What Is Chasing Two Hares About?
The premise of Chasing Two Hares in 322 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the bustling streets of late‑19th‑century Kyiv, a city of cobblestones, horse‑drawn carriages and the hum of newly lit lanterns, the world of Svyryd Petrovych Holokhvosty unfolds. He is a flamboyant barber whose charm and impeccable style hide a precarious financial reality. The film captures the lively atmosphere of a period where aristocratic expectations clash with the aspirations of a growing middle class, and every social gathering feels like a stage set for both comedy and subtle critique.
When Svyryd’s fortunes tumble after a night of ill‑fated gambling, his entrepreneurial spirit turns toward a more daring venture: a marriage that promises to restore his shattered ledger. This plan draws him into the orbit of Pronya Sirko, a wealthy but plain‑faced young woman whose family’s reputation rests heavily on a generous dowry. Their tentative courtship is set against the genteel backdrop of cafés, cinema halls, and hilltop promenades, where appearances are as carefully polished as the hair Svyryd once fashioned.
While navigating the expectations of a potential match, Svyryd cannot ignore the allure of Halya, a strikingly beautiful stranger whose presence adds a flash of excitement to his otherwise calculated routine. Their brief encounters hint at a playful tension that threatens to upend his meticulous designs, offering a glimpse of the romantic mischief that threads through the story. Adding further complexity is Sekleta Lymerykha, the outspoken matriarch whose sharp tongue and formidable presence keep the household’s secrets bubbling just beneath the surface.
The tone of the film balances vaudevillian wit with a gentle satire of social climbing, inviting viewers into a world where every smile might conceal ambition, and every whispered promise hints at larger consequences. Amid the ornate costumes and bustling Kyiv locales, the characters juggle desire, duty, and the ever‑present quest for a brighter future, setting the stage for a tale that is as much about the comedy of human folly as it is about the yearning for respect and security.
What Happens in Chasing Two Hares?
The complete story of Chasing Two Hares, from the first scene to the last, in 581 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 4 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
In the atmospheric setting of late 19th century Kyiv, the story unfolds around Oleg Borisov, who plays Svyryd Petrovych Holokhvosty, a charming but somewhat frivolous barber facing a sudden financial downturn. After going bankrupt and being forced to close his barbershop, Svyryd finds himself in a bind. He learns that a wealthy man named Mr. Sirko, played by Mykola Yakovchenko, is offering a substantial dowry of ten thousand roubles for his less-than-attractive and unrefined daughter, Pronya, portrayed by Marharyta Krynytsyna. Seizing the opportunity, Svyryd decides to marry Pronya, aiming to settle his debts, but he schemes to finance the courtship by duping a German creditor.
One day, Svyryd, dressed in a new suit, parades around Saint Volodymyr Hill, showing off his attire to friends and acquaintances. During this outing, he secretly admires the stunning Halya, played by Nataliya Naum, and has a brief flirtation with her. However, her protective boyfriend, Stepan, disrupts their encounter, causing Svyryd to retreat. That evening, Svyryd takes Pronya to the cinema, where he falsely confesses love to her, and she, feeling hopeful, invites him to her home to formally propose marriage.
As the story progresses, Svyryd, feeling confident after a successful date, boasts among friends about his future plans with Pronya and his desire to start an affair with a beautiful woman. Later, he encounters Halya again in an alley and, in a reckless moment, falsely declares his love, claiming to be a wealthy suitor and eventually forcing himself into her embrace. Luckily, Halya’s mother, Sekleta Lymerykha, played by Nonna Koperzhynska, intervenes, warning him to stay away and making him swear on the steps of Saint Andrew’s Church to marry Halya, a promise he does not intend to keep since her heart truly belongs to Stepan.
The tension intensifies as Sekleta enters her sister Mrs. Sirko’s home unannounced, insulting her and her family, only to be swiftly sent out. Svyryd nearly misses the chance to propose to Pronya when Sekleta intervenes again. Later, Sekleta confronts Svyryd, forcing him into a carriage heading to her house, where guests gather for a lively celebration of Sekleta’s name day. During the festivities, Svyryd flirts and drinks with Sister Meroniya, played by Lyudmyla Alfimova.
As the celebration concludes, Sekleta publicly announces Svyryd’s engagement to Halya. Meanwhile, Pronya, who is aware of her cousin Halya’s feelings, feels embarrassed by the lowbrow nature of the party and attempts to distance herself from the festivities by seeking out Stepan. Halya, distressed, runs to him, only to find out from Stepan that Svyryd is a deceiver.
On the day of the wedding, curious friends and relatives gather, only to discover that Pronya is marrying Svyryd. In an ironic twist of fate, just as Svyryd approaches Pronya’s door, a black cat crosses his path, causing him to trip and fall into a puddle of dirt, destroying his wedding attire. The friends and family rush to stop the ceremony by alerting Sekleta, who then halts the wedding at Saint Andrew’s Church and exposes Svyryd’s true nature—declaring that he is already engaged to Halya. Pronya, heartbroken, collapses from shock.
Svyryd attempts to leave quietly, but Sekleta demands that he marry Halya instead. His plans quickly unravel when creditors and bill collectors arrive, revealing his bankruptcy and financial ruin, prompting him to leave amidst a flurry of disappointment and chaos. The story vividly captures themes of deception, social class, family, and the fleeting nature of appearances, set against the richly detailed backdrop of Kyiv’s historic streets and customs.
