Dmitri Shostakovich composed this opera, based on a story by Nikolai S. Leskov. Shortly before the October Revolution of 1917, the Izmailov family is thrown into turmoil when Katerina, the wife of the patriarchs weakling son Zinovy, takes a lover, the strapping farmhand Sergei. This screen adaptation is directed by Petr Weigl, with the score performed by The London Philharmonic Orchestra and The Ambrosian Opera Chorus. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide