedy film made in Russia in 1925. The film was directed by Vsevolod Pudovkin and Nikolai Shpikovsky, and it stars Anna Zemtsova and Vladimir Fogel. It was released on May 16, 1925, during the height of the chess craze that swept through Europe in the early 20th century.
The protagonist of the film is a young man named Sergei, who becomes completely obsessed with chess while attending an international tournament in Moscow. His fiancée, Natasha, becomes increasingly frustrated with his neglect and obsession, and she tries to get Sergei to pay attention to her. However, Sergei is so fixated on the game that he fails to notice anything else.
Natasha tries to escape from the chess craze by going to the theater, but she finds that the play she is watching is all about chess. She then goes to a concert, but the music turns out to be a chess-inspired composition. Everywhere she goes, she is surrounded by chess.
Finally, she meets the world chess champion, José Capablanca, who immediately takes an interest in her. Capablanca is intrigued by her lack of interest in chess, and he begins to teach her about the game. Natasha is initially hesitant, but she becomes fascinated by the strategy and tactics of chess. Meanwhile, Sergei becomes jealous of Capablanca and tries to win back Natasha's affections.
The film culminates in a match between Capablanca and Sergei. The two men play what appears to be an intense and highly competitive game, but they are actually both distracted by Natasha and her beauty. In the end, Capablanca wins the game and walks away with both the victory and Natasha's heart.
Chess Fever is a playful and lighthearted film that capitalizes on the popularity of chess in the early 20th century. It is a charming tribute to the game that captures the spirit of competition and passion that surrounds chess, as well as the joys and challenges of love and relationships.
