Chasing Two Hares

Chasing Two Hares

Year: 1961

Runtime: 77 mins

Language: Ukrainian

Director: Viktor Ivanov

Comedy

Adapted from Mykhailo Starytskyi’s Ukrainian vaudeville, it follows Svyryd Petrovych Holokhvosty, a dandy barber who runs a shop. After a disastrous night of gambling leaves him broke, he seeks to restore his fortunes through a lucrative marriage. The scheme draws Pronia Sirko, a wealthy but plain‑faced girl, who falls for his flamboyant courtship.

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Timeline & Setting – Chasing Two Hares (1961)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Chasing Two Hares (1961). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 19th century

The movie is set in the late 1800s, a period marked by social stratification, traditional customs, and economic struggles. This era in Kyiv was characterized by a mix of old-world customs and the slow onset of modernization, influencing people's lifestyles and relationships.

Location

Kyiv, Ukraine

Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, is a city rich in history and culture. During the late 19th century, it was a major political, cultural, and economic hub within the Russian Empire. The city's architecture and streets reflect its storied past and vibrant social life.

🌆 Historic 🕌 Cultural 📝 Late 19th Century

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:57

Main Characters – Chasing Two Hares (1961)

Meet the key characters of Chasing Two Hares (1961), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Svyryd Petrovych Holokhvosty

A frivolous and scheming barber who faces financial ruin. His charm and duplicity drive the plot, as he seeks a quick fix to his problems through deception and romantic pursuits. His character embodies greed and superficiality.

🧔️ Trickster 💰 Greedy 🎩 Charismatic

Pronya Prokopivna Sirko

A modest and somewhat naive woman who becomes entangled in Svyryd’s schemes. She is portrayed as kind and traditional but ultimately vulnerable to deception. Her character highlights innocence and social expectations.

👩‍🌾 Naive 🌸 Traditional 💒 Loyal

Halya

A beautiful young woman who is secretly in love with Stepan. Despite her allure, she faces the pressure of societal status and family expectations. Her character represents innocence and the struggle between personal desire and social duties.

🌿 Innocent 💖 Romantic ✨ Beautiful

Sekleta Lymerykha

A proud and spirited woman, sister to Mrs. Sirko, who advocates for her sister’s honor and her niece Halya. She is perceptive and assertive, confronting deception and supporting her loved ones.

🎖️ Assertive ⚔️ Loyal 🕵️‍♀️ Observant

Stepan

A young man deeply in love with Halya, representing sincerity and genuine affection. He stands as a stark contrast to Svyryd’s duplicity and symbolizes honest love.

💌 Genuine 💪 Loyal 💘 Romantic

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:57

Major Themes – Chasing Two Hares (1961)

Explore the central themes of Chasing Two Hares (1961), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Deception

The film explores themes of deception, as the protagonist Svyryd Petrovych Holokhvosty disguises his true financial situation and intentions. The deception complicates relationships and leads to a series of comic yet tragic misunderstandings, highlighting the importance of honesty.

🎭 Social Class

Class differences play a significant role in the story, with characters engaging in social performances and deception to elevate their status. The film comments on societal expectations and the superficiality of social reputations during that era.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:57

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Chasing Two Hares Summary

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Chasing Two Hares Summary

Chasing Two Hares Timeline

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Chasing Two Hares Timeline

Chasing Two Hares Spoiler-Free Summary

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Chasing Two Hares Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Chasing Two Hares

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