Chasing Two Hares Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
12 key events in the order they happen, from “Svyryd Petrovych Holokhvosty Goes Bankrupt” to “Svyryd's Exposure and Departure”. 12 events name a place, across 8 locations.
- 1
Svyryd Petrovych Holokhvosty Goes Bankrupt
In late 19th century Kyiv, the frivolous barber Svyryd Petrovych Holokhvosty faces financial ruin and is forced to close his shop. He learns about a dowry being offered for his daughter Pronya and decides to marry her to settle his debts. He plans his future while dealing with his financial downfall.
When:Late 19th century Where:Kyiv
- 2
Svyryd Attempts Courtship of Pronya
Svyryd seeks to secure his debts by marrying Pronya, showing off in the park and pretending to be interested in her. He also deceives a German creditor to finance the marriage process, aiming to start a new life with her.
When:Daytime Where:Saint Volodymyr Hill park
- 3
Svyryd Flirts with Halya
While in the park, Svyryd notices the beautiful Halya and briefly flirts with her, but is chased away by her jealous boyfriend, Stepan. This encounter sparks Svyryd's interest in Halya as a potential conquest.
When:Daytime Where:Saint Volodymyr Hill park
- 4
Svyryd's False Declaration of Love
Svyryd takes Pronya to a movie date and falsely confesses love to her. She invites him to her home to propose marriage, unaware of his true plans and intentions to find a way to clear his debts.
When:Evening Where:Kyiv
- 5
Svyryd Boasts at a Drinking Session
Later, Svyryd boasts to his friends about his successful date with Pronya and reveals plans to start an affair with a beautiful woman once he gets the money. He openly discusses his dishonest intentions, showing his frivolous character.
When:Night Where:Kyiv
- 6
Svyryd Confesses Love to Halya and Catches Sekleta's Warning
Svyryd encounters Halya in an alley and falsely confesses love, claiming to be a rich suitor. Halya's mother, Sekleta, interrupts and warns him to marry Halya, as her heart is with Stepan. Sekleta makes him swear to marry Halya.
When:Night Where:Kyiv alley
- 7
Sekleta Confronts the Sirkos
Sekleta visits her sister Mrs. Sirko’s house, insulting them and causing a scene. She also warns Svyryd about his dishonesty as he prepares to propose to Pronya, highlighting the familial tensions and Svyryd's dubious reputation.
When:Day Where:Mrs. Sirko's house
- 8
Sekleta's Celebration and Future Wedding Plans
During Sekleta's name day celebration at her house, she announces Halya and Svyryd's engagement, causing excitement. Svyryd flirts with Sister Meroniya and gets her to drink, hinting at his reckless character. The secret that Pronya and Halya are cousins begins to surface.
When:Evening Where:Sekleta's house
- 9
Halya Runs Away, Revealing Her Love for Stepan
Halya flees from the celebration to be with her beloved Stepan after learning about Svyryd's false intentions. Stepan confirms Svyryd is a fraud, further complicating the romantic situation and Svyryd's plans.
When:Night Where:Kyiv streets
- 10
Wedding Day and Svyryd's Bad Omen
On the wedding day, Svyryd's path to Pronya is interrupted when a black cat crosses his way, causing him to trip and soil his wedding attire. The incident foreshadows trouble ahead and creates suspense among the guests.
When:Day Where:Saint Andrew's Church steps
- 11
Sekleta Exposes Svyryd's Engagement to Halya
Sekleta halts the wedding, revealing that Svyryd is engaged to Halya and not Pronya, shocking everyone. Pronya collapses in despair, realizing her plans are unraveling as the truth comes out.
When:Day Where:Saint Andrew's Church
- 12
Svyryd's Exposure and Departure
Faced with creditors and proof of his bankruptcy, Svyryd is finally exposed as a fraud. He leaves the scene with his friends, abandoning both women and the wedding, signaling his moral and financial downfall.
When:Day Where:Kyiv
Who Are the Main Characters in Chasing Two Hares?
5 characters, among them Svyryd Petrovych Holokhvosty, Pronya Prokopivna Sirko and Halya: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- SP
Svyryd Petrovych Holokhvosty
Played by Oleg Borisov
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
- PP
Pronya Prokopivna Sirko
Played by Margarita Krinitsyna
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
- H
Halya
Played by Nataliia Naum
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
- SL
Sekleta Lymerykha
Played by Nonna Koperzhynska
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
- S
Stepan
Played by Anatolii Yurchenko
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
Where and When Is Chasing Two Hares Set?
Chasing Two Hares is set in Kyiv and Ukraine (Late 19th century). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
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.
Where
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
What Are the Themes of Chasing Two Hares?
2 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Deception and Social Class.
-
01
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.
-
02
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.
What Kind of Film Is Chasing Two Hares?
Light in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Light
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A lighthearted and farcical comedy of errors that follows a charming rogue's chaotic attempts to marry for wealth, resulting in public humiliation and an ironic downfall amidst a vibrant Kyiv setting.
- satirical
- farce
- chaotic
- ironic
- deceptive
- lighthearted
- deception
- social climbing
- marriage for money
- downfall
Quiz
